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 Tourism Research Officer is responsible for conducting research and analyzing statistics related to local and global trends that could impact and generate tourism opportunities for the members of SPTO.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. SPTO Research and statistics services provided
Annual Research Plan effectively developed in consultation with Manager Research and Senior Research Officer and successfully implement. Research Plan shall include but not be limited to:                    Regular/routine research (including but not limited to; International Visitor Survey, Business Confidence Index, Community Attitude Survey, Visitor Arrivals & Forecast Statistics Ad hoc and project-based research Targeted market research (and insights) Robust data analysis and interpretation ensured and quality, accuracy and timeliness of the same maintained at all times                    Monitor and forecast key global tourism trends and their impacts in their region. Development of research methodologies, designing questionnaires, and conducting surveys in compliance with research protocols and standards assisted Robust review, interpretation and reporting of other relevant organisations’ research, particularly for policy development and interventions ensured Effective contribution to donor projects by conducting research, data analysis, and provision of support in project implementation. Effective research data management system (documentation/publication) implemented. Assistance in management and maintenance research equipment, software, and data storage systems ensured Timely and accurate publications drafted including but not limited to quarterly and annual visitor arrivals review.                     Quality of publications maintained at all times Data access/portals effectively monitored and utilised Quality and availability of information to SPTO and members/NTO's maintained and ensured at all times
2. Collaboration for sustainable tourism practices for long-term sustainability
Effective market intelligence/Information application ensured through but not limited to: Data/information interpretation Preparation and/or review of position and policy papers/guidelines etc. Tourism database and repositories effectively updated with quality, timely and relevant data/information Collaborating with local stakeholders to develop sustainable tourism practices that balance the needs of tourists with the long-term sustainability of local communities and ecosystems, including:                          Engagement with local communities and indigenous groups to understand their perspectives on tourism and involve them in decision-making processes. Developing sustainable tourism plans that address the specific needs and challenges of each destination and involve a wide range of stakeholders. Implementation of sustainable tourism practices, such as reducing waste and energy consumption, promoting eco-friendly transportation, and supporting local businesses and products. Monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable tourism practices over time, and making adjustments as needed to ensure ongoing sustainability
3. Member research application capability developed.
Effective contribution to the development of SPTO country NTO members’ understanding of research ensured (Training and development areas flagged) Provision of comments/technical advice (where relevant) on research activities ensured. Research activities include but are not limited to:                          Data sources & collection  Research techniques and methods Data classification, analysis and Interpretation
4. Well-informed SPTO Executive 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. Teamwork and Cooperation
Tourism Planning Officer outcomes effectively supported at all times Work as part of the SPTO Team to:                 engender a positive work environment encourage and practice teamwork and cooperation raise OH&S issues as and when noted
6. Organisation's image and value standards demonstrated and promoted
Uphold and demonstrate the organisation's image and values (internally and externally) Encourage team members to uphold image and value standards

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Risk Management	Analyse and manage risk.
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
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Customer
Customer Commitment	Demonstrate a commitment to customer service - both internal and external customers.
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Quality Focus	Deliver quality.
People
Team Orientation	Work in a team towards a common aim.
Facilitation	Assist the progress of work ensuring its timely and effective completion.
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Innovation	Use original and creative thinking to make improvements and/or develop and initiate new approaches.
Learning	Develop the competencies of self and others to enhance performance.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.
Mathematical Reasoning	Apply mathematical reasoning.
Technology Application	Apply technology.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Research, Statistics and Economics	Ideally tourism focused
Desirable
Higher Degree incl. Post Grad Cert or Dip	Relevant tourism economics, finance etc	and other related discipline

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Proven ability to work as part of an inter-disciplinary and/or multi-cultural team
2. Strong research and statistics background - undertaking research and analysis
3. Ability to work with and support private sector member based organisations
4. Proven experience in analysing market research and developing action plans from the information.
5. Experience in designing research projects and presenting findings - research papers, statistics, special projects
6. Good understanding of the tourism sector and experience of working in the Pacific region would be an advantage.
7. Demonstrated experience writing logical and detailed research papers and reports with a high degree of accuracy
8. High proficiency in statistical and database software packages such as SPSS, Power BI, excel, word and power point
9. Willing and able to travel regionally and internationally

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
Chief Executive Officer
Management Team
External
Board Members
National statistics offices
Other relevant statistics providers
NTOs
Ministry of Tourism (where relevant)
Private sector tourism providers

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Experimenter	Tries out new procedures, ideas or activities.
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.
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Team Oriented	Enjoys being with others as part of a group or team.
Thinking Styles
Initiative	Takes action and makes decisions without the help or advice of other people.
Challenger	Queries, tests information/beliefs and provokes thought.
Disciplined / Systematic	Is controlled in conduct, shows an orderly pattern of behaviour, following a methodical and thorough approach
Numerate	Shows abilities in quantitative thought and expression.
Well Organized	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner