Project Assistant (Water Security)

• Vanuatu-based position
• 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 (GEM) 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 role – the Project Assistant (Water Security) will provide all administration tasks related to the Enhancing Adaptation and Community Resilience by Improving Water Security in Vanuatu Project, ensuring that the Project Management Unit is provided with the necessary support to facilitate effective and efficient service delivery as part of SPC’s overall programmatic support to Vanuatu.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Provision of effective and efficient administration and secretarial services support

• Provision of general administrative and secretarial services support to the Project Manager and project staff to enable the implementation of project activities.
• Provision of effective backstopping of financial processes to ensure the delivery of activities and intended outcomes of the Project

Coordination of Travel and Meetings

• Ensuring that arrangements for project staff travel are conducted in an efficient and effective manner and meet with the requirements of SPC rules and procedures.
• Coordination of arrangements for Project Steering Committee meetings including travel

Support to the Department of Water Resources

• Provision of administrative and related support, as and when required, to the Department of Water Resources (DoWR) of general administrative duties to help ensure that project is operated efficiently and effectively.

Financial and Administrative reporting

• Adherence with all reporting requirements in an accurate and timely manner to facilitate individual accountability within the project.

Support to Project governance and ensuring compliance with relevant policies and regulations

• Facilitation of compliance with all relevant policies, regulations and administrative directions and contribution to the good governance of the Project and the Department of Water Resources

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification (diploma) in business or public administration, accounting, secretarial studies; or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• At least 3-4 years’ experience in a secretarial, administration or finance role.
• Excellent computer skills across necessary applications
• Strong PC based computer skills, preferably with Microsoft Programmes (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, PowerPoint)
• Ability to take initiative and work under limited supervision
• Ability to multitask, priorities workload and complete work under deadlines
• A flexible approach and a willingness to assist with a variety of other tasks with the programme and a willingness to assist to work outside of normal hours where required.
• Demonstrated organizational skills
• General understanding of planning and budget processes
• Understanding of spreadsheet and database principles.

Language skills

• Sound English and Bislama communication skills (oral and written).

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Excellent interpersonal skills in a diverse multicultural environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 19 September 2028 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – The Project Assistant (Water Security) is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a salary range of VUV 152,397-190,436 per month. 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 Port Vila – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible 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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be Vanuatu Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 21 June 2026 – 11:00 pm Port Vila time

Job Reference: CR000594

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

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:

1. Can you share an example of a project you’ve supported that involved working with local communities or government agencies? What was your role and what impact did the project have?
2. How do you manage multiple tasks and deadlines to support project teams? Can you describe a time when you had to coordinate logistics or documentation for a field activity?
3. What experience do you have in preparing reports, minutes, or correspondence for development projects? How do you ensure accuracy and clarity in your communication?

Position Description