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 SPIRIT – Trade Adviser – Melanesia to join the team and based in Port Villa, Vanuatu. SPIRIT is the Strengthening Pacific Intra-Regional and International Trade Project that will be implemented by PIFS and aligns to the Pacific Regional Integration Support (PRISE) programme. SPIRIT seeks to boost and increase intra-regional and international trade through strengthening of institutional and human capacity of African, Caribbean and Pacific ACP countries (PACP). Reporting to the Team Leader - SPIRIT, the position will be responsible for advancing, coordinating and implementing the Project’s work programme and activities in the Melanesian sub-region.
To facilitate the above, the incumbent will be responsible for:
The Secretariat seeks a strategic and proficient individual with an advanced degree (Master’s level or equivalent) in Trade, economics, finance, development, public policy, or related field with demonstrated understanding and at least 7 years’ experience in the public sector preferably in Trade and/or economic development in Small Islands Developing States, preferably in the Pacific region and ACP. Candidates must possess demonstrated experience with relevant project management preferably EU funded projects, working knowledge of Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and associated rules, procedures, requirements, EDF 11 priorities, including other regional trade agreements such as PICTA and MSG Trade Agreement
The appointment carries a competitive remuneration and benefits package including medical and life insurance. The starting salary will be in the range of SDR 36,640 to SDR 42,297 per annum. At the 1 August 2021 exchange rate this salary range was equivalent to FJD108,146 to FJD124,844. To be eligible for this position, applicants must be nationals of Forum member countries* and/or citizens of European Union or Organisation of ACP States. Applicants must be willing to travel periodically via economy class.
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), 17 September 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.