Senior Research Officer

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Job Description

Established in 1983 as the Tourism Council of the South Pacific, the Pacific Tourism Organisation (SPTO) is the mandated organisation representing Tourism in the region. Its 21 Government members are American Samoa, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, Marshall Islands, New Caledonia, Niue, Papua New Guinea, Rapa Nui, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna and the People’s Republic of China. In addition to government members, the Pacific Tourism Organisation also has a private sector membership base

The Senior Research Officer will be responsible for leading and managing research projects aimed at enhancing the understanding of tourism trends, patterns and issues in the South Pacific region. They will be responsible for coordinating and conducting research studies, managing data collection and analysis, interpreting findings, and producing reports that contribute to the overall strategic planning and decision-making processes of the organisation. S/he reports to the Manager Research.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Research function effectively carried out
Data collection and analysis recognised ethical research standards conducted effectively Designing, implementing and monitoring data collection tools as required Effective liaison and communicating with partners and collaborators over the collection of data Carrying out data validation, cleaning and preparation for analysis. Research tools support field study developed and implemented Data analysis performed using statistical tools and techniques to derive meaningful insights from the collected data Deep understanding of research methods and techniques understood Development of research methodologies, questionnaires, and surveys conducted in compliance with research protocols and standards. Research level and type conducted in the Tourism Sector determined                      Impact of this level and type of research on the Tourism Sector is thoroughly assessed and reported on Targeted research effectively undertaken for SPTO member countries International Visitor Surveys for member countries Business Confidence Index for member countries Community Attitude Survey for member countries Stay updated with industry trends, best practices, and new research methodologies related to tourism statistics. Research documentation/publication published accordingly Data required to support and develop STPO's strategic plan is identified through the use of relevant research tools Local and global developing tourism matters and good practices are closely monitored and where relevant, put into regional context Effective research and reports undertaken and submitted                             Reports are produced based on data that will help inform the direction of the sector in planning and forecasting Research on international best practice and standards in tourism conducted effectively                                                        Report on international best practices are compiled as a basis for recommendation to utilise the sectors strengths and opportunities Practical strategies to implement research recommendations in Pacific region's tourism institutions and sector is effectively facilitated through constant monitoring Strategies are determined to continuously improve the tourism sector in the region Publications of research reports and articles ensured Visitor Arrivals Statistics Sustainable Tourism Indicators Visitor Forecast and Trends Report Market Intelligence & Insights Tourism Articles Development of planning and policy documentation supported Collaborative research collection and analysis ensured Stakeholder and development networks maintained Central data collection mechanism within the SPTO established and maintained
2. Effective reports support informed decision-making
Relevant and accurate research and project information provided in a timely manner Timely, relevant and accurate quantitative/qualitative report facilitates sound executive decision-making prepared Relevant reports to Manager Research prepared in a timely manner Research report for the Board (if required) and relevant stakeholders prepared and submitted in a timely manner Research work plan reports updates ensured Progress reports on data collection and analysis                 Research reports Capacity building for SPTO staff Documentation and record keeping Reports on all major activities and projects are submitted for official records in a timely manner Information portfolio on tourism issues and international best practices developed and regularly updated Management of digital platforms for research information communication and dissemination Maintenance of research database, including data security, integrity and backups Data is timely and made available for database population
3. Effective Reports support informed decision-making
Relevant and accurate research and project information provided in a timely manner Timely, relevant and accurate quantitative/qualitative report facilitates sound executive decision-making prepared Relevant reports to Manager Research prepared in a timely manner Research report for the Board (if required) and relevant stakeholders prepared and submitted in a timely manner Research work plan reports updates ensured Progress reports on data collection and analysis Research reports Capacity building for SPTO staff Documentation and record keeping Reports on all major activities are submitted for official records in a timely manner Information portfolio on tourism issues and international best practices developed and regularly updated Data is timely and made available for database population
4. Well-informed SPTO Executives and NTOs
Quality, accurate and timely reporting of the following to SPTO executives/management ensured to enable informed decision-making:                   Tourism related statistics Standard research and statistics Ad hoc, special and targeted statistics Position and policy papers
5. Organisation's image and value standards upheld at all times
SPTO values clearly communicated to all stakeholders Positive image and values of SPTO demonstrated at all times Leadership provided and teamwork promoted as a member of the Executive team Teamwork, cooperation and efficiency promoted and demonstrated within the Research Division A healthy, safe and environmentally aware workforce

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Strategic Development	Establish the strategic direction and steer the organisation towards its goals
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
People
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Innovation	Use original and creative thinking to make improvements and/or develop and initiate new approaches.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Research, Statistics and Economics
Desirable
Masters Degree	Research, Statistics and Economics

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Proven experience in data collection and analysis
2. Strong communication skills (written and oral)
3. Sound knowledge and proven expertise in research methodologies, applications and report development
4. Excellent project management skills
5. 5 years' relevant work experience in a similar role
6. General composite competency based in the following fields of research etc
7. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office
8. Must be a lateral thinker and can operate independently in most instances

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Excellent command of English
Excellent command of both written and spoken English
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
Police Clearance

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
All staff
Research Department
External
Communities
CROP agencies
Governments
NGOs / CROP Agencies
Partners - Joint Ventures

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Innovative	Devises new and creative ways to do things comes up with original ideas.
Reliable	Is able to be trusted to do what is expected or has been promised, puts in a great amount of effort believing in the value of work.
Interpersonal Styles
Forthright	Speaks out frankly without hesitation, showing a direct manner.
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Initiative	Takes action and makes decisions without the help or advice of other people.