Projects Officer - Nouméa - SPC Pacific Community

Description

Pacific Community (SPC)

SPC is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. It is an international development organisation owned and governed by 27 member countries and territories. SPC works across more than 25 sectors, known for its expertise in fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) division

FAME 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. FAME staff are based in New Caledonia, Fiji, Federated States of Micronesia, Solomon Islands, and Tonga, with most staff in New Caledonia.

Projects Officer – Role

The Projects Officer provides implementation and technical support across FAME, ensuring budget preparation, financial monitoring, audit compliance, procurement processes, grants, travel, workshops, high‑level meetings, and efficient administration through the Division's Implementation Support team. The officer supports planning, monitoring and reporting of project activities, operating in strict adherence to SPC and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Budget Preparation, Monitoring and Financial Activities

• Support the PEUMP PMU, AFD and other project teams in monitoring the overall project budget and forecasts.
• Assist in preparing timely multi‑purpose project financial reports for SPC and donors.

Procurement and Grants Activities

• Support all requests for proposals, quotes and expressions of interest in line with SPC and donor requirements.
• Provide accurate information on procurement and grants requirements to managers and staff.
• Facilitate evaluation processes and ensure compliance with SPC requirements.
• Prepare and monitor the project's annual procurement plan.
• Manage vendor relationships and ensure clear, timely communication.
• Monitor procurement and grants actions using key databases and workflows to ensure efficiency, completeness, and up‑to‑date information.
• Support grant requests and associated requirements for the Procurement Committee vetting process and facilitate signing with partners.

Travel and Workshop Activities

• Coordinate, process and progress individual and group travel requirements, informing personnel/consultants/donors of travel procedures.
• Prepare, coordinate and organise workshop/meeting logistics (venue, vendor payments, transport, accommodation, catering, registrations, technology, interpretation and other ad‑hoc requirements).
• Ensure workshop/meeting documentation, notifications and presentations are coordinated, organised and circulated in a timely manner.
• Ensure high‑level meetings run smoothly with adequate technical/facilitation support.

Project Results Reporting, Audit and Compliance

• Facilitate all preparations for projects audits and support external reviews on financial and grant matters.
• Maintain the electronic filing system covering all financial, procurement and grant documents.
• Ensure compliance with SPC policies and donor requirements and grant contractual agreements.
• Ensure accurate capture of accounting transactions in the SPC financial system and correct discrepancies timely.
• Collaborate with divisional finance and procurement officers to provide training and capacity building.

Continuous Improvement and Business Efficiency

• Contribute to SPC corporate business improvement/change initiatives and reviews.
• Ensure implementation support aligns with SPC policies and procedures.

Key Selection Criteria

Qualifications

• Degree in accounting, financial management or business administration, or equivalent knowledge and experience.

Technical Expertise

• At least 4–5 years of experience in projects finance, procurement, administration and events management.
• Demonstrated experience in financial audit administration.
• Sound experience in logistics management, including travel for workshops and training programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets with performance and planning processes.
• Demonstrated capacity to organise high‑level meetings and workshops efficiently.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with various stakeholders and facilitate linkages.

Language Skills

• Good written and verbal communication skills in English.

Interpersonal Skills and Cultural Awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, Terms and Conditions

Contract Duration – 3 years, subject to renewal.

Remuneration – Projects Officer is a band 8 position in SPC's 2026 salary scale, with a starting range of SDR 3,038–3,702 per month (≈ XPF 438,381–534,098). SPC salaries are not subject to income tax in New Caledonia. Progression based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits – Housing support in Nouméa, establishment and repatriation grant, travel expenses, health, life and disability insurances, education allowances, 25 working days of annual leave, Provident Fund participation.

Languages

SPC's working languages are English and French.

Recruitment Principles

SPC is an equal‑opportunity employer committed to merit, fairness and non‑discrimination. Preference may be given to Pacific Islander candidates. Confidentiality is guaranteed.

Application Procedure

Closing date: 15 February 2026 – 11:00 pm (Nouméa time)

Job Reference: CR000539

Applicants must apply online at . Hard copies will not be accepted.

Applicants must provide:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees

• a cover letter detailing skills, experience and interest in this position

• responses to all screening questions

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Documents must be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF. SPC does not charge a fee to consider applications and will never ask for banking or financial information during recruitment.

Screening Questions (maximum 2,000 characters per question)

1. Describe how you would provide procurement support to a technical or scientific specialist with limited operational knowledge of international procurement.
2. Describe your experience in managing project budgets, including preparation, monitoring and financial reporting.
3. Provide examples of how you have facilitated administrative tasks such as travel arrangements, meeting coordination and financial acquittals. How do you ensure accuracy and timeliness in your administrative work?

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