GEDSI Adviser, Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs, Fiji - Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Program

Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

• Short Term Advisor: March – June 2026 (up to 40 days in the term)
• Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the selection criteria of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.
• Based in Suva, Fiji

Program Overview: 

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, assists DFAT to deliver 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 assists DFAT to deliver its key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities identify and address climate risks, and promote climate action and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.

The Platform has three functional Outcomes:  

1. The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
2. 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
3. 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. 

Program Overview: 

The objective of the GEDSI Program is: To work together under the Vuvale Partnership to advance Fiji’s commitments on gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion.

The GEDSI Program aims to achieve this objective by realising two complementary End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):

• EOPO 1: Select ministries are mainstreaming GEDSI in policy, programs and budgets; and
• EOPO 2: Strengthened service delivery and public education for the prevention of violence against women and girls.

The GEDSI Program will be situated within the Platform’s governance and management arrangements, communications protocols, and approaches to monitoring, evaluation and learning.  The Platform’s core personnel include the “Cross-Cutting Priorities Hub”, which comprises of technical staffing to support the Platform’s effective integration of GEDSI and climate change. The Cross-Cutting Priorities Hub team will oversee the implementation, day-to-day management and operations of the GEDSI Program.

Position Summary

The GEDSI Adviser will provide technical leadership and facilitation for the finalisation and implementation of the Ministry’s GEDSI Policy, including development of a Strategy and Action Plan, Monitoring Framework, and supporting communication and training materials.

Background

The Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs, in partnership with the I-Taukei Affairs Board, is committed to advancing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) across its policies, programs, and services for Fiji’s Indigenous communities. The Ministry is developing a comprehensive GEDSI Policy and seeks technical support to ensure the policy is robust, actionable, and aligned with the Government of Fiji’s Policies, Legislation, and Acts, as well as international best practice.

Key Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of I-Taukei’s Permanent Secretary, and with the day-to-day oversight and collaboration provided by the Development Division, the Adviser is expected to undertake the following tasks:

Review and Finalise the GEDSI Policy

• Review existing draft(s) and relevant documents.
• Facilitate consultations with the Ministry Staff, Board and key stakeholders to gather input and build consensus.
• Incorporate feedback and ensure alignment with the Ministry of Women’s Gender Policy and relevant national/international standards.
• Finalise the GEDSI Policy for the Ministry and Board’s consideration and endorsement.

Develop a GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan

• Lead the design of a practical Strategy and Action Plan to operationalise the GEDSI Policy.
• Identify clear objectives, activities, timelines, responsible parties, and resources.
• Ensure the Action Plan is realistic, measurable, and responsive to the operation of the Ministry and Boards and also respond to the needs of I-Taukei communities.

Create a Monitoring Framework

• Develop a framework with indicators and tools to track implementation and outcomes of the GEDSI Policy and Action Plan.
• Build the capacity of Ministry staff to use the framework for ongoing monitoring, reporting, and learning.

Develop Communication and Training Materials

• Prepare user-friendly materials to communicate the GEDSI Policy and Strategy to staff, stakeholders, and communities.
• Design and deliver (or support delivery of) GEDSI awareness and training sessions for Ministry staff and partners.

Facilitate Validation and Feedback

• Organise and facilitate validation workshops and feedback sessions with the Board and key stakeholders.
• Incorporate feedback into final deliverables.

Ensure Complementarity

• Ensure all outputs complement and reinforce the Ministry’s Gender Policy and other relevant frameworks.

 Key Deliverables: 

• Finalised GEDSI Policy document.
• GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan.
• Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (with indicators and tools).
• Communication materials (e.g., policy briefs, posters, presentations).
• GEDSI training materials and session reports.
• Workshop/consultation reports and summary of feedback.

Key Working Relationships:

Reporting to 

• While the Adviser ultimately reports directly to the Ministry of I-Taukei Affairs Permanent Secretary, day-to-day oversight and collaboration will be provided by Development Service’s Division together with DS Policy.
• Regular coordination with the I-Taukei Affairs Board and other relevant division within the Ministry is required.
• Indirect report to FPSP Cross-Cutting Priorities Lead 

Other 

• Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection
• Other relevant Ministries, CSOs and agencies  

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Gender Studies, Social Inclusion, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field.
• Minimum 7–10 years in GEDSI policy development, strategy design, and implementation.

Skills and Experience 

• Demonstrated expertise in GEDSI policy development and implementation.
• Experience facilitating policy consultations and working with Indigenous or community-based stakeholders.
• Expertise in policy analysis, strategic planning, and monitoring frameworks.
• Strong skills in strategy, action planning, and monitoring & evaluation.
• Ability to design training and communication materials.
• Excellent communication and training skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Knowledge of Fiji’s policy context and I-Taukei cultural dynamics is highly desirable.

• Knowledge of Fiji’s policy context and I-Taukei cultural dynamics is highly desirable.

Applications close on 5 March 2026.

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