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*. The Secretariat’s workforce is made up of personnel representing 15 of the 18 Forum member countries.

The Opportunity: Director Programmes & Initiatives

Applications are invited to fill this vacant international position at the Secretariat in Suva.

The Director of Programmes and Initiatives (DPI) leads the Secretariat’s Economics, Trade and Resilience portfolio, providing leadership, strategic direction, and management of over 30 staff in the effective and efficient delivery of the Strategic Goals and work programmes of the division. The Director also provides high quality strategic advice and insights to the Executive (Secretary General and Deputy Secretaries General) and Senior Management Team, as well as Forum Member States. The key responsibilities are summarised as:

• Team Performance & Leadership
• Senior Management Coordination
• Manage Relations and Partnerships
• Continuous Improvement
• Corporate Accountabilities

Applicants should have an advanced University degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, trade, international development, management, or similar fields, with at least ten years practical experience in a senior management position in a regional or international arena.

Applicants should also have demonstrated ability to provide high quality advice at the highest levels with proven experience in leadership experience and decision making in a systematic, rational and consistent way. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.

The Package

The position carries a competitive and attractive remuneration and benefits package including allowances for housing and education; and medical, accident and life insurance coverage. This position is based on Band 15 of the PIFS salary scale. The starting salary for the position is SDR 72,140 per annum, which is equivalent to FJD 224,037 based on 1 January 2025 foreign exchange rate.

How to apply

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply through the PIFS 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.

To be eligible for the position, applicants must be nationals of Forum member countries. The Forum Secretariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The deadline for applications is Friday 27 March 2026, 5pm (Fiji Time).

*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.