Youth Development Country Coordinator - Tonga

• Tonga-based position
• Attractive package
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

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 Human Rights and Social Development Division - For over 20 years SPC has operated as the region’s pioneer in human rights and gender capacity building to Pacific states, institutions and civil society. Through a team of regional advisors and Country Focal Officers (CFOs) based in member states, it provides a comprehensive suite of policy and legislative advice, technical assistance and capacity building to support Pacific states to respond effectively to priority regional human rights priorities, such as gender equality, ending violence against women and children, disability rights, climate change and equitable, sustainable development.

The role – the Youth Development Country Coordinator – Tonga will coordinate the implementation of PYEEEP in Tonga including programme management, provision of technical support and assistance and managing networking and partnership.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

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Programme Management

• Manages SPC component of the PYEEEP project, including implementation planning and monitoring, problem solving, managing budget execution, donor contract compliance, and donor narrative and financial reporting as per contract and compliance rules from donor
• Coordinates and communicates across project partners
• Reviews all materials ,information and knowledge products developed under the SPC component of the PYEEEP project
• Ensures donor narrative and financial reports are of high quality and completed in a timely manner
• Provides monthly reports of work to HRSD Supervisors

Technical Advice / Expertise

• Provides advice and technical assistance (TA) to Host Ministry and relevant stakeholders
• Provides coordination and TA on the integration of human rights and gender equality education
• Provides advice, mentoring and support in the design and delivery of national strategies, training programmes and other activities in relation to the project
• Ensures 6-monthly plans and budgets are accurate, realistic and meet the project objectives

Networking and Partnership

• Represents HRSD effectively vis-à-vis the PYEEEP project at national, regional and international forums
• Shares information on progress and outcomes of PYEEEP project with key stakeholders
• Establishes, strengthens and supports partnerships that advance the PYEEEP project objectives at national, regional and international levels

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

• Contributes to the design and implementation of effective MEL system for the PYEEEP project
• With support from the MEL Team Leader, leads a monitoring framework to track the impact and realisation of the project objectives and to document the impacts
• With support from the MEL Team Leader and MEL staff, collates and documents the learnings from the project and feeds this into SPC’s overall MEL processes

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• An undergraduate degree in education, economics, business, commerce, social sciences, or other relevant field from a recognised university

Technical expertise

• At least five years progressive project management and development experience, with a background covering work with governments and/or civil society or private sector
• Proven record of accomplishment in coordination and partnership building with donors, governments, development partners and civil society
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Pacific cultural values and international human rights principles and standards
• Pacific experience and an in-depth understanding of the human rights, good governance and development challenges in the region including challenges specific to youth
• Proven knowledge and/or experience in the TVET sector or experience in non-formal education
• Proven knowledge of relevant legislation in Tonga including employment laws and conditions

Language skills

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and the national language, with strong writing ability at a project donor reporting level

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• A proactive and positive team player able to work effectively in a multicultural environment

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 31 May 2025 and is subject to renewal depending on performance and funding.

Remuneration – the Youth Development Country Coordinator – Tonga is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of TOP 21,192–26,490 per year, 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 – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a matching contribution). Tonga nationals employed by SPC in Tonga will be subject to income tax.

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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

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: 19 March 2023 – 11:00 pm Nuku’alofa time

Job Reference: SH000274

Applicants must apply online at (Link at Apply Button)

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:

1. What are your experiences in capacity development with both state and non-state actors?
2. Financial and narrative reporting are an integral part of this position. Please explain why financial and narrative reporting are important and how you will ensure that it is done according to the HRSD required standard?
3. Provide an example of work you have done where you have contributed to a programme/project to develop economic pathways for marginalized groups.  (i) What would you consider as two major successes from this project? (ii) What would you consider a major challenge from this project and how did you address it?

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