Application Support Specialist

• Suva-based position (Fiji)
• Attractive expatriate package
• Join the principal development organization in the Pacific region

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 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 – Application Support Specialist will provide ICT Support for corporate applications used by SPC which may include but not limited to Navision, SharePoint Online, Pay Global, Cornerstone, SQL and similar applications. The role will also be required to assist the Application Developer perform user testing when existing applications are upgraded, or new applications are rolled out.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

Level 2 Application Support (Remote / In Person)

• Troubleshoot and resolve application issues raised via the ServiceDesk System in a logical manner.
• Coordinate with the ICT ServiceDesk Assistants regarding any resolution and testing required by the End Users.
• Proactive problem analysis and resolution for application issues, in conjunction with the users where necessary.

Systems Support and Administration

• Perform routine checks of application logs and backups.
• Identify potential issues with backend systems and working on a resolution in a timely manner.
• Provide support and feedback to other Application Developers as and when required for recurrent application issues.

Maintaining and updating technical documentation

• Maintain and update technical documentation of relevant applications.
• Create Knowledge Articles to assist ICT ServiceDesk Assistants with Level 1 application support.
• Provide updated information to the SPC Technical Trainer to be included in training for corporate applications.

Application Development

• Review and design applications requests and provide recommendations.
• Develop Apps on SPC Platform as a Service (PaaS), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) and Software as a Service (SaaS) platforms.
• API architecture design, scripting and maintenance.
• Provide training as and when required to apps users for new applications.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives

• Identify opportunities for system improvement within Applications being supported.
• Identify opportunities to improve processes for efficiency and security.
• Work collaboratively with relevant ICT teams to implement approved CI projects.
• Able to stay up to date with advancing technology trends within the relevant field.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications 

• Degree in computer science, IT or related field, and or equivalent/relevant work experience.
• Demonstrated experience in Learning Management Systems (LMS) like Moodle and LMS365 Administration and development.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 – 4 years of relevant Application Support experience.
• Experience in .NET framework particularly using C#.NET, ASP.NET, JavaScript, Angular.js.
• Experience in PowerShell scripting for Windows Server 2008R2 or later.
• Demonstrated experience with in ServiceNow Administration including ITIL, ITSM Knowledge and experience.
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Project, Project Online, Project Server and SharePoint Online.
• Experience in developing Microsoft Power Apps, Flow, Power BI and SQL.
• Experience in designing technical documentations.
• Demonstrated ability in identifying technology and process improvements.
• Demonstrated ability to provide application training tailored to diverse end-user proficiency levels.
• Experience in good customer service skills.          

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 – 3 years – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – The Application Support Specialist is a band 8 position in SPC’s 2023 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 2,044‒2,555 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 6,030–7,537 (USD 2,739–3,424; EUR 2,595–3,243). 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 matching 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.

Application procedure

Closing Date: 28 January 2024 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)

Job Reference: JM000521

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. Could you please outline your experience in application development with focus on Microsoft Power Apps, Flow, Power BI, API and SQL.
2. Describe your level of experience with tools used for monitoring and analysis to identify opportunities to optimise existing applications.
3. Describe your level of experience and ways that you have used your development support skills to contribute to continuous improvement initiatives.