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 vision of the Educational Quality and Assessment Programme (EQAP) is to be ‘The agency for educational quality in the Pacific region’. Its mission is to enhance the quality of education and training for Pacific learners, so they realize the benefits of lifelong learning. EQAP seeks to promote the following core values within the context of SPC’s corporate values:

• a culture of quality;
• a culture of continuous improvement;
• cultural and political sensitivity;
• respect for the autonomy and priorities of the education system in each Pacific Island country and territory (PICTs); and
• assimilation of the expressed needs of countries in its delivery of technical services.

The role – Educational Assessment Specialist – Policy will provide professional, technical, and advisory support for policy development and analysis to inform policy changes and practices at both system and school levels, thereby enhancing education quality. Additionally, build capacity in the Pacific region for effective policy formulation and implementation.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Policy Assessment

• Train country focal points on using instruments/tools for conducting policy assessment.
• Conduct an assessment of policy intent using tools (such as the World Bank’s SABER tools) to identify policy gaps.
• Prepare a detailed report on the country’s current policy status, highlighting key findings and making evidence-based recommendations to enhance policies.

Questionnaire Development

• Develop questionnaire items aligned to the purpose of the study, research or assessment project.
• Adapt or modify existing questionnaires to identify valid questions and formats or develop new questions to address emerging issues in education.
• Conduct field trials, analyse feedback, and make necessary adjustments to improve the questionnaires.
• Refine the questionnaires using statistical analysis and expert review to ensure accuracy and reliability.

Data Analysis and Reporting

• Investigate socio-economic, demographic, educational, and environmental variables that may impact student outcomes by conducting a comprehensive analysis of contextual data.
• Regularly update and refine analyses to reflect the latest trends and emerging factors affecting student performance.
• Prepare detailed reports and presentations to communicate findings and their implications for policy and practice to educational leaders, policymakers, and other relevant stakeholders.

Capacity Building

• Conduct needs assessments to identify specific training needs at national and regional levels.
• Design training programs covering policy development, questionnaire development, and data analysis.
• Develop instructional materials, guides, and toolkits to support training sessions.
• Organise and facilitate workshops on policy formulation, questionnaire development or data analysis.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A degree in a major teaching area of formal education; and
• Postgraduate qualification in education.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of experience working in the area of education with at least 5 years in assessment, preferably in the Pacific.
• At least 7 years of experience working in the area of educational policy assessment as well as in literacy and numeracy assessment.
• Experience in data gathering, analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Knowledge and competency in using SPSS, MPlus, and ConQuest software.
• Sound knowledge of current Pacific and International educational and research issues.
• Proven verbal and written presentation and communication skills in English, both at a technical level and in the preparation of information for the public.
• Experience in liaising, negotiating, and training people from different ethnic, cultural and educational backgrounds.

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 November 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Educational Assessment Specialist – Policy is a band 10 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,575‒3,218 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 7,672–9,591 (USD 3,424–4,280; EUR 3,191–3,989). 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 1,350–3,000 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.