Implementation Advisor (EU-FSM SEAM Project)

• Pohnpei 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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Implementation Advisor (EU-FSM SEAM Project) will coordinate project implementation activities and provide advise and support to the Project Management Team in the delivery of European Union (EU) Sustainable Energy and Accompanying Measures Project for the FSM under thematic area 2, Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (REEE). As a member of the Project Management Team (PMT), this individual will have technical knowledge of the energy sector.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Facilitate the successful implementation of the project as per the Action Outputs and Activities

• Contribute to the training of personnel and consultants and services required for the implementation of the action
• Support the development of detailed activity components and annual workplan to the PMT
• Work with the Project Management Team in the preparation of overall and annual project work plans, procurement plan, gender integration plans, communication plans, risk strategies, exit and closure strategies
• Facilitate the overall coordination and joint implementation of the monitoring and evaluation framework of the FSM National Energy Policy and Energy Master and States Energy Master plans
• Support the management of all funded services, supplies and equipment in accordance with procurement requirements of the SPC, donor and project beneficiaries

Contribute to the cooperation, facilitation, and delivery of stakeholder’s engagement to the successful delivery of the project outcomes

• Coordinate with the national focal point, Assistant Secretary for Energy, of the Department of Resources and Development in the review of the energy policy
• Facilitate and support the adoption of minimum standards and performance for power sector, electrical appliances and vehicles, with support from PMT
• Ensure the coordination of complementing activities to other projects implemented by other development partners such as Micronesia Conservation Trust (MCT), ADB, WB, GEF/UNDP and others
• Liaise and work closely with other SPC programmes; SPC Social Development Officer in MRO, MELnet team, GEM Communication and Knowledge Management to develop and implement the project guiding documents

Provide technical advise to the policy planning, training and technical assessments and implementation of the energy services in selected States

• Monitor the completed work of the SPC GEP team to deliver action outputs
• In collaboration with the FSM Department of Education, FSM College of Micronesia, and other accredited training institutions, seek placements for potential students (degree levels scholarship) to train in energy planning or electrical engineering
• Coordinate the selection of potential sites from Chuuk lagoon islands for potential investments with support from the PMT, Chuuk Public Utilities Corporation and Chuuk State Energy Working Group
• Facilitate the completion of detailed feasibility studies including gender, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and people centered approaches in selected lagoon islands

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification from a recognized institution in a discipline relevant to project management and implementation, international development, and/or energy, environment or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 7-8 years in a similar project implementation position
• Understanding of renewable energy, energy efficiency and climate change challenges in the Pacific
• Demonstrated capability for collaborating and working in an institution with integrated programmes and involving colleagues from different countries and cultures
• Understanding the FSM policy, legal and institutional arrangements and commitments towards climate change and SDG targets

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written)

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Demonstrated experience working within a regional or international institutional environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 30 June 2028 and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Implementation Advisor (EU-FSM SEAM Project) is a Band 10 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,405–4,191 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately USD 4,563–5,615. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Federated States of Micronesia; Federated States of Micronesia Nationals employed by SPC in Pohnpei will be subject to income tax.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Pohnpei – SPC provides a housing allowance of USD 1,000–2,000. Establishment and relocation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave, medical and life insurance, and education allowance are available for eligible employees and their recognised dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual 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: 8 November 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)

Job Reference: KK000127

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. Provide an example of when you supported delivery of a complex infrastructure project, and what you feel were the key factors of success.
2. Please rank in order, from strongest (with which you are most proficient) to weakest (where you require most professional development) facets of project management with which you are familiar.
3. What experience do you have working with government agencies, development partners, communities, or other stakeholders to deliver project outcomes?