Geospatial and Ocean Science Technical Assistant (x2)

• Attractive local package
• Friendly and supportive team environment
• 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 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 (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are four (4) areas of scientific programming 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.
4. Earth and Ocean Observation Services – Promoting spatial data and systems analysis and capacity to improve decision-making to improve resilience and sustainable resource management.

The role – Geospatial and Ocean Science Technical Assistant will provide technical, operational and coordination support across geospatial and ocean science activities, contributing directly to programme delivery including data management, analysis, field operations, training support and knowledge product development. The role will support the implementation of activities under the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council (PGSC), the Pacific Geospatial Women Network (PGWN), and relevant projects within the OMP. Additionally, the role will assist in training development, information integration, coordination for field and workshop activities, and production of geospatial and ocean knowledge products in order to strengthen regional capacity and ensure timely, high quality technical support to SPC member countries.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Program Support

• Support the Pacific Geospatial and Surveying Council (PGSC) partnership desk.
• Provide operational and technical support to other geospatial and ocean projects.
• Assist in developing training and capacity building content for Ocean and Geospatial Science.
• Support the development of OMP communications and ocean knowledge products.
• Support the coordination for field missions, workshops and technical events.

Information Management, data analysis and reporting

• Support regional needs analysis for geospatial, surveying and ocean science.
• Participate in capacity building opportunities arranged by SPC supervisors.
• Support with data manipulation and post processing of geospatial datasets in GIS.
• Assist in integrating spatial and non-spatial data into portals and databases.
• Support with the development of maps, dashboards and ocean knowledge products.
• Support with the maintenance and quality assurance of programme datasets.

Pacific Geospatial Women Network (PGWN)

• Support the delivery of PGWN activities.
• Assist with the coordination of the PGWN field activities, workshops and outreach events.
• Support with the delivery of training, mentoring and learning exchanges for women within the geospatial field.
• Support communication and visibility activities highlighting women in geospatial science.
• Support partnerships with national mapping agencies, academia and development partners.
• Maintain PGWN records and ensuring timely reporting.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Diploma in a relevant field of study such as environment science, geospatial science or an equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 to 4 years of experience and knowledge on geospatial and or environmental science.
• Knowledge of training and transferring skills in a workshop setting.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office within Windows operating system.

Language skills

• Excellent English communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance

Remuneration – The Geospatial and Ocean Science Technical Assistant is a band 7 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of FJD 2,402-3,002 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance 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).

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 bilingualism, 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 be given to the Pacific Islander.

Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.

Application procedure

Closing Date – 30 March 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000190

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.

Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role.

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. Please briefly describe your experience in geospatial science, ocean science, or a related field, including the tools or datasets you have used (e.g. GIS, remote sensing, oceanographic data).
2. Please share an example where you applied your geospatial or ocean science knowledge to effectively communicate results to stakeholders or decision‑makers.
3. Describe a situation where you collaborated with colleagues or stakeholders from diverse cultural or professional backgrounds. What approaches did you use to ensure inclusive engagement and achieve effective outcomes?

Position Description