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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) seeks to build a resilient food system grounded in diverse, nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils and landscapes. Building this vision is essential as the Pacific stands at the forefront of the impacts of climate change. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent highlights the many impacts of climate change and disasters and their threats to the future of the region’s food security. This strategy also identifies the challenge of addressing high levels of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region and calls for the Pacific Community to build resilience and access to nutritious food.

The role – Social Science and Research Officer – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research activities to better understand food systems, cultural practices, perceptions, and adoption drivers in the PACS pilot countries.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Design and implementation of participatory social research

• Lead the development and execution of context-appropriate qualitative and quantitative research methods to investigate food systems, cultural practices, and community behaviors in PACS pilot countries.

• Tailor and align research tools to the local context and with PACS objectives.

• Conduct field data collection ethically, inclusively, and efficiently.

• Generate high-quality, relevant data to inform programmatic decisions and strategy.

Analysis of socio-cultural and behavioral drivers

• Investigate and document the cultural, social, and behavioral dynamics that influence the production, consumption, and adoption of target crops promoted under PACS across the food systems.

• Ensure key behavioral drivers, barriers, and motivators are clearly identified and analysed.

• Provide evidence-based insights that contribute to improved design of PACS interventions.

• Ensure research outputs are used to adapt strategies and increase community uptake.

Integrating GEDSI and communication of research findings

• Ensure that gender, equity, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations are integrated throughout the research process and that findings are communicated effectively to support investment planning and policy dialogue.

• Ensure GEDSI principles are embedded in research design, data collection, and analysis.

• Regularly produce and tailor research briefs, summaries, and knowledge products to various audiences.

• Ensure findings are used by PACS teams, partners, and stakeholders to inform decision-making and investment choices.

Contribution to the development of the PACS Investment Plan

• Provide evidence-based inputs drawn from social research to support the formulation of a robust, inclusive, and context-sensitive PACS Investment Plan.

• Co-design approaches that reflect local contexts and priorities that are developed through inclusive and participatory processes.

• Effectively launch and implement PACS activities y in pilot countries, with clear national ownership.

• Ensure pilot countries report improve coordination and capacity for delivering PACS outcomes.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in sociology, anthropology, human geography, rural development, or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 5 years of experience conducting participatory research or studies related to food systems, smallholder farming, or rural livelihoods.

• Understanding of national and regional issues related to climate change and nutritional security.

• Proven experience working in multicultural or indigenous settings.

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 31 December 2026 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Social Science and Research Officer – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) is a band 9 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,399‒2,998 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,220–9,025 (USD 3,190–3,988; EUR 2,938–3,672). 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 international employees based in Fiji – 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: 24 August 2025 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: TT000101

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):

1. Can you share an example of participatory social research you’ve led (qualitative or quantitative) within a community? How did you tailor your approach to reflect local cultural, linguistic, and social contexts?

2. What cultural and behavioural factors influence the uptake of new crops in Pacific food systems, and how would you reflect these in your project design?

3. How do you apply GEDSI (gender, equity, disability, and social inclusion) principles throughout the research process when examining the factors that influence crop choices and food consumption?