Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

Locally Engaged Employee - commencing 23 January 2025, 3 years with potential 2 year extension

Program Overview:   

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan. 

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.

The Platform has three functional Outcomes: 

The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments. The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies. The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

Position Summary:

The Localisation Specialist will lead development and implementation of the FPSP Locally-Led and centred Development (LLD) Framework and strategy. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Lead development and advise on implementation of:  a Localisation Strategy for the FPSP (platform and sector programs) a framework to monitor and report on LLD efforts (with reference to the DFAT LLD continuum)  (with MEL team) indicators to systematically track localisation (with reference to the DFAT LLD continuum)  Explore establishment of an internal LLD working group, bringing together sector focal points and diverse perspectives to help drive implementation of the Localisation Strategy  Facilitate strong and meaningful contributions and participation of local actors (government, civil society and private sector, where appropriate) in development and oversight of overall program strategy and delivery (through formal governance mechanisms, learning and adaptation feedback loops, supplier networks, and beyond).  Facilitate culturally appropriate participation of non-Fijian staff and consultants, including the selection and engagement of any external providers to deliver multi-cultural orientation services (inclusive of Itaukei, Indo-Fijian and Rotuman). Define, track and advise on management of risks to LLD, ensuring alignment with DFAT LLD Guidance note. Review and advise on LLD dimensions of other cross-cutting strategies (GEDSI, Climate and Disaster Resilience, Comms) and MERLA Plan and system development. Other duties as requested by Cross-cutting Priorities Lead.  

Key Deliverables: 

A Locally Led and centred Development (LLD) Strategy that centres the lived and diverse experiences of locals. Support the design and implementation of regular learning and adaptation feedback loops across the whole platform. Developed systems to track localisation for collection and analysis of data, embedded in existing MEL efforts and established baselines.

Key Working Relationships:

Cross-cutting Priorities Hub Team  FPSP Leadership Team (Platform and Sector Programs)  Abt Corporate Technical Advisers  

Selection Criteria: 

Tertiary qualifications in international development, public policy, social sciences or a related field. Demonstrated experience in development and delivery of locally led development strategies, ideally across urban, remote and rural locations in Fiji. Knowledge of and commitment to gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles. Experience in program management and MEL, including reporting on delivery of program outcomes. Demonstrated experience in building and managing relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs and donors, is essential.  Commitment to working in collaborative and adaptive manner and ability to thrive in challenging environments. Personal attributes of self-reflection and self-awareness of power dynamics in engaging with diverse stakeholders and communities. 

How to Apply: 

Applications close Sunday 1 December at 11pm.   

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.  

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