To strengthen disability inclusion in humanitarian action, disaster risk reduction and climate resilience across the Pacific. The role leads technical support for implementing the Pacific Disability Inclusive Humanitarian and Resilience Development Strategy, develops accessible learning resources and advises member Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and partners. It supports OPD participation in resilience planning, represents PDF in regional coordination forums and contributes evidence and technical inputs to advocacy and funding proposals. Reports to: Senior Manager Programs & Member Services.
Job Summary
- Employer: Pacific Disability Forum
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Suva, Fiji
- Category: Humanitarian and Disaster Management
- Closing Date: 2026-11-01
Key Responsibilities
- Develop annual workplans with clear activities, responsibilities, timeframes and expected results.
- Coordinate implementation with member OPDs, humanitarian agencies and development partners.
- Integrate accessibility and disability inclusion into preparedness, response, recovery and resilience activities.
- Monitor progress against agreed workplans and PMS Framework measures.
- Document achievements, implementation barriers and corrective actions.
- Refer delivery risks and unresolved issues to the reporting manager.
- Identify learning needs through consultation with OPDs and relevant partners.
- Develop guides, training materials and planning tools on disaster risk reduction, humanitarian action and climate resilience.
- Adapt resources to local contexts, communication needs and accessibility requirements.
- Involve persons with disabilities in reviewing resource content and usability.
- Facilitate training and assess how participants apply their learning.
- Update materials using participant feedback and implementation lessons.
- Review plans and activities to identify gaps in accessibility, participation and support arrangements.
- Advise on inclusive risk assessments, early warning communication, evacuation planning and access to emergency services.
- Support partners in addressing barriers affecting persons with different disabilities.
- Provide practical guidance on reasonable accommodation and inclusive consultation.
- Document technical recommendations and follow up on agreed actions.
- Refer specialist issues beyond the role’s expertise through appropriate channels.
- Represent PDF in approved humanitarian forums, working groups and coordination meetings.
- Gather member input to inform PDF contributions and agreed advocacy positions.
- Present evidence on accessibility barriers and disability inclusion needs.
- Promote OPD involvement in regional preparedness, response and recovery mechanisms.
- Maintain working relationships with humanitarian agencies and regional partners.
- Record decisions, commitments and follow-up actions, and brief the reporting manager and relevant members.
- Identify opportunities for OPDs to participate in national, regional and community planning.
- Prepare members for consultations through accessible briefings and practical support.
- Advocate for accessible venues, information and participation arrangements.
- Support participation by women, young people and other underrepresented persons with disabilities.
- Help OPDs develop recommendations based on lived experience and local risks.
- Track how planners address OPD recommendations and support follow-up where gaps remain.
- Gather evidence on disaster impacts, climate risks and barriers experienced by persons with disabilities.
- Document member priorities, programme results and lessons with appropriate consent and confidentiality.
- Contribute technical content, activities, indicators and resource requirements to funding proposals.
- Support budgets covering accessibility, reasonable accommodation and OPD participation.
- Prepare case studies, briefing notes and other evidence for approved advocacy activities.
- Review technical commitments against available capacity and track agreed proposal inputs and deadlines.
Requirements
- Relevant qualification or equivalent demonstrated experience in programs & member services and the technical requirements of the role.
- Demonstrated experience planning, delivering and reporting work with multiple stakeholders.
- Understanding of the CRPD, disability rights, accessibility, safeguarding and Pacific regional context.
- Strong written reporting, digital literacy, information management and professional judgement.
How to Apply
About the Company
The Pacific Disability Forum is a regional peak body that operates in Fiji, with its headquarters based in Suva. Established in 2004, it serves as the umbrella organization for national disability organizations across the Pacific Islands, working to advance the rights and wellbeing of persons with disabilities in Fiji and neighbouring countries. The Forum engages in advocacy, capacity building, and policy development, collaborating with the Fijian government and civil society to implement the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Its work in Fiji includes supporting local disabled persons' organizations and promoting inclusive development practices across the region.
Empowering persons with disabilities across the Pacific
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Advisor in Humanitarian and Climate Resilience in Fiji?
Most roles require a bachelor's degree in disaster management, environmental science, social sciences, or international development. Postgraduate qualifications and certifications in humanitarian response or climate adaptation are highly valued. Experience working with Pacific communities and understanding of disability-inclusive practices strengthens your application.
What does a typical day look like for this role?
Your day may involve coordinating with government ministries, NGOs, and community groups to develop resilience strategies. You will likely draft policy briefs, facilitate training workshops, and monitor climate-related risks across Fiji and the Pacific. Field visits to rural and maritime communities are common to assess vulnerability and response readiness.
How does workplace culture in Fiji affect this role?
Fijian workplaces emphasize respect for hierarchy, relationship-building, and consensus-driven decision making. You will need to navigate formal protocols with government partners while maintaining warm, personal connections with colleagues and communities. Punctuality is expected, though meetings often begin with prayer and informal talanoa.
What career progression opportunities exist in this field?
You can advance to senior advisory roles, programme management, or regional coordination positions with regional organisations like the Pacific Disability Forum or international NGOs. Some professionals transition into government policy roles or consultancy work across the Pacific. Specialising in disability-inclusive disaster risk reduction opens niche leadership pathways.
What benefits are typically offered for full-time roles in this sector in Fiji?
Benefits usually include annual leave of 10-15 days, sick leave, and medical aid coverage for you and dependents. Many organisations provide superannuation or pension contributions, with some offering professional development allowances. International NGOs may add housing allowances, home leave, or hardship premiums for remote postings.
How should I apply and what do Fiji-based employers look for?
Submit a tailored CV highlighting Pacific experience and disability-inclusive programming knowledge, plus a concise cover letter addressing the specific role. Employers value demonstrated cultural competency, networks across Fiji's diverse communities, and practical experience in humanitarian coordination. Include referees who can speak to your fieldwork and partnership-building abilities.