The Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (Forum Secretariat) is the region’s premier political and economic policy organisation, with a vision of helping to create a region of peace, harmony, security, social inclusion and prosperity, so that all Pacific people can lead free, healthy, and productive lives.
The international organisation works to achieve this vision by fostering cooperation between governments, collaboration with international agencies, and by representing the interests of its members - including directly engaging with community members in order to identify pressing needs of the region.
The work of the Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat (PIFS) is guided by the Framework for Pacific Regionalism (FPR) as:
The expression of a common sense of identity and purpose, leading progressively to the sharing of institutions, resources, and markets, with the purpose of complimenting national efforts, overcoming common constraints, and embracing sustainable and inclusive development within Pacific countries and territories and for the Pacific region as a whole.
The FPR is underpinned by the Blue Pacific narrative, endorsed by Forum Leaders in Samoa in 2017, which calls for a long-term regional commitment to act as one “Blue Continent” as the means to achieve its development aspirations. The Leaders vision was that it would serve as the platform to reinforce and inspire the region in its shared stewardship of the Pacific Ocean, and to reaffirm the connections of Pacific peoples with their natural resources, environment, culture and livelihoods.
The Forum Secretariat is looking for a Legal Officer to join the team in Suva. The position reports to the Director Governance & Engagement through the International Legal Adviser (ILA) and will work closely with the Governance & Engagement Team to advance the responsibilities of the unit. To facilitate the above, the incumbent will be responsible for:
The Secretariat seeks a strategic and proficient individual with a Law degree (preferably postgraduate level or LLM) from a recognised institution with a minimum of five (5) years of experience in the field of law. Possess demonstrated experience and knowledge in the legal systems of Forum Members and an awareness of regional and international legal issues relevant to the role of the Forum Secretariat.
The appointment carries a competitive remuneration and benefits package including medical and life insurance. The starting salary is at SDR 30,412 per annum. At 1 June 2021 exchange rate this salary was equivalent to FJD89,211. 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 state*.
Click here to view the information package for the job description and remuneration details. Applicants must be willing to travel periodically via economy class.
Candidates must include in either their application or Curriculum Vitae the full contact details of three referees. Deadline for applications is at 5pm (Fiji time), 6 August 2021.
The Forum Secretariat is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
*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.