Strategic Policy Development Process Advisor, Ministry of Justice

Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

• Seeking a short-term adviser (consultant) to support Government of Fiji policy development within the Ministry of Justice and Ministry of Women Children and Social Protection.
• The adviser will support the development of a dedicated strategic policy development process critical in strengthening the Ministry’s capacity to design, align, and implement integrated policies that are evidence-based, inclusive, and adaptive. 
• Based in Suva, Fiji; working with the Ministry of Justice
• Assignment length will be 3-months with approximately 30 input days in the term 
• Please apply online by submitting a cover letter outlining how you meet the selection criteria of this role and your consulting daily rate, and an up-to-date comprehensive CV. 

FPSP Overview: 

The Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP, or the ‘Platform’) is a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment that contributes 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 delivers key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. 

Overview and Background:

The Advisor will support the Ministry of Justice to enhance policy development, facilitate cross-sector collaboration and fostering stronger partnerships.

The Advisor will also contribute to building sustainable institutional capability by supporting policy paper frameworks, tools, and processes that will improve the quality and impact of policy development in the Ministry. 

The position is responsible for development of policy submissions that will be used for decision-making, strengthening internal capacity for policy submissions and building effective partnerships. 

This position will contribute to effective engagement with the justice sector, donor partners and stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordination and Implementation: Coordinate and facilitate effective development of policy papers.
• Integration and Alignment: Facilitate the effective integration/synergy with national decision – making processes.  
• Communication and Reporting: Maintain regular and informative communication with the permanent secretary
• Stakeholder Engagement: Increase awareness of and engagement with Ministry of Justice officials and the justice sector.
• Meeting Facilitation: Coordinate governance structure meetings and document outcomes/action points/recommendations. 

Key Deliverables:

Coordination and implementation

• Coordinate development of policy papers using a partnership approach for effective engagement of stakeholders.
• Facilitate focused training across the Ministry of Justice on preparing quality submissions in close collaboration with the permanent secretary for Justice.  
• Co-create focused in-house guidelines for the Ministry of Justice on policy submissions.
• Develop an evidence-based M&E framework with key benchmarks for all internal policy submissions.

Integration and Alignment

• Ensure strategic and practical integration and synergy across the Government of Fiji’s justice sector.
• Communication and Reporting
• Maintain regular and informative communication with the permanent secretary keeping her updated on the progress and challenges of institutional strengthening.
• Facilitate the development of key policy priorities and submissions within the short, medium and long-term.

Stakeholder engagement

• Facilitate ongoing and consistent awareness on the priority areas of the Ministry of Justice with all its stakeholders.

Meeting facilitation

• Coordinate and facilitate focus in-house meetings and training sessions, and document outcomes and action points.

Other

• Develop a workplan with clearly defined deliverables, milestones and targets with the PS and the Platform.  
• Maintain regular communications with the PS and the Platform on changes to the workplan.
• Support and participate in required Performance Management reviews as per Abt Policies and Procedures (including probation review and annual performance assessments). 

Key Working Relationships

• Directly reporting to: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice.
• Directly Reporting to: Acting PS Ministry for Women, Children and Social Protection  
• Indirectly reporting to: FPSP Governance Lead 

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

• A tertiary qualification (Bachelor’s degree or higher) in public policy, law, governance, public administration, or a related discipline.
• Advanced postgraduate qualifications (e.g. Master’s degree) will be highly regarded.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in strategic policy development including policy development processes as well as designing, drafting, and reviewing policies.
• Strong understanding of public sector reform and government policy processes.
• Experience working within or alongside government systems, including knowledge of policy cycles, cabinet processes, and legislative alignment
• Experience designing and delivering training, tools, or frameworks to improve internal policy development processes and organisational performance.
• Ability to work effectively across government agencies, facilitate collaboration, and manage relationships with senior officials and development partners.
• Capacity to lead meetings, workshops, and consultations, and to document outcomes, actions, and recommendations clearly.
• Ability to work independently and deliver within short timeframes.

How to Apply: