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. 

AFGP Overview: 

Australia Fiji Governance Partnership (AFGP) is a four-year (2025-2029) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-funded initiative that partners with the Government of Fiji (GoF) with the aim of supporting more effective, accountable, and inclusive governance, economic and institutional reform in Fiji. AFGP reflects the shared and interrelated policy interests of Australia and Fiji and has three strategic pillars: civil service reform (CSR), economic governance and democratic norms and values. The partnership is a continuation of the Fiji-Australia Institutional Partnerships Program (IPP) which will end in September 2025. 

AFGP is anchored in engaged partnerships and is governed by a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) that comprises DFAT and GoF representatives. In addition, the partnership hosts a bi-annual partnership forum that brings together AFGP’s multilateral, civil society, and government partners. Technical assistance and funding are delivered through AFGP’s two core funding modalities: the Performance and Innovation Fund and the Community Engagement Fund that are accessible to AFGP government and civil society partners, respectively. AFGP is implemented and managed by the Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP).

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.

About Us
Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Global is regularly ranked as one of the top global research firms and one of the international development innovators.  The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries.

At Abt Global, we are committed to creating a lasting culture of equity, diversity and inclusion and recognize that in order to achieve full participation, our practices must be free of prejudice, discrimination, and bias that result in inequitable outcomes. We are actively working to advance equity for everyone, and while we still have much work to do, we know that racial and cultural diversity are an asset to our business and the communities where we live and serve. Our ongoing commitment is focused on creating business practices that advance racial and social equity, investments in community impact programs for the benefit of Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), and expand upon project work related to racial equity and social justice