About the employer
The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries, represented abroad through more than 140 EU Delegations. The EU Delegation to the Pacific in Suva, Fiji works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States and represents the European Union in dealings with the Government of Fiji and 12 other Pacific Island Countries. The “Regional Partnerships in the Pacific” section oversees EU bilateral and regional development assistance benefitting the 13 Pacific Island Countries, the three French Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) in the Pacific and (as of 01/09/2026) Papua New Guinea. The team consists of 50+ people; occasional atypical working hours apply for online meetings with European stakeholders.
Role
Reporting to the Head of Regional Partnerships and a Team Leader, the Project Officer will support and manage projects and programmes focused on sustainable agriculture and agrifood value chain development in the Pacific Island Countries, Papua New Guinea and/or the three French Overseas Countries and Territories.
Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Suva
- Category: Agriculture
- Closing Date: 2026-07-13
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyse the performance of agricultural sectors across Pacific Island Countries, with a focus on agrifood value chains, food security, exports and import substitution.
- Assess climate change, extreme weather and global market impacts on Pacific agriculture; identify risks and opportunities.
- Identify high-potential commodities for domestic markets, tourism and export, and analyse market access conditions.
- Analyse land tenure systems and their impact on agriculture productivity and sustainability.
- Promote climate-resilient and climate-smart practices among smallholder farmers and cooperatives.
- Support integration of sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation and environmental protection into agricultural programmes.
- Contribute to the design of actions building the adaptive capacity of farming communities (crop diversification, sustainable water and soil management).
- Support the identification, design and development of agrifood value chains; assess infrastructure needs (rural roads, storage, processing units, marketplaces) potentially financeable under the Global Gateway Strategy.
- Analyse investment opportunities and constraints along value chains (production, processing, logistics, marketing).
- Coordinate with EU agencies (e.g. EIB) and European/international financial institutions to mobilise blended finance for agricultural infrastructure and value chain development.
- Agriculture-Tourism linkages: promote local food supply to hotels, resorts and the hospitality industry; work with Delegation tourism/private-sector colleagues.
- Trade and Export Development: assess Pacific agrifood market access to the EU and regional markets aligned with the EPA and EU standards; support synergies with PAC-TSD, AGRINFO and other EU-funded trade programmes.
- MSME and Private Sector: engage MSMEs, agribusiness entrepreneurs, farmer organisations and cooperatives; coordinate with private-sector development colleagues.
- Manage end-to-end project lifecycle for actions in the sustainable agriculture and agrifood value chains portfolio.
- Oversee financial compliance (contract verification, payment certification, OPSYS/CRIS and other European Commission tools).
- Monitor evaluation reports; assist with procurement (Terms of Reference, tender launches, offer assessment).
- Build and maintain partnerships with donors, implementing partners, governments and local stakeholders.
- Contribute to policy dialogue at country and regional levels on agricultural transition, food systems transformation and sustainable development.
- Represent the EU Delegation at sectoral events, regional forums and donor coordination meetings.
- Contribute to the Delegation’s communication and visibility strategy, including through visibility events, website and social media inputs.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, agricultural economics, rural development or equivalent.
- At least 3 years of relevant experience in sustainable agriculture, agrifood value chains, rural development or related fields.
- Working knowledge (C2) of English.
- Right to residence and work in Fiji.
- Medically fit to perform the required duties.
- Clean police record and ability to produce a clearance report when requested.
- Higher university degree (Master’s or above) in agricultural economics, agronomy, food systems or equivalent.
- Experience in the Pacific region or other Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- Demonstrated experience in value chain development, agribusiness or agricultural market systems.
- Experience with development cooperation, EU-funded programmes or international organisations.
- Familiarity with the tourism sector and its linkages with local agricultural production.
- Knowledge of trade facilitation, export market development or EPA-related agrifood matters.
- Knowledge of AI tools and technologies.
- Knowledge of other European languages, in particular French.
Salary
FJD 7,966 monthly
How to Apply
Deadline: no later than 4pm Fiji Time on Monday 13/07/2026.
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Join NowAbsence of any required document or condition is grounds for rejection. Only candidates admitted to each successive selection phase will be contacted individually. The successful candidate will be subject to a medical and background check. The EU is committed to equal opportunities; candidates with disabilities can request accommodations by contacting the same email address.
REF Code: 512895
About the Company
The EU Delegation to the Pacific serves as the European Union's diplomatic mission and development cooperation hub for Fiji and twelve other Pacific Island nations, with its headquarters firmly established in Suva, Fiji. From this strategic base, the Delegation actively represents the EU, cultivating robust political dialogue, economic relations, and crucial development partnerships across the entire region. It is instrumental in overseeing the management of EU development assistance programs, which are specifically tailored to address key challenges such as climate change, sustainable natural resource management, and fostering good governance. The Delegation consistently works to strengthen regional integration and enhance the strong ties between the EU and its Pacific partners, contributing significantly to the sustainable progress and stability of Fiji and its neighbours.
Fostering EU-Pacific relations for sustainable development & regional cooperation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What academic background and practical experience are typically required for this Project Officer role in sustainable agriculture in Fiji?
A degree in agriculture, rural development, environmental science, or a related field is often essential, coupled with practical experience in project management or implementation. Employers in Fiji value candidates with direct experience in community-based agricultural projects or value chain development across the islands.
What are the common day-to-day responsibilities for a Project Officer focused on sustainable agriculture and agrifood value chain development in Fiji?
Daily tasks often include coordinating project activities, engaging with farmer groups and local communities, and monitoring project progress against set objectives. You would also be responsible for drafting reports, facilitating workshops, and collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure project success.
How does the local work culture in Fiji influence the role of a Project Officer, especially when engaging with rural communities?
Building strong interpersonal relationships and demonstrating cultural sensitivity are paramount when working with Fijian communities. Patience, respect for traditional protocols, and effective communication, often requiring adaptability to local dialects, are highly valued traits for successful project implementation.
What are the typical career progression paths for a Project Officer in sustainable agriculture within Fiji?
Successful Project Officers can advance to senior project management roles, specialize in specific areas like agricultural policy or market development, or move into consulting within the Pacific region. Gaining experience with international organizations can also open doors to regional or global opportunities within the development sector.
What kind of standard employment benefits can a Project Officer expect when working with an international organization in Fiji?
Employment benefits typically include annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays, often aligning with international standards. Many employers also provide medical insurance coverage, life insurance, and contribute to a superannuation fund for their staff, which are common practices for such roles.
What specific qualities or experiences do employers in Fiji look for when hiring for a sustainable agriculture Project Officer?
Employers seek candidates with proven experience in agricultural development projects, strong community engagement skills, and a solid understanding of local agricultural practices and challenges. Highlighting your ability to work collaboratively, adapt to diverse environments, and commitment to sustainable development goals will be beneficial.