Job Summary
- Employer: UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office
- Job Type: Contract
- Location: Suva, Fiji
- Category: Consulting
- Closing Date: 2026-10-09
Key Responsibilities
- Review relevant policies, programmes and evidence.
- Conduct consultations with key stakeholders, including government agencies, OPDs, service providers, development partners and caregivers.
- Assess barriers to accessing social protection and essential services.
- Develop recommendations to strengthen disability-inclusive and shock-responsive social protection systems in Fiji.
Requirements
- A relevant university degree.
- At least seven (7) years of relevant professional experience.
- Demonstrated experience in social protection, disability inclusion, research, policy analysis and stakeholder engagement.
How to Apply
About the Company
UNICEF Pacific Multi-Country Office is the regional headquarters for UNICEF's operations across 14 Pacific Island countries and territories, including Fiji. Based in Suva, the office coordinates programmes that protect children's rights, improve health and nutrition, expand education access, and strengthen social protection systems throughout Fiji and the broader Pacific region. The organization works with Fiji's government, civil society partners, and communities to deliver humanitarian assistance during natural disasters and climate emergencies, which frequently affect the archipelago. Its Suva-based team manages policy advocacy, technical assistance, and programme implementation tailored to Fiji's specific development challenges and opportunities.
For every child in the Pacific
Website: https://www.unicef.org/
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for a national consultant role in social protection in Fiji?
Employers usually require a master's degree in social policy, development studies, disability studies, or a related field, plus at least 5-7 years of relevant experience. Demonstrated expertise in disability-inclusive programming and knowledge of Fiji's social protection landscape is highly valued. Local candidates with experience working with government ministries, CSOs, or international agencies often have an advantage.
What would be the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a national consultant conducting a rapid assessment?
Daily tasks include coordinating with government stakeholders and disability organizations, designing assessment methodologies, conducting field visits to urban and rural communities, collecting and analyzing qualitative and quantitative data, and drafting reports with actionable recommendations. The role demands flexibility, as travel to outer islands or remote areas may be required. Strong relationship-building with local partners is essential given Fiji's communal and relationship-based work culture.
How does the local work culture in Fiji affect consulting roles with international organizations?
Fijian work culture emphasizes respect for hierarchy, consensus-building, and personal relationships, so consultants must invest time in informal consultations and talanoa sessions before formal work proceeds. Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility with 'Fiji time' expectations is sometimes necessary. Understanding iTaukei customs and protocols, especially when engaging rural communities, is critical for successful project implementation.
What career progression opportunities exist after completing a national consultancy in disability-inclusive social protection?
Successful consultants often transition to longer-term roles with UNICEF, other UN agencies, or regional organizations based in Suva. Others move into senior advisory positions with Fiji's Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation, or leadership roles with national disability organizations. The specialized expertise gained can also open opportunities for PhD studies or regional consulting work across the Pacific.
What benefits are typically included in consultancy contracts with international organizations in Fiji?
Consultancy contracts usually include professional fees negotiated based on experience, but typically exclude traditional employment benefits like annual leave, medical insurance, or pension contributions unless specified. Some organizations provide travel allowances for fieldwork or a daily subsistence allowance for international travel. It is important to clarify these terms during contract negotiations, as arrangements vary significantly between agencies.
What do employers in Fiji look for when reviewing applications for national consultant positions?
Employers prioritize demonstrated knowledge of Fiji's disability sector and existing relationships with key stakeholders including the Fiji National Council for Disabled Persons and relevant ministries. Strong applications highlight specific experience with rapid assessments, child-centered approaches, and shock-responsive social protection systems. A well-structured technical proposal showing clear methodology and realistic timelines, submitted with a concise CV, significantly improves selection chances.