Senior Statistics Adviser (Innovation and Methods)

DescriptionThe 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 Statistics for Development Division (SDD)’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.The role – the Senior Statistics Adviser (Innovation and Methods) will provide technical leadership on large change projects to support Pacific Island Countries and Territories in innovations in statistics collection and processes. Lead the technical agenda for the Pacific Statistics Methods Board and develop and improve statistical processes, methods and systems in SPC and member countries.The key responsibilities of the role include the following:Technical leadership for regional statistical innovation projects* Relevant projects have a coherent approach to innovation that will lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness of official statistics in the Pacific * Project stakeholders – members, donors, and development partners – agree the projects are at the forefront of statistical innovation in the Pacific * Project documentation (annual plans, operations manuals, reports, etc) are completed as needed, incorporate what is needed for strategic project success, and are of high quality in technical aspects * The Senior Adviser is seen as a “mover and shaker” and an influential leader in technical matters relating to projects to improve surveys, census and administrative data * Specific to 2026 – the potentially World Bank-funded “PacStat II” project is developed well, is technically sound, and if approved would materially contributed to greater efficiency and effectiveness of official statistics in the PacificDevelopment and improvement of statistical processes, methods and systems including survey, census and administrative data* Statistical processes, methods and systems in SPC and in member countries are demonstrably improving over time * A tangible contribution is being made to those improvements by this role in official statistical methods * SPC is recognised as a successful leader promoting good practice in the Pacific with regards to official statistics * This role is documenting and disseminating improved methods through commissioned works, guidance notes and other publications that are well researched and founded in evidence and duly consulted on, quality assured and approved e.g. by the Pacific Statistics Methods BoardSupport the Pacific Statistics Methods Board* The agenda of the Board is managed proactively and strategically, topics are identified well in advance, multiple parties are submitting papers, and the Board is recognised as leading consensus-building for statistical standards in the Pacific * Advice to the Board is consistent, appropriately filtered, well presented, backed by best practice evidence, on time, and useful for the Board in taking decisions * SPC staff and other authors are guided to develop methodological advice effectively including consultation and testing with stakeholders and effective advice to the PSMB * Meetings, logistical and administrative matters are well managed with support of the Finance and Administration TeamTechnical assistance, training and support* Staff from SPC, national statistics offices and relevant staff in line ministries are trained and visibly developing skills in survey, census and administrative data most relevant to the projects this Adviser is working on * Relationships with key stakeholders – in member countries, donors, implementation partners and universities – are positive * A tangible contribution is made to progress in the countries and territories SPC is working with towards strengthened capacity to deliver surveys and censuses, through including methods capability, statistical skills, software skills (Stata, R, CSPro, etc.)For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.Key selection criteriaQualifications* Master’s degree in statistics, data science or other academic discipline related to the role or equivalent body of knowledge and experienceTechnical expertise* At least 12 years of relevant experience including 5+ years in a senior role (management, or influential technical leadership) in official statistics or related areas * Demonstrated experience as a technical innovator and leader, communicating a vision, and influencing a wide range of stakeholders * In-depth knowledge and experience in at least one of complex surveys or administrative data for official statistics, and solid working knowledge of the other * Experience in designing and delivering training for professionals * A good understanding of the challenges developing countries (particularly small island states) face, in the collection, production and use of official statisticsLanguage skills* Excellent oral and written English language communication.Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness* Demonstrated ability to work with people from different national and cultural backgroundsSalary, terms and conditionsContract Duration – This vacant position is budgeted until 30 June 2027.Remuneration – The Senior Statistics Adviser (Innovation and Methods) is a band 12 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale.For a Noumea based position – a starting salary range of SDR (special drawing rights) 5,012-6,169 per month, which converts to approximately XPF 723,251-890,185 (USD 6,717-8,267; EUR 6,061-7,460). SPC salaries are not presently subject to income tax in New Caledonia.For a Suva based position – a starting salary range of 3,743‒4,679 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 11,566–14,458 (USD 5,016–6,270; EUR 4,526–5,658). 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.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.Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Noumea or Suva – SPC provides a housing allowance (or 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.HOW TO APPLYApplication procedureClosing date: 12 April 2026 – 11:00 pm (Noumea time)Job Reference: CR000560Applicants 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 questionsYour 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 (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):1. Briefly outline your experience with technical leadership for statistical innovation projects 2. Briefly outline your experience with development of statistical methodology, including for survey, census and administrative data 3. What do you see as some of the key priorities and challenges for the improvement of statistical methods and practice in the Pacific Islands region?