Expression of Interest: GEDSI and Cross-cutting Consultants - Fiji Program Support Platform and Programs
Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP) The Fiji Program Support Platform is looking to establish a pool of technical advisers to draw upon to deliver timely, high-quality technical assistance for short term assignments. Seeking expression of interest from suitably qualified applicants with experience in Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Cross-cutting advisory roles supporting policy development, institutional reform and program implementation, preferrable in international development. Open to International and National applicants International candidates may be engaged for remote work, or may be required to travel to Fiji for short periods of time. Please submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter detailing how you meet the selection criteria. Please also include your daily rate and availability to travel. FPSP Overview: The Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP, or the ‘Platform’) is a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment that contributes to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan. The Platform supports DFAT to deliver key bilateral programs in sectors such as health, education, Australia Awards scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities identify and address climate risks, and promote climate action and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. Sector Programs Overview and Opportunities Immediate and pipeline opportunities exist within the FPSP GEDSI and Governance Programs, which are detailed further below. As other opportunities emerge, applications with potentially aligning skills and experience will be drawn upon and screened as required. GEDSI Program Overview The objective of the GEDSI Program is: To work together under the Vuvale Partnership to advance Fiji’s commitments on gender equality, disability equity and social inclusion. The Program supports the Government of Fiji in advancing national development priorities and strengthening the integration of GEDSI across policies, programs, and budgets. Under the GEDSI Program, GEDSI technical advisers will support ministries accessing the GEDSI Flexible Fund and other ministry-led reforms requiring GEDSI technical assistance. Upcoming opportunities, include: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change (MECC): institutionalizing GEDSI in climate/environment frameworks through gap analysis, roadmap development, capacity building, including Gender Responsive Planning and Budget (GRPB), and post-training technical advisory support. Ministry of Land and Mineral Resources (MLMR): strengthening internal systems through internal GEDSI audit, GEDSI & HR policy finalisation, GEDSI strategy/action plan, and monitoring framework/dashboard development. Australia-Fiji Governance Partnership Program Overview The Australia Fiji Governance Partnership (AFGP) is a four-year (2025-2029) Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)-funded initiative that partners with the Government of Fiji (GoF) with the aim of promoting more effective, accountable, and inclusive governance, economic and institutional reform in Fiji. AFGP reflects the shared and interrelated policy interests of Australia and Fiji and has three strategic pillars: civil service reform (CSR), economic governance and democratic norms and values. The partnership is a continuation of the Fiji-Australia Institutional Partnerships Program (IPP) which ended in September 2025. AFGP is anchored in engaged partnerships and is governed by a Joint Steering Committee (JSC) that comprises DFAT and GoF representatives. In addition, the partnership hosts a bi-annual partnership forum that brings together AFGP’s multilateral, civil society, and government partners. Technical assistance and funding are delivered through AFGP’s two core funding modalities: the Performance and Innovation Fund and the Community Engagement Fund that are accessible to AFGP government and civil society partners, respectively. AFGP is implemented and managed by the Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP). A current opportunity exists to support as a core member of the Australia–Fiji Governance Partnership (AFGP) providing senior technical leadership and strategic advice to drive implementation of the AFGP GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan, including high-quality GEDSI analysis, planning and integration across the partnership portfolio. Inputs will be approximately 2 days per week over and initial 6 month term with possible extension. Selection Criteria: Experience in one or more of the following workstreams: GEDSI Diagnostics / Institutional Assessments: GEDSI gap analyses, audits, organisational diagnostics, stakeholder consultation processes and reporting. Development of GEDSI Focused Policy or mainstream GEDSI within Policies, Strategy, Planning and Budgeting (incl. GRPB): Development of GEDSI Policy and or mainstreaming GEDSI within Policies and strategies/action plans; GEDSI integration roadmaps; gender-responsive planning and budgeting support Capacity Building and Organisational Culture Change: Training design/delivery in GEDSI, inclusion/accessibility, bias, safeguarding; coaching and mentoring; Gender responsive budget planning; change management support (i.e. targeted capacity building; culture change). Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL): GEDSI MEL frameworks, indicators, tools, dashboards/scorecards, annual audit methods. Implementation / Embedded or Post-Training Advisory: Short-term embedded advisory support or post-training technical support to apply learning in real-time planning and proposal cycles. Quality assurance and review: GEDSI and cross-cutting-related input to reports and knowledge products, such as annual work plans, progress reports, pecialised papers, dashboards, briefs and strategic communications content. Safeguarding: implementation of, or review and technical input into Safeguarding policies, risk management processes and response mechanisms Localisation: design, lead, and/or advise on localisation or locally-led development initiatives, preferably within the Pacific or a similar context.
Qualifications
Relevant tertiary qualification in gender/women’s studies, law, development studies, social work, public policy or a related field Other criteria 7 to 10+ years working in advisory roles, policy development, institutional reform, or program implementation, including demonstrated experience in the Pacific region, preferably with international development or government. Comprehensive understanding of navigating political sensitivities and power dynamics to shift development practice towards local leadership. Ability to build and manage strategic relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across government, civil society and private sector. Ability to independently work and be accountable for quality and timeliness of relevant deliverables and outputs. Strong communication skills. Excellent writing skills (developing individual workplans and progress updates, as well as developing and/or providing written inputs into program-related documents and products). Screening and Contracting Modality As opportunities become available, consultants will be identified from the pool of applicants, and will undergo screening as necessary, including Interview or screening call with relevant program team Due diligence checks (reference checks and online checks) Police record check Once cleared, Consultants will be engaged on a multi-year umbrella contract (outlining key overarching terms of the engagement) and allocated Tasking Notes for specific time-bound inputs as per program requirements. The contract will allow flexibility of engagement across multiple programs and assignments based on the Consultants availability (and suitability for assignments).
How to Apply
To express interest, please apply online by submitting a cover letter specifying which how your experience meets the selection criteria outlined above and a comprehensive, up to date CV. Please advise of your daily rate if you have a standing rate in place and availability to travel. For questions and clarifications, please email: [email protected] Please note that applications received via email will not be processed. #LI-AUSBRIT #LI-JR1 Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Global is regularly ranked as one of the top global research firms and one of the international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries. Apply To This Job