Communications Coordinator

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 20 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 Strategic Communications, Outreach and Engagement Unit is a central function under the Office of the Director-General, which is responsible for driving a strategic, integrated and contemporary approaches to communications and storytelling that drives impact across our organisation and externally. The team provides central coordination, development of effective systems and processes, coordination of strategic and Pacific-led storytelling approaches, policies, procedures and impact-based communication actions. A central aim of this role will be to ensure culturally sensitive storytelling including capturing of Pacific-led and owned stories of impact and preservation of cultural storytelling in line with Pacific cultures and practices. A central aim of the division is achieving visibility of SPC’s results – achieved in collaboration with our members and development partners – through improved media engagement and coordination within SPC.

The role – The Communications Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring that divisional communication activities are complimentary, well-coordinated and in line with Corporate Communications strategies and guidelines. The Coordinator will chair monthly meetings with divisional communications staff and will serve as the secretariate for weekly editorial planning meetings. The position is a communications support resource for events and activities, a media training officer, and a proactive lead in promoting and protecting the SPC brand. The position has a secondary role of media coordination for the Pacific, overseeing the media contacts address book and ensuring the media requests are managed quickly with immediate responses, or with redirects to the appropriate contacts within SPC.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Effective tracking and coordination of SPC communication activities across all SPC divisions

• Maintaining communications calendar of activities and events.

• Ensuring SPC communication activities are complimentary.

• Promoting key messages and strategic goals.

Regional media coordination tracking and communication flow

• Maintain and update media database.

• Create and maintain relationships with key regional media contacts.

• Oversee the SPC Media email address.

Internal training, guidance and support

• Provide communications backstop and support services to projects and divisions as requested.

• Create a wide array of content (including feature articles, blogs, op-eds and multimedia content) on behalf of the divisions.

• Conduct regular internal communications training on planning strategy, guidelines and banding.

Communication output is in line with Communications strategy and guidelines

• Provide editorial check on stories, releases and alerts.

• Ensure consistency of branding and style across SPC communication products.

• Check and confirmation on partner requirements, logos and quotes.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, mass communications or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 4-5 years of professional communications related experience.

• Proven experience in developing a wide range of communications materials for different audiences.

• Successful experience in coordinating long-term activities and projects within a diverse team.

• Experience in media training and presenting.

• Established portfolio of media writing.

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 – 4 months.

Remuneration – The Communications Coordinator is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,146‒2,683 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,632–8,290 (USD 2,876–3,595; EUR 2,595–3,244). 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 Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 per month. Relocation airfares, excess luggage, health and life and disability insurances are available for employees. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, prorated on contract length 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.