Ethnographic Field Officer – Rotuma Cultural Mapping Program

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Job Description

The iTaukei Trust Fund Board (TTFB) was established by the Fiji government under an act of parliament in November 2004. The aim is to foster the advancement of indigenous Fijians and Rotumans by promoting initiatives that will better their standard of living, and enhance appropriate cultural traditions and values.

The Ethnographic Field Officer will play a vital role in the Rotuma Cultural Mapping Program, focusing on the collection, documentation, analysis, and verification of the intangible cultural heritage of Rotuma. This role requires conducting field research, engaging with communities, and ensuring that the rich cultural traditions, practices, and knowledge systems of Rotuma are accurately recorded and preserved. The incumbent reports directly to MTA Senior Administration Officer (Culture) while the Senior Programme Specialist has oversight of the outcomes of the role, to ensure these are in alignment to the strategic objectives of TTFB. The incumbent also liaises closely with TTFB's Project Coordinator (Rotuma), Project Assistant

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Field Research & Data Collection conducted effectively
Ethnographic fieldwork in Rotuma and surrounding communities, focusing on identifying and documenting intangible cultural heritage conducted Engagement with community elders, cultural practitioners, and knowledge holders conducted to gather oral histories, traditional practices, customs, and beliefs. Interviews, focus group discussions, and community events recorded using audio, video, and written documentation methods.
2. Documentation & accurate analysis completed
Detailed notes, transcripts, and reports based on fieldwork observations and interviews thoroughly analysed and accompanying reports prepared. Collected data to identify themes, patterns, and significant cultural elements thoroughly analysed. Contribute effectively to the development of an organized database or repository for the cultural mapping program.
3. Verification of information ensured
Cross-check and validation of collected data achieved by consulting with multiple sources within the community. Accuracy and authenticity of documented cultural practices and traditions ensured. Work with cultural experts to ensure findings are verified and discrepancies resolved.
4. Meaningful Community Engagement conducted
Strong relationships with community members built to gain trust and ensure their active participation in the program. Workshops, feedback sessions, and presentations to share findings with the community and gather additional insight conducted effectively. Cultural sensitivities, customs, nuances and protocols respected and adhered to during fieldwork.
5. Effective reporting & collaboration ensured
Collaboration with the project team ensured, including other field officers, researchers, and cultural experts. Regular progress reports, summaries of findings, and recommendations submitted in a timely manner to the Project Coordinator. Assistance in preparing final reports, publications, and presentations for stakeholders rendered effectively..

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Customer
Social and Cultural Awareness	Respond respectfully and effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds.
People
Learning	Develop the competencies of self and others to enhance performance.
Professional
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Diploma	Research	Language, Pacific Vernacular, Cultural Studies

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Knowledge and experience in conducting surveys, and interviews and working in villages or remote communities
2. Experience in data collection, recording and management
3. Translate in both the Rotuman and English languages
4. Knowledge of the Rotuman Language and cultural protocols.
5. Understanding of the Fijian Constitution (2013) and applicable laws of Fiji.
6. Good reporting and writing skills and the capacity to utilise computer programs to support the office administration
7. Ability to analyse problems and to develop effective solutions at operational level to achieve positive outcomes.
8. Demonstrated ability to communicate with Rotuman communities in order to respond to their administration needs;
9. Ability to comprehend and deal appropriately with confidential information.

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Familiarity with iTaukei and Rotuman culture
At least basic iTaukei and/or Rotuman language fluency
Knowledge of Rotuman culture and language

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Culture and Heritage Team
Senior Programme Specialist
External
TTFB Clients/partners
Provincial Councils - Rotuma Council
Vanua

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Punctuality	Completes a required task or fulfills an obligation before or at a previously designated time
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
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Self-sufficient and assured	Readily copes with situations without recourse/need of others, showing confidence and belief in oneself and one's own abilities.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Disciplined/Systematic	Is controlled in conduct, shows an orderly pattern of behaviour, following a methodical and thorough approach.
Intuitive	Makes mental leaps without going through a rational thought process. Apparent ability to acquire knowledge without a clear inference or the use of reason.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.