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 Fisheries, Aquaculture and Marine Ecosystems (FAME) Division is one of SPC’s oldest Divisions and it has been providing scientific and technical expertise to support fisheries management and sustainable development in the Pacific for over 60 years. FAME’s goal is that fisheries resources of the Pacific region are sustainably managed for economic growth, food security and environmental conservation. FAME includes the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) and Coastal Fisheries Programme (CFP). OFP is the region’s centre for oceanic fisheries science and information, providing essential data collection, data management and modelling and analysis services to the Pacific. CFP provides science and technical support to PICTs to enhance the management of coastal fisheries, and the sustainable development of aquaculture and nearshore livelihoods across the region. The work of OFP and CFP are supported by the FAME Director’s Office, which includes the Information Section, communications, and monitoring, evaluation and learning.
The role – the Senior Software Developer will undertake software development within the Oceanic Fisheries Programme (OFP) Section at the senior level.
The key responsibilities of the role include the following:
Software/systems development support for SPC members
- Design, develop and maintain national fisheries database management systems, in particular, the TUFMAN2 tuna fisheries database management system.
OFP database management systems, tools and data workflows
- Design, develop, document and maintain the regional tuna fisheries database systems for the registration, entry, importing and querying of data.
- Design, develop, document and maintain data workflows.
- Dissemination of OFP data and data summaries in accordance with the OFP policy on the dissemination of data, as requested.
Capacity building of SPC members
- Oversee the organisation, design and delivery of data management training.
- Train national staff in the use of in-country fisheries database management systems.
- Provide advice and technical assistance on IT infrastructure and network setup. Arrange solutions for those that need hardware / software upgrades.
Regional oceanic fishery data management services for WCPFC, FFA and PNA
- Incorporate data provided by WCPFC members under the WCPFC’s data provision policy into existing databases and facilitate access of WCPFC Secretariat staff to those data as appropriate.
- Provide data analysis and management services to the WCPFC Secretariat.
- Disseminate WCPFC data and data summaries in accordance with the WCPFC Rules and Procedures for the Protection, Access to and Dissemination of Data compiled by the Commission, as requested.
- Provide data analysis and management services to FFA and the PNA.
For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.
Key selection criteria
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in information technology with focus on programming/development or equivalent body of knowledge and experience
Technical expertise
- Minimum of 7 years of experience in systems development, including at least two years demonstrated experience developing web applications using Angular, C#, JavaScript and similar products
- At least 5 years of experience developing and maintaining large-scale relational database management systems, ideally using MS SQL Server
- Experience as an analyst, working with the client to get their information system requirements
- Knowledge of fisheries and experience with fisheries database systems
Language skills
- Excellent communications skills in English
Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness
- Ability to work and travel in a multicultural and multilingual environment
Salary, terms and conditions
Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.
Remuneration – the Senior Software Developer is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). 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. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.
Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available 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).
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.
How to apply
Application procedure
Closing date: 2 February 2025 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)
Job Reference: CR000350
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):
- Briefly describe a software application you developed, or had a key role in developing, including the purpose, technology stack, and impact it had.
- Briefly describe a new (or new to you) technology, relating to software or systems development, that you are currently learning about it. What gap in your current technology tool kit are you seeking to improve/fill and what do you see as the value of this new technology?
- Fisheries resources are vital for much of the Pacific, including for food security, employment, culture, and recreation. Please describe your vision for how data solutions could improve fisheries management and sustainability.