careers

The Pacific Islands Forum

The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is an Employer of Choice in the region, aiming to recruit and employ staff based on merit and organisational needs. The Secretariat’s employment selection upholds its values and commitment to Forum membership, gender balance, and building a diverse and inclusive organisation. The Secretariat is also committed to achieving gender balance and being fully representative of its Member countries. Our workforce is currently over 50% female, and we have representatives from 12 of the 18 Forum member countries. 

To achieve greater workforce representation from our member countries the Secretariat strongly encourage applicants from the following countries to apply: Federated States of Micronesia, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, and Palau.

The Opportunity

The Director Governance & Engagement is a member of the PIFS Senior Management Team. The position provides leadership, strategic direction, and management of staff assigned to related Strategic Goals and Key Results, particularly relating to political and political governance issues as well as engagement with international, regional, and multilateral stakeholders and civil society organisations. The position also provides high quality strategic advice to the Executive and Senior Management Team.

Directors are responsible for the delivery of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat’s Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Directors also provide close support and advice to the Executive (Secretary General and Deputy Secretaries General) to enable them to focus more on their strategic and outward focused roles. Directors will also deputise as required,. The key responsibilities are summarised as:

• Team performance & leadership;
• Executive and Senior Management support;
• Manage relations & partnerships; and
• Continuous improvement.

Applicants should have an advanced University degree (Master’s degree or higher) in law, political science, international studies, or similar. Applicants will need to have had at least ten years practical experience in a senior management position in a regional or international arena. Furthermore, applicants should have a demonstrated ability to provide high quality advice at the highest levels and proven leadership and management skills.

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 15/Executive level of the Secretariat’s salary scale, starting at SDR 71,073 equivalent to FJD 214,464.

Note: Amounts are based on 1 January 2025 foreign exchange rate, but the final salary will be dependent on foreign exchange rates at the time of payment.

How to apply

Interested applicants can find out more information on the Forum Secretariat’s website: www.forumsec.org where an information package containing the full responsibilities, selection criteria, and remuneration details is available. Candidates must include in either their application or Curriculum Vitae the full contact details of three referees. For non-Fijian nationals, this salary may be tax-free. To be eligible for this position, the applicant must be a national of a Forum member country*. Applicants must be willing to travel periodically via economy class.

Deadline for applications is at 5pm (Fiji time), 07 February 2025.

*Member States of the Pacific Islands Forum: Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, French Polynesia, Kiribati, Nauru, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.