careers

The Pacific Islands Forum

The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) is an Employer of Choice in the region, aiming to recruit and employ staff based on merit and organisational needs. The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) ensures that its employment selection process upholds its values and commitment to Forum membership, gender balance, and building a diverse and inclusive organisation. We are committed to achieving gender balance and being fully representative of its Member countries*. Currently, the Secretariat’s workforce is made up of personnel representing 15 of the 18 Forum member countries.

The Opportunity: Permanent (Forum) Representative to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and United Nations (UN) in Geneva

Suitably experienced and qualified individuals are encouraged to apply for the position of Permanent Representative of PIF to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), based in Geneva, Switzerland. The position is under the overall direction of the Director of Programmes and Initiatives at the PIF. The work of the PIF – Geneva Office and that of the Permanent Representative will be guided by the following objectives:

• Represent the interests of Forum Members at the WTO and UN as and when mandated by Forum Leaders through the PIF.
• Manage the Permanent Delegation of the PIF to the WTO and UN in Geneva in an efficient and responsive manner, including management of budgets, monitoring and reporting requirements, and supervision of staff in line with the agreed Work Programme according to the PIF requirements.
• Manage a team to support Ministerial attendance at WTO and UN meetings in Geneva, provide training, and manage and facilitate the work attachment of rotating representatives at the Permanent Delegation; and
• Provide high-quality technical advice and assistance to stakeholders in matters relating to WTO and relevant UN Issues.

While the PIF-Geneva Office has predominantly focused on supporting PIF Member Countries at the WTO, it has recently become accredited to the UN in Geneva. It is envisaged that over time the role of Permanent Representative will encompass greater engagement at the UN in Geneva on behalf of the PIF, contingent on the availability of resources and the priorities of Forum Leaders.

The position of the Permanent Representative will be for an initial three-year term. To be considered eligible applicants must be nationals of PIF countries who are WTO members: Australia, Fiji, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, and Vanuatu. Applicants must have an advanced degree (preferably Master’s level or equivalent) in Development Economics, International Trade, or Business Administration. Applicants must also have at least ten years of relevant work experience at a senior level in areas such as trade negotiations, policy development and international representation, including through leading delegations at the WTO, UN, and other international fora on behalf of Forum Members.

Applicants must also have extensive management and leadership to produce high-quality outcomes and managing teams of 3- 15 staff to deliver representational and policy outcomes. Extensive experience engaging with Government Officials and Ministers in direct reporting, liaison, and coordination roles, would be a considerable advantage.

About the Benefits

The position carries a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package including medical and life insurance; education and housing allowance. The position is placed at Band 13 of our scale with a starting base salary range from SDR 52,492 to 59,054 (equivalent to CHF 42,187 to 47,457) per annum. In addition, the successful candidate will receive a cost- of-living differential allowance, ranging from SDR36,219 to 40,747 (equivalent to CHF 39,017 to 43,894). Amounts are based on 1 May 2026 foreign exchange rate, but the final salary will be dependent on foreign exchange rates at the time of payment.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through our website: www.forumsec.org where an information package containing the position description and full remuneration details is available. Candidates must include in either their application or Curriculum Vitae the full contact details of three referees.

The Forum Secretariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The deadline for applications is 28 August 2026, 5pm (Fiji Time).