Software Developer

• Noumea-based position
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) division is composed of three programmes: the Coastal Fisheries and Aquaculture Programme (CFAP); the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP); and the Marine Ecosystems Programme (MEP). The Director’s Office provides implementation support and strategic direction across the three programmes and cross-cutting projects. Working with all 22 PICTs, SPC FAME has strong partnerships with regional, sub-regional and national entities working in the marine sector. SPC FAME staff are based in New Caledonia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, with most of the staff being based in New Caledonia.

The Software Developer will design, develop, maintain, and support Full-stack fisheries information and database management systems for both SPC and WCPFC member countries; develop, maintain, and enhance OFP mobile applications; develop and maintain data integration and workflow infrastructure to support fisheries and climate science programmes; provide technical support and training to National Fisheries staff and SPC personnel on system functionality, data workflows, and data management processes and contribute to the design and implementation of new technologies and data collection tools that support emerging fisheries research and climate change initiatives.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Information systems and application development

• Develop and maintain fisheries database management systems, in particular, the Tufman2 tuna fisheries database management system
• Develop and maintain mobile applications used to collect tuna fisheries and environmental data to support fisheries and climate-related research
• New functionality is delivered in response to business, scientific, and operational requirements

Data management and scientific data collection

• Design, develop, document and maintain the regional tuna fisheries database systems for the registration, entry, importing and querying of data
• Data integration, validation, and workflow processes are maintained and improved

WCPFC and SPC members support and collaboration

• Technical support is provided to SPC staff, member countries, and regional partners
• Train and support national staff in the use of fisheries database management systems and mobile applications

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Specialized degree in IT, computing, science, or mathematics or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 4 years’ experience as software developer in web application and data workflow developments, using languages such as C#, JavaScript and Python
• At least 4 years’ experience administrating SQL databases
• At least 4 years’ experience with Git and CI/CD
• Demonstrated experience in the design and development of mobile device applications
• Experience as an Analyst, working with the client to get their information system requirements

Language skills

• Good communications skills (English)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work and travel in a multicultural and multilingual environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This contract is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Software Developer is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 3,727-4,562 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 537,766-658,322 (USD 4,994-6,114; EUR 4,506-5,517). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Noumea – SPC provides housing support in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Application procedure

Closing date: 1 November 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: KK000126

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. Describe your approach to version control, code review, testing, and deployment. Please provide examples from previous positions, including your role in establishing or improving these practices, the challenges encountered, and the lessons learned.
2. When designing APIs intended for long-term use by partner organisations, what key factors would you consider to ensure maintainability, interoperability, security, and ease of adoption? Please provide examples from your previous experience.
3. This role involves close collaboration with subject matter experts, scientists, analysts, fisheries specialists, and representatives from SPC member countries. Please describe a relevant example from your experience and explain how you would approach collaborating with technical and non-technical stakeholders to deliver a technical solution, provide training, or facilitate a workshop.