Maintenance Assistant (Mechanical & Electrical)

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 (Mechanical & Electrical) will provide hands‐on support to the Maintenance Supervisor in the servicing, repair, and upkeep of SPC’s air‐conditioning units, minor electrical fixtures, and general building maintenance. The Maintenance Assistant (Mechanical & Electrical) will ensure all works are carried out safely, efficiently, and in compliance with SPC OHS standards, contributing to a secure, functional, and well‐maintained campus environment. The key responsibilities of the role include: Air Conditioning Servicing & Support • Assist with routine servicing, cleaning, and basic troubleshooting of air‐conditioning units. • Support the Maintenance Supervisor in diagnosing faults and carrying out minor repairs. • Assist in installation, relocation, and removal of AC units. Minor Electrical Maintenance • Assist with minor electrical tasks such as replacing lights, switches, sockets, and basic wiring support. • Support safe isolation of circuits under supervision. • Assist contractors during major electrical works. General Building Maintenance & Campus Support • Assist with general maintenance tasks including carpentry, painting, plumbing support, and minor repairs. • Support upkeep of tools, machinery, and workshop areas. • Assist in maintaining campus environment (drains, footpaths, gardens). Support for Functions & Divisional Requests • Assist with set‐up, logistics, and technical support for official functions and meetings. • Support programme/divisional maintenance requests. For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description. Key selection criteria Qualifications • Relevant TVET qualification in Air‐Conditioning & Refrigeration or Electrical Trades. Technical expertise • 4-5 years’ experience in AC servicing, minor electrical work, and general maintenance. • Basic knowledge of AC systems, servicing, and minor repairs. • Basic electrical troubleshooting skills. • Ability to read simple technical diagrams. • Good organisational and time‐management 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 (Mechanical & Electrical) 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: JM001012 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 an air-conditioning fault you diagnosed and repaired. How did you identify the issue, complete the repair safely, and check the unit was working correctly? • Describe a minor electrical job you completed. How did you ensure the work was done safely, and what would you do if it was beyond your level of experience? • Describe a time you managed several maintenance tasks in one day. How did you prioritise the work and keep others informed?