Maintenance Assistant (Plumbing)

Country: Fiji Organization: Pacific Community Closing date: 18 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 surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture. The Operations and Integration (O&I) collective delivers essential enabling services that support the organisation’s scientific and technical portfolio. Our key functions include corporate services, programme support, partnerships, resource mobilisation, and strategic engagement. These services are coordinated through our regional and satellite offices across the Pacific and Europe. Additionally, the O&I collective leads a dedicated workstream focused on organisational change and transformation to drive continuous improvement and adaptability. The role – Maintenance Assistant (Plumbing) willsupport the Maintenance Supervisor in delivering safe, compliant, and high‐quality maintenance services across SPC facilities. The role provides specialised plumbing expertise, including repairs, installations, troubleshooting, and preventative maintenance. The Maintenance Assistant (Plumbing) will also contribute to general building maintenance, minor carpentry works, and refurbishment tasks to ensure SPC properties remain functional, safe, and well‐maintained. The key responsibilities of the role include: Facility Maintenance • Carry out plumbing repairs, installations, and preventative maintenance in accordance with building codes and OHS requirements. • Respond to plumbing‐related faults (leaks, blockages, fixtures, drainage issues) in a timely manner. • Assist the Team to carry out routine and general maintenance of the SPC properties in accordance with the Maintenance work plan. Office Space Refurbishment and Special Projects • Assist the Team to carry out office space refurbishment and special maintenance projects to ensure timely completion of projects. • Assist in moving, carrying out fitting and removal of furniture or any additional requests as required. • Assist in the arrangement of storage for items etc. as required. Increased Activity to Support Programmes/Divisions • Support of maintenance necessary work within Programme/ Divisions and in cases of additional activities. Assist During Official Functions and Meetings • Assist in set up, preparation, set down and any other Maintenance required tasks during functions and meetings, including logistics. • Assist in staff requests to Maintenance. • Assist in other duties as and when required. For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description. Key selection criteria Qualifications • Relevant TVET qualification in Plumbing and Sheetmetal trade. Technical expertise • 4-5 years practical plumbing experience in building maintenance or construction. • Strong knowledge of plumbing systems, fixtures, drainage, pipework, and water supply troubleshooting. • Ability to interpret plumbing schematics and building plans. • Experience in minor carpentry works is an advantage. • Basic knowledge of construction plans and architectural drawings. • Control of the use and all techniques used for maintenance of the various structures. • Good knowledge of the different building bodies. • Good organizational skills. Language skills • Excellent English communication skills (oral and written). Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness • Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environment. Salary, terms and conditions Contract Duration – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance. Remuneration – the Maintenance Assistant (Plumbing) is band 4 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a commencing taxable salary range of FJD 1,323-1,654 per month, plus local staff benefits. 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 Suva – SPC provides medical and life insurance 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). 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 – 18 November 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time) Job Reference: JM001013 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. Only Fijian citizens are eligible to apply for this role. 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): • Describe a plumbing fault you diagnosed and repaired. How did you fix it safely and to the required standard? • Describe a time you managed several urgent maintenance tasks. How did you prioritise the work and manage safety? • Describe your experience using plumbing drawings or plans to complete work correctly and safely.