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 Operations and Management Directorate (OMD) provides corporate services to all SPC Divisions and Programmes. It consists of three key departments: Finance, Human Resources and Information Services. OMD is focused on improving the effectiveness of systems, policies and management to provide high-quality customer-oriented services.

The role – the Information and Knowledge Management Coordinator will oversee the team that manages the practices, resources, and systems that SPC uses to publish and manage its knowledge assets. This includes SPC’s libraries, record keeping practices, document management practices, knowledge management community of practice, and knowledge systems.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Leading SPC’s information and knowledge management (IKM) capability

• Deliver across SPC the strategic vision for the IKM work programme.
• Ensure information and knowledge systems at SPC are relevant, fit-for-purpose and facilitate a OneSPC approach to knowledge, information and data management.
• Ensure relevant projects are delivered on time and budget.
• Embed relevant policies, procedures, retention schedules and best practice into SPC ways of working and understood well across the organization.
• Make sure knowledge products, publications and project documentation are available in a timely and accessible manner.
• Ensure the jobholder is seen as an authority on IKM-related matters at SPC.

Monitoring effectiveness of knowledge management capability and library/archive services, demonstrating impact, reporting on outcomes, and assuring the quality of services provided

• Monitor and measure service levels for impact in alignment with the O&I business plan.
• Conduct regular information and knowledge audits and identify gaps for further improvement to IKM processes and related services.
• Prepare and submit regular reporting on progress and IKM uptake is to the Director of Information Services.

Managing and motivating the IKM team to provide timely and high-quality customer service

• Lead and inspire the IKM team to deliver high-quality knowledge products and service to all SPC staff, partners and donors.
• Ensure staff professional development is mapped and supported.

Building and maintaining strong internal and external stakeholder relations

• Establish strong internal relationships with the SPC ICT, PDH, Publishing, Translation and Communications teams to ensure efficient and coherent coordination of IKM across SPC.
• Maintain relationships through regular attendance of key forums and conferences in the knowledge, library and information world, and regular conversations are initiated with key CROP and regional stakeholders.

Encouraging an SPC-wide culture of knowledge sharing through the Knowledge Management Community of Practice

• Offer and deliver regular IKM training, including the development of an online course for new staff.
• Update and consult the SPC Knowledge Management Community of Practice is regularly regarding information and knowledge management projects.
• Champion and facilitate activities that encourage staff to share knowledge, learning and experience across SPC.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Post graduate qualification in knowledge management; library and information science; archives; or business administration.

Technical expertise

• At least 10 years of progressive experience working as a Knowledge Manager; Librarian; Archivist; or Information Systems Manager in a large organisation.
• At least 5 years of people management, including remote management and change management experience.
• Strong project management and problem-solving skills, including demonstrable experience designing, implementing and managing knowledge and information systems’ projects in a large organization.
• Experience managing public procurement, contracts and administrative processes.
• Ability to be accountable, including through developing own expertise, responding to feedback, driving quality and learning from experience.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to influence others, recognise others’ contributions, develop talent, value diversity and inclusion, and collaborate with colleagues.
• Strong writing and presentation skills with attention to detail and quality.
• Strong knowledge of international/regional copyright laws with demonstrable experience of Traditional Knowledge management.
• Creative and strategic thinker with the ability to conceptualise ideas, translate these into actions and drive their implementation.
• Willingness to travel regularly.

Language skills

• Fluency in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, inclusive and equitable environment.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted for 3 years and is subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Information and Knowledge Management Coordinator is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2024 salary scale, with a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 4,206-5,161 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 622,159-763,470 (USD 5,594-6,865; EUR 5,214-6,398). An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale is based on annual performance reviews. SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.

Benefits for international staff employees based in New Caledonia – SPC provides subsidised housing in Noumea. 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 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 begiven to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.