Community Engagement Assistant, FSM WASHnew

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 Geoscience Energy and Maritime (GEM) Division provides advice, technical assistance, research and training support to Pacific Island countries and territories (PICTs). There are three (3) areas of scientific programming and two areas of focus within this division:

1. Oceans and Maritime Programme (OMP) – assists member countries with services that provide applied ocean science and knowledge for evidence-based policy-making and technical solutions for improved ocean and maritime governance, management, and capacity development.
2. Georesources and Energy Programme (GEP) – assists member countries by applying technical knowledge in the areas of geoscience and sustainable energy use.
3. Disaster and Community Resilience Programme (DCRP) – assists member countries to demonstrate strengthened resilience through integrated action on disaster risk management, climate change adaptation, natural resource management and increased access to water and sanitation.

The Community Engagement Assistant (CEA), FSM WASH will be responsible for planning and implementing all community-level engagement, communication, awareness, and behavioural change activities under the FSM WASH project. The role ensures that WASH governance reforms and policy development are informed by — and accessible to — communities across all four states, with particular attention to outer island, rural, and marginalized populations. The CEA is the primary interface between the project and communities, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and local champions, and serves as a critical link for embedding community voice into national policy processes.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Community engagement and outreach support across all four FSM states

• Support community consultations and outreach activities across FSM, covering all four states, with dedicated plans for outer island communities.
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups, village councils, church networks, women’s groups and youth organisations across Pohnpei, Chuuk, Yap and Kosrae.
• Assist with travel and logistics for community engagement activities.
• Collect and share community feedback with the project team.
• Support partnerships with state utilities (PUC, CPUC, DOTU, YSPSC) and environmental agencies to conduct outreach in rural and outer island communities.

Support communication, awareness and behavioural change programming

• Prepare and distribute communication and awareness materials (including radio programmes, print materials, social media content and audio-visual resources) that are culturally appropriate.
• Support WASH awareness campaigns, community events and media activities to promote behavioural change.
• Assist with identifying and supporting community champions.
• Coordinate with national media outlets and community radio stations to disseminate WASH messages.
• Develop materials for the National Water Forum and support its communication strategy.

Community consultation support for national policy and governance processes

• In collaboration with the National Capacity and Facilitation Adviser and GESI Assistant, assist with community consultations and public engagement activities.
• Record and report community views and priorities.
• Maintain consultation records and participant information.
• Support the PMU in maintaining disaggregated consultation records by state, sex, disability and community type.

Traditional leader and civil society engagement assistance

• Support engagement with traditional leaders, civil society organisations and community groups.
• Assist with community meetings and stakeholder events.
• Support the Mapping of traditional leadership structures and civil society organisations in all four states during the inception phase.
• Contribute to maintaining an active network of NGO, community and faith-based organization partners to support project outreach and implementation.
• Document traditional leader engagement activities, including attendance, topics discussed and outcomes.

Monitoring, reporting and knowledge management

• Maintain accurate records of all community engagement and communication activities.
• Contribute community engagement data to the project’s MER framework
• Participate in reporting.
• Document lessons learned from community engagement activities and share these with the broader project team.

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

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification (diploma) from a recognized institution in a relevant discipline such as community development, social sciences, communications, development studies, public health, environmental studies or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.

Technical expertise

• At least 3 years of experience in community engagement, communications or social mobilization in a development context.
• Experience working with Pacific Island communities, including outer island and rural populations.
• Experience in facilitating community consultations, focus groups and participatory planning processes.
• Experience producing multilingual or culturally adapted communication materials for low-literacy audiences.
• Understanding of GESI principles and inclusive engagement approaches.

Language skills

• Fluency in English.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 31 December 2028, subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.

Remuneration – the Community Engagement Assistant, FSM WASH is a Band 7 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of USD 32,652–40,815 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised locally (EPAL) whose duty station is Pohnpei – SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave. Provident Fund and/or Social Security will be according to FSM’s local legislation.

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 be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be FSM Nationals currently residing in the country or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.