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 has undergone an organisational restructure, with a view to achieving greater consistency across the organisation in the way workforce capability is developed, and capability gaps are identified and addressed. As such, the organisation has produced a highly professional workforce that is capable of creating and delivering high quality outcomes for the people of its member countries.
The policy work of the Secretariat is divided into three broad areas - Policy, Governance & Engagement, Programmes & Initiatives - depicting the different stages of the regional public policy cycle.
The Governance & Engagement team is tasked with building strong and meaningful relationships with PIF Members and external stakeholders, and to understand their interests, as a means to advocate for, and advance the collective values and priorities of the PIF as one Blue Pacific continent
The Policy team’s focus is on developing quality high-level policy advice to member governments in consultation with members and CROP and international partners on a broad portfolio of issues, including social, economic and security related matters.
The Programmes & Initiatives team is focused on driving for outcomes of programmes and activities, including oversight of various development partner funded projects and programmes, that would contribute directly to the achievement of the prioritised KRAs from the Forum Leaders’ decisions as well as those from other Forum ministerial meetings.
An exciting opportunity exists for a Pacific Trade Invest (PTI) Trade Commissioner (Europe). This position is based in the PIF-WTO Geneva Office and will expand PTI’s reach into Europe in support of trade through the Economic Partnership Agreement. The role of PTI Trade Commissioner (Europe) is focused on the international promotion and support of exporters in FICs and will be required to work closely with the PIF Geneva Office under the leadership of the Permanent Representative to ensure the FIC private sector perspectives are well represented. The position is responsible to the Director of Programmes & Initiatives to advance the responsibilities of the PTI Europe Office.
Responsibilities will include (but not limited to):
Applicants should have a University degree in economics, commerce, business or marketing with 8 years of relevant work experience dealing with private sector enterprises in Forum Island Countries (qualifications in export promotion and facilitation would be an advantage). In lieu of a University degree at least 12 years of relevant work experience in the trade and investment promotion field would be accepted. Knowledge of Europe private sector would be desirable.
The appointment will carry a competitive remuneration and benefits package including medical and life insurance, housing and education for dependent children. The starting salary will be in the range of SDR50,490 to SDR58,285 per annum. Using the June exchange rates this salary was equivalent FJD153,262 to FJD178,078. A cost of living adjustment will be added to this salary. For non-Europe nationals, this salary may be tax-free. Any travel required will be at economy class. To be eligible for this position, the applicant must be a national of a Forum member country*.
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), 11 September 2020.
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.