Technical Officer – Ocean Observations

Country: Fiji Organization: Pacific Community Closing date: 29 Nov 2026 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, 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: • 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. • Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use. • Disaster and Water Resilience Programme (DWRP) – 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. • 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 – Technical Officer – Ocean Observations will provide technical hands-on support for SPC’s regional ocean observation and monitoring activities, with a primary focus on wave monitoring systems. The role operates within SPC’s technical workshop capability, supporting the deployment, maintenance, and operational sustainability of wave buoys, while contributing to other in situ ocean observing systems (e.g. ADCPs, water-quality sensors, and multi-sensor platforms) across SPC member countries, including applications relevant to fisheries, maritime, and ocean and climate services. The key responsibilities of the role include: Wave and Ocean Monitoring System – Deployment and Field Operations • Plan, coordinate, and participate in deployment, recovery, and redeployment of wave buoys and other in situ ocean observing instruments, in collaboration with SPC teams and national counterparts, including participation in diving operations where required. • Undertake or contribute to site assessments, mooring design and deployment planning ensuring alignment with local environmental conditions and operational requirements. • Lead or support offshore and coastal field operations, ensuring compliance with SPC safety and operational procedures, and alignment with mission objectives. • Prepare mission plans, risk assessments, and field operation reports, documenting technical outcomes, issues encountered, and lessons learned. Maintenance, Troubleshooting and Technical Support • Provide technical maintenance and troubleshooting support for wave buoys and other in‐situ ocean observing systems, including sensors, telemetry, power systems, and moorings, in collaboration with national counterparts, SPC teams and service providers. • Plan and coordinate preventative and corrective maintenance activities, to ensure operational availability and longevity of observing systems. • Diagnose technical faults, recommend corrective actions, and support their implementation by relevant SPC teams, service providers, or national partners. • Maintain accurate maintenance logs, calibration records, and technical documentation to support asset tracking, audits, and knowledge transfer. Data Quality Assurance, Data Management Procedures & SOP Development • Support the application of agreed data management and data quality assurance procedures for wave buoys and other in situ ocean observing systems, in line with SPC and country arrangements. • Support the timely and reliable ingestion of observation data from SPC‐supported systems into SPC and agreed national data management platforms. • Work with national counterparts to support the sharing and integration of country‐owned observation data in accordance with agreed processes and data governance arrangements. • Contribute to the development, maintenance, and application of standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering deployment, maintenance, data handling, and incident response. Procurement and Asset Management • Provide technical input to procurement processes for ocean observing equipment and services, including preparation of technical specifications, participation in evaluations, and engagement with suppliers, in line with SPC policies and procedures. • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of ocean observing assets, including inventories, warranties, servicing requirements, and lifecycle status, to support effective planning, maintenance, and sustainability of observing systems. • Coordinate logistics for ocean observing equipment, including shipping, customs clearance, insurance, and freight documentation, in collaboration with SPC logistics, procurement, and finance teams. • Ensure asset and logistics documentation is complete, current, and accessible to support audits, reporting, and effective handover between staff and teams. For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description. Key selection criteria Qualifications • Degree in electronics, electrical engineering, marine science or technology, ocean instrumentation, or a closely related technical discipline or an equivalent body of knowledge and experience. • Open Water Diving certification or equivalent occupational diving certification, and fitness to undertake work‐related diving activities. Technical expertise • Minimum 4-5 years’ progressive technical experience in marine, oceanographic, environmental monitoring, or related operational fieldwork. • Demonstrated experience in the deployment, recovery, commissioning, testing, and validation of in situ observation systems, such as wave buoys, moorings, current meters (e.g. ADCPs), or multi‐sensor platforms. • Practical experience maintaining and troubleshooting marine instrumentation, including sensors, telemetry, power systems, and associated electronics. • Experience supporting or applying preventative and corrective maintenance practices, including record‐keeping and technical documentation. • Understanding of marine field operations, including site selection, environmental conditions, operational risks, and safety requirements. • Experience delivering hands‐on technical training or mentoring to adult learners or technical counterparts. • Proven ability to work effectively with government agencies, technical services, and regional partners. Language skills • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantage. Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness • Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment. Salary, terms and conditions Contract Duration – Until 30 June 2028 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance. Remuneration – The Technical Officer – Ocean Observations is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,146‒2,683 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,632–8,290 (USD 2,876–3,595; EUR 2,595–3,244). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications.Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax. Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 per month. 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 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. How to apply Application procedure Closing Date: 29 November 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: JM001008 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. For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry. 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): • Please briefly describe how your qualifications and previous work experience are relevant to a Technical Officer – Ocean Observations position. • Please provide a brief example of your experience undertaking technical or scientific fieldwork. • Please briefly describe any experience you have collecting, managing or undertaking quality control of environmental or scientific data.