The Pacific Community (SPC) invites applications for the position of Country Focal Officer in its Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT), located in Tonga (in the Ministry of Justice).
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 26 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 20 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 Regional Rights Resource Team (RRRT) of the Pacific Community (SPC) was established in 1995 and has been a pioneer in providing human rights capacity-building, research, policy, legal and technical assistance in the Pacific region. RRRT’s mission is to advance human rights and good governance standards for the sustainable and equitable development of the region and the benefit of all Pacific peoples.
RRRT has developed a wide Pacific presence with Country Focal Officers (CFOs) seconded to line ministries that have an energy and/or mandate for human rights in Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Kiribati, Nauru, Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI), Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu. CFOs have technical expertise in human rights and broad networks of influence in government and civil society. CFOs also dedicate some of their time to civil society, promoting accountability and good governance in each country.
The role – The Country Focal Officer is supported by a core regional team based in Suva, Fiji with skills in capacity building, Pacific-style advocacy and lobbying, legislative review and drafting, policy analysis, human rights education (HRE), research and knowledge management. He or she will be placed within the Ministry of Justice, Government of Tonga and under the supervision of the country supervisor, Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Justice.
The key responsibilities of the role include:
1. Capacity Building including leading in-country human rights capacity development programs for state and non-state actors and developing and delivering training on key areas:
Develops capacity building objectives and programs based on partner needs and RRRT strategic objectives;
Plans appropriate capacity building interventions to meet objectives;
Applies appropriate and relevant capacity building and training methodologies for adult learners, backed by research and good resources.
2. Country Plan Implementation
Implements the Tonga country work plan, including the development of a work plan aligned to the government and RRRT’s priorities, and timely and effective implementation and monitoring of all activities in the work plan, and the provision of timely financial acquittals.
3. Providing Technical Assistance and Advice in support of the implementation of national human rights commitments:
Provides technical assistance and advice to government and CSOs on a range of topics including UN human rights treaty ratification, implementation and reporting, and the UPR process;
Provides technical support to the national human rights committee/task force and Family Protection Act service providers.
4. Networking and Partnership
Represents RRRT effectively at national, regional and international forums and shares relevant information with key stakeholders to ensure smooth communications on the human rights situation in Tonga;
Acts as the liaison between SPC RRRT and the Government of Tonga, as required, to further SPC RRRT’s work in Tonga.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation
Collects and compiles data and identifying success stories which contribute to the outcomes of RRRT’s work in Tonga;
Does the following reports to SPC RRRT in accordance with set timelines:
Monthly progress reports
Three-monthly financial acquittal reports
Six monthly narrative reports on progress made against the work plan.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
1. Qualifications
Tertiary qualification in law, public policy, human rights, gender, international relations or similar social science field.
2. Essential experience and skills
At least three years’ experience working to advance human rights, social/ community development in government and/or civil society
Strategic planning experience and in-depth understanding of Tongan culture, context, human rights and social development challenges and opportunities
Proven experience in socio-legal analysis and narrative report writing
Experience in financial management, budgeting and acquittals.
3. Interpersonal and Language skills
Excellent interpersonal skills and an ability to effectively represent SPC RRRT at external meetings and conferences
Advanced written and verbal community skills in Tongan and English
Proven ability to work independently, with remote supervision
Commitment to teamwork and ability to work in a multicultural environment.
Salary, terms and conditions
Required starting date – This position is available immediately Contract Duration – This position is funded until December 2021 is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding availability Remuneration – The Country Focal Officer is equivalent to Level G in the Tongan Government salary scale, with an annual salary of TOP $37,800 to $56,700 to be paid fortnightly (TOP $1,575 to $2,362).
Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews as per SPC policies (government increases will not be applicable). Tonga nationals employed by SPC in Tonga will be subject to income tax. Benefits – Employees are entitled to: 20 days annual leave per annum and 15 days sick leave, SPC’s medical and life insurance, and employer’s contribution to the National Provident Fund (10%).
Equal opportunity – SPC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based entirely on merit.
Child protection – SPC is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. SPC’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Police clearance – Successful candidates will be required to provide a police clearance certificate.
Please note that applicants must be Tonga Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.
Application procedure
Closing Date – 20 October 2019
Job Reference – AL000230
Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/ or email applications to recruit@spc.int
Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.
To be considered for this role, you must provide us with:
1. an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
2. a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
3. responses to all screening questions
Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. These documents may be requested at a later stage.
All positions at SPC have specific screening questions. If you do not respond to all of the screening questions, your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage.
Screening questions:
1. What are some of the key human rights issues in Tonga today and why do you think they are the most pressing issues?
2. Describe your experience in capacity development with both state and non-state actors.
3. Financial and narrative planning and reporting are an integral part of this position. Please detail your experience of developing financial and narrative plans and reports.