Position Summary:

The Senior Localisation Specialist (the “Specialist”) is the Platform’s lead technical advisor responsible for driving the strategic direction and platform-wide integration of the FPSP Localisation Strategy and First Nations Engagement Framework. The Specialist will provide high-level policy advice to the Senior Leadership Team and sector program teams to ensure coherent, consistent and effective implementation of the Strategy and Framework across all the Platform's operations and programs. 

The Specialist will champion localisation as a key contribution towards the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership, coordinate inputs from Platform Consortium partners and facilitate internal collaboration and learning.

Key Responsibilities: 

Strategic Leadership and Policy Coherence:

• Provide expert strategic advice to the FPSP Senior Leadership Team to ensure the principles of the Localisation Strategy and First Nations Engagement Framework are embedded in program planning, delivery, and monitoring, evaluation and learning processes.
• Together with the Cross-cutting Priorities Lead, drive Platform-wide interpretation, adaptation, and harmonisation of the Localisation and First Nations Engagement strategies, ensuring coherence with other cross-cutting priorities including GEDSI, Climate and Disaster Resilience, and Safeguarding.
• Establish and lead the Platform Localisation Community of Practice (CoP) with Sector Program Focal Points, to facilitate shared learning, consistent application of principles and standards, and foster collaborative problem-solving across the Platform.
• Actively model and promote the principles of the Platform’s ‘Internal Ways of Working Agreement’, ensuring that localisation efforts foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and efficiency.

High-Level Advisory and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Serve as a key liaison between the Platform and senior stakeholders on matters of localisation, including high-level counterparts in the Government of Fiji, civil society, DFAT, and First Nations organisations.
• Guide the Platform's approach to navigating complex power dynamics and political sensitivities inherent in localisation efforts, providing analysis and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee development of strategic partnerships with First Nations organisations and other key local actors, ensuring engagements are respectful, reciprocal, and culturally safe. 

Oversight of Implementation and Risk Management:

• Oversee Platform-wide implementation of the Localisation Strategy and First Nations Engagement Framework, shifting from direct implementation to ensuring accountability and providing strategic direction to Sector Program Focal Points.
• Lead identification and management of strategic risks to the successful implementation of localisation and First Nations engagement, advising the Senior Leadership Team on mitigation.
• Provide strategic inputs and evidence for high-level reporting and presentations, such as the Whole of Platform Six-Monthly Progress Report and DFAT-hosted meetings, to clearly articulate the Platform’s progress and commitment to localisation.
• Provide quality assurance and guidance on localisation on all major Platform deliverables, including work plans, programmatic strategies, MEL frameworks, and progress reporting.
• Support the MEL team to track the implementation of the Localisation Strategy.

Capacity Building and Mentorship:

• Co-design and oversee a capacity building program for Platform staff and partners to develop a shared understanding and commitment to localisation and First Nations engagement principles.
• In collaboration with HR, oversee development and delivery of mandatory cultural competency training for international staff and advisors to ensure culturally appropriate and respectful engagement across the Platform.
• Mentor and support the Localisation Focal Points within each sector program, fostering a network of champions to drive implementation.

Other:

• Manage, direct inputs and support contract management of FPSP Consortium Partners (Ninti One and Talanoa). 

Key Deliverables: 

• Platform-wide Implementation and Coherence Plan: An Action Plan to guide integration of the Localisation Strategy and First Nations Engagement Framework across the Platform and all sector programs, including clear benchmarks and accountability measures.
• Strategic Policy Advice and Briefings: Regular, high-quality analytical briefs and verbal advice to the FPSP Senior Leadership Team and, where requested, DFAT and Government of Fiji entities, on progress, challenges, and strategic opportunities related to localisation.
• Robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) System: Oversight and strategic direction for a comprehensive MEL system that tracks Platform-wide progress towards localisation goals, generates evidence for adaptive management, and captures nuanced change in local agency and power dynamics.
• Effective Community of Practice: A thriving and influential Community of Practice that serves as a key mechanism for learning and ensuring consistent, high-quality implementation of localisation.

Key Working Relationships:

Reporting to

• Cross-cutting Priorities Hub Team

Other

• FPSP Senior Leadership Team
• FPSP Consortium Partners (Talanoa, Ninti One)
• Abt International Technical Practice Team

Selection Criteria: 

Required:

• Tertiary qualifications in international development, public policy, social sciences or a related field.
• Extensive (10+ years) senior-level experience in designing, leading, and advising on complex, multi-sector localisation or locally-led development initiatives, preferably within the Pacific or a similar SIDS context.
• Proven ability to provide high-level strategic policy advice and influence decision-making within large, complex donor-funded programs and government structures.
• Demonstrated experience in leading the integration of cross-cutting policy agendas (e.g., GEDSI, Indigenous engagement, climate resilience) into diverse program areas, ensuring policy coherence.
• Comprehensive understanding of, and demonstrated experience in, navigating political sensitivities and power dynamics to shift development practice towards local leadership.
• Proven experience in building and managing strategic relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across government, civil society and First Nations representatives.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with Australia’s First Nations peoples and/or iTaukei and Rotuman peoples, with a strong understanding of culturally safe engagement protocols.
• Experience in managing and mentoring staff and leading communities of practice or cross-organisational working groups.

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader with a proven track record in complex program implementation in the international development sector. We offer bold solutions and technical excellence in Health, Economic Growth, Governance, Research & Evaluation, Environment & Energy, Gender Equality & Social Inclusion. Working with our many partners, we have driven measurable social impact for more than 55 years, to achieve our mission of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of people worldwide. We operate in remote and challenging environments and employ more than 3,700 staff in over 50 countries. For more information about us and what we do, visit our website at www.abtglobal.com.

Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply for this position.

We are deeply committed to safeguarding, to protect and prevent harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. We will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form, and expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.