"Coordinator – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS)"

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 Land Resources Division (LRD) provides effective expert scientific advice, capacity building and services on conservation, development and utilization of plant genetic resources, forest and landscape management, resilient agricultural systems, diversification of livelihood strategies and access to markets to maintain ecosystem services and improve land productivity and the food, nutrition security and resilience of Pacific communities. LRD has expertise in genetic resource conservation, resilient agriculture, biosecurity, pest and disease management, agricultural extension, plant pathology, entomology and animal health. It collaborates with governments, regional organisations, civil society and other SPC divisions to pinpoint the needs and priorities of Pacific countries and communities and provide technical expertise to address them. This mission is realized through four main thematic work areas, or pillars, and a progressively integrated approach to programming that works towards achieving SPC’s development goals.

The Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) seeks to build a resilient food system grounded in diverse, nutritious and climate-adapted crops grown in healthy soils and landscapes. Building this vision is essential as the Pacific stands at the forefront of the impacts of climate change. The 2050 Strategy for the Blue Pacific Continent highlights the many impacts of climate change and disasters and their threats to the future of the region’s food security. This strategy also identifies the challenge of addressing high levels of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in the region and calls for the Pacific Community to build resilience and access to nutritious food.

The role – Coordinator – Pacific Vision for Adapted Crops and Soils (PACS) will lead the implementation of the foundational phase of the PACS initiative, ensuring effective coordination of technical activities, governance mechanisms, and partnerships both within pilot countries and at the regional level. This role will also support the development of an evidence-based investment plan and ensures strong visibility and alignment of PACS with regional priorities.