Strategic Adviser, Inclusive Systems & Structures - Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) Program
Abt GlobalFiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)
- Short Term Adviser: January 2026 – June 2026 (up to 30 days in the term)
- Suva, Fiji and remote
Platform Overview:
FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan.
The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs.
The Platform has three functional Outcomes:
- The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.
- The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies
- The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.
Program Overview:
The objective of the GEDSI Program is: To work together under the Vuvale Partnership to advance Fiji’s commitments on gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion.
The GEDSI Program aims to achieve this by realising two complementary End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
- EOPO 1: Select ministries are mainstreaming GEDSI in policy, programs and budgets; and
- EOPO 2: Strengthened service delivery and public education for the prevention of violence against women and girls.
The GEDSI Program will be situated within the Platform’s governance and management arrangements, communications protocols, and approaches to monitoring, evaluation and learning. The Platform’s core personnel include the “Cross-Cutting Priorities Hub”, which comprises of technical staffing to support the Platform’s effective integration of GEDSI and climate change. The Cross-Cutting Priorities Hub team will oversee the implementation, day-to-day management and operations of the GEDSI Program.
Position Summary:
The Strategic Adviser is tasked to;
- To assess the current disability sector in Fiji, including governance structure and arrangement, service provision, data systems for learning and reporting purposes, and stakeholder coordination.
- To identify gaps, overlaps, and inefficiencies in the current framework of coordination, reporting and learning.
- To provide actionable recommendations for strengthening disability inclusion, equity, and rights and policy implementation.
Background
The Fiji National Policy on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2023–2033) outlines the Government of Fiji’s commitment to promoting the rights, inclusion, and empowerment of persons with disabilities. To support effective implementation, a comprehensive diagnostic review of existing disability systems and structures is required. This review will identify strengths, gaps, and opportunities for reform across institutional, policy, service delivery, and coordination mechanisms.
Key Responsibilities:
Under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Protection (MWCSP) Permanent Secretary, and with the daily support from the Principal Welfare Officer from MWCSP, the Adviser is expected to undertake the following tasks:
Desk Review & Development of Work Plan and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
- Conduct a desk review of the Fiji National Disability Policy and related strategic documents
- Development of methodology and workplan for delivering the Diagnostic Report
Stakeholders Mapping and Consultation Summary
- Engage and consult with stakeholders including OPDs (Organisations of Persons with Disabilities), government agencies, and development partners
Draft Diagnostic Report
- Analyse institutional arrangements, funding mechanisms, and service delivery pathways.
- Assess data collection and monitoring systems related to disability.
- Prepare a draft comprehensive diagnostic report with findings and recommendations.
Finalise the Diagnostic Report
- Facilitate validation workshops with stakeholders
- Deliver a final Diagnostic document with implementation guidelines to MWCSP and other relevant agencies.
Key Deliverables:
- Inception Report – outlining methodology, work plan, and stakeholder engagement strategy
- Stakeholder Mapping and Consultation Summary
- Draft Diagnostic Report
- Final Diagnostic Report – with recommendation and presentation MWCSP, Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), and other relevant agencies
Key Working Relationships:
Reporting to
- While the Adviser reports directly to the MWCSP Permanent Secretary, day-to-day oversight and collaboration will be provided by the Principal Welfare Officer from MWCSP.
- Indirect report to FPSP Cross Cutting Priorities Lead
Other
- Fiji NCPD, OPDs and disability service providers, including the Pacific Disability Forum
- Other teams with MWCSP
- SPC HRSD and other multilateral agencies, such as WHO
- DFAT
- Other partners
Selection Criteria:
Qualifications
- Advanced degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Policy, Disability studies. Development Studies, Public Administration or related field
- Minimum 7 years of experience in MEL design, disability policy, systems analysis, or inclusive development.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience working with government and civil society in the Pacific region
- Strong understanding of human rights-based and participatory MEL approaches
- Excellent facilitation, strong analytical, communication, and report writing skills
- Familiarity with Fiji’s disability landscape and policy environment is an asset
How to Apply:
Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the selection criteria for this role and an up-to-date comprehensive CV.
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