The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is a regional peak body on disability, provides leadership as well as supports national organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), donor and development partners as well as civil society and the private sector in the pursuit to ensure that persons with disabilities live in an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society in Pacific Island countries and territories.
Lead PDF programmes and member services in partnership with Pacific (OPDs), supporting members to strengthen their governance, leadership, systems, technical capacity, access to funding, and ability to determine and deliver their own priorities. Oversee the implementation of the PDF Strategy, ensuring alignment with the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), the Refreshed Pacific Framework for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (PFRPD), and PDF’s Pacific Disability Inclusive Resilience Development Strategy 2025-2035, including the development and implementation of the Gender Strategy. Provide accessible, inclusive, accountable and OPD-led programme quality and implementation support, including through the buddy system and Fiscal Sponsor arrangements to support OPDs in the implementation and management of Core Fund and Programme Fund activities. Coordinate technical and operational support across the Secretariat in a manner that respects OPD autonomy and the principle of “Nothing About Us Without Us”, while working closely with Finance and Corporate Services to ensure effective planning, financial management, compliance, reporting and overall programme delivery.
Job Summary
- Employer: Pacific Disability Forum
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Suva, Fiji
- Category: Program Management
- Closing Date: 2026-10-25
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a regional member engagement and accompaniment framework informed by OPD priorities and diverse member needs.
- Oversee organisational assessments and tailored support for governance, strategic planning, policies, leadership, compliance, succession and monitoring and learning.
- Coordinate advisors and regional coordinators so support reaches smaller, remote and underrepresented OPDs.
- Respect OPD autonomy and ensure PDF support strengthens member leadership rather than substituting for it.
- Set program plans, budgets, delivery milestones and accountabilities with OPDs and implementation partners.
- Oversee implementation in humanitarian resilience, climate action, inclusive development and other approved focus areas.
- Support regional coordinators and program officers with technical guidance, issue resolution and quality assurance.
- Review implementation risks, delays, safeguarding matters and budget variances, escalating material issues promptly.
- Guide OPDs on funding readiness, proposal development, project management, compliance and reporting.
- Lead program funding concepts and proposals with the CEO and Finance and Corporate Services.
- Coordinate core funding, fiscal sponsorship or co-implementation support where approved.
- Ensure funding commitments and OPD support arrangements reflect realistic capacity and fiduciary controls.
- Coordinate specialist advice to PDF and OPDs on implementation of the CRPD, includingy, reasonable accommodation, independent living and inclusion in the community, pre-conditions for inclusion, gender equality, inclusive climate humanitarian action and other member priorities.
- Support OPDs to lead evidence-based advocacy, contribute to laws and policies, monitor CRPD implementation and prepare independent reports to CRPD and other human rights mechanisms.
- Contribute to the organisation wide advocacy strategy with the Influence, Advocacy and Enablement unit.
- Represent PDF in approved member, government and partner forums while prioritising the meaningful participation and leadership of persons with disabilities through their representative organisations, and connect members to accessible opportunities.
- Ensure project and OPD support data are collected, disaggregated where appropriate, protected and shared with the MEAL function under agreed protocols, with informed consent, confidentiality and respect for the privacy and dignity of persons with disabilities.
- Review results, lessons and feedback with members and adapt program design accordingly.
- Contribute accurate program results, financial explanations and risk information to CEO, Board and donor reports.
- Coordinate with Finance and Corporate Services on procurement, budgets, safeguarding, travel and contract controls.
- Set work priorities, coach direct reports and conduct performance and development reviews.
- Manage workloads and promote an accessible and inclusive workplace, including timely provision of reasonable accommodation, accessible information and communication, and support for staff wellbeing.
- Clarify responsibilities with member OPDs, consultants and partner organisations.
- Model One PDF values and promote locally led, culturally grounded, gender-responsive and rights-based practice that recognises the diversity of persons with disabilities and addresses multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination.
Requirements
- Relevant tertiary qualification in development, public policy, disability studies, social sciences, management or a related field, or equivalent senior experience.
- Substantial experience managing multi-country or regional programs and budgets, preferably with OPDs or rights based civil society organisations
- Demonstrated experience partnering with OPDs and applyingor rights- based, participatory and locally led approaches to program design, implementation, monitoring and learning
- Strong working knowledge of the CRPD, including its general principles and obligations relating to equality and non-discrimination, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, participation, legal capacity, independent living and inclusion in the community, and of the Pacific disability movement and locally led development.
- Ability to lead diverse specialists and work respectfully across Pacific cultures and languages.
- Ability and willingness to work across Pacific countries and time zones, including regional travel where approved and required apply PDF safeguarding, accessibility, reasonable accommodation, privacy, financial and conduct requirements; and support the meaningful participation and leadership of women and girls with disabilities, young persons with disabilities, persons , in remote and rural areas, and people from underrepresented disability groups
- Training in program management, monitoring and evaluation, safeguarding or organisational development.
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: app.hrmonise.com
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 certifications are typically required for a Senior Manager Programs & Member Services role in Fiji?
Most employers in Fiji expect a bachelor's degree in development studies, social sciences, or business administration, with a master's degree preferred for senior roles. Relevant certifications in project management (such as PMP or PRINCE2) and disability inclusion training are highly valued. Experience working with regional or international NGOs, particularly in the Pacific context, significantly strengthens your application.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of this role?
You will oversee program implementation across multiple Pacific countries, manage relationships with member organisations, and coordinate with donors and partners. Daily tasks include strategic planning, budget monitoring, team supervision, and reporting on disability-inclusive development outcomes. Regular travel within Fiji and the Pacific region is often required for stakeholder engagement and field visits.
How does local work culture in Fiji influence expectations for this senior management position?
Fijian workplaces emphasise respectful communication, relationship-building, and consensus-driven decision making, so patience and cultural sensitivity are essential. Senior managers are expected to demonstrate strong community ties and understand iTaukei and Indo-Fijian cultural protocols when engaging diverse stakeholders. Flexibility with time and hierarchical respect for elders and leaders remain important, even in international NGO settings.
What career progression opportunities exist after this role in Fiji's development sector?
Successful senior managers often advance to Director or Executive Director positions within regional NGOs or international organisations based in Suva. Some transition into advisory roles with multilateral agencies like UNDP or UNICEF, or move into government policy positions. Building a strong regional network and specialised expertise in disability rights can open doors to consultancy and technical advisory work across the Pacific.
What employment benefits are standard for senior management roles in Fiji-based NGOs?
Most established NGOs provide medical insurance coverage, annual leave of 15–21 days, and some form of retirement savings contribution. Housing allowances, professional development funds, and relocation support are sometimes offered for senior regional roles. Always clarify whether benefits extend to dependents and whether they cover overseas medical evacuation, which is critical in Fiji's context.
What do employers in Fiji typically look for when reviewing applications for this type of role?
Employers prioritise demonstrated experience managing multi-country programs and budgets, with strong preference for candidates who have worked in Pacific Island contexts. They seek evidence of successful stakeholder engagement, grant writing skills, and commitment to disability rights or social inclusion. A well-structured CV highlighting measurable achievements, plus a tailored cover letter showing knowledge of local development challenges, significantly improves your chances.