JOB DESCRIPTION

Position title:

Pacific Small Islands Developing State (PSIDS) Coordinator

Reports to:

Project Manager – WWF-Fiji, providing administrative management oversight

Permanent Secretary – Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, providing technical guidance and oversight

Supervises:

None

Level:

Professional Level 2 (P2)

Date:

March, 2026

1 BACKGROUND

About WWF-Pacific

WWF-Pacific’s Pacific Pathway 2030 Strategic Plan sets a bold course toward a People and Nature Positive Pacific, where communities and ecosystems thrive together. Operating across Fiji, Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, and the wider Pacific region, WWF-Pacific advances locally led conservation, climate resilience, blue-green economies and resource management to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and growing environmental pressures.

Grounded in Indigenous knowledge and community-led conservation, WWF-Pacific works with partners to deliver nature-based solutions, strengthen community governance, and promote inclusive blue-green economies. By 2030, all Pacific peoples and nations are empowered, climate resilient and prosperous, with nature thriving and visibly and measurably recovering - a People and Nature Positive Pacific.

The Strengthening Pacific Leadership in Ocean‑Climate Diplomacy project funded by Oceans 5 is designed to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment—particularly its Oceans Division—by providing strategic and technical support to the Permanent Secretary in his role as Co‑Facilitator of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue. Central to this effort is the recruitment of additional key roles within the Ministry, ensuring sustained institutional capacity to deliver high‑quality analysis, coordination, and advocacy that amplifies Pacific priorities in global climate negotiations.

2 MAJOR FUNCTIONS

This position provides high-level legal, policy, and technical support to the Permanent Secretary in his capacity as Chair of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Grouping for Multilateral Environmental Agreements. The Advisor supports Fiji’s leadership in advancing coordinated PSIDS positions across international environmental processes.

3 MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The position responsibilities are as follows:

• Develop strategic policy advice and high-quality briefing materials for the PSIDS Chair across processes including the UNFCCC, UN General Assembly, UN Ocean Conference, CBD, and other relevant fora.
• Coordinate engagement among PSIDS members to strengthen common positions and collective advocacy.
• Monitor international negotiations and provide timely analysis on emerging issues affecting PSIDS.
• Support formulation of PSIDS statements, submissions, and official communications.
• Represent the PSIDS Chair in technical and coordination meetings as delegated.
• Oversee knowledge management systems to disseminate information effectively among PSIDS members.
• Ensure alignment between PSIDS responsibilities and Fiji’s national priorities and foreign policy objectives.
• Contribute to corporate planning, budgeting, and reporting functions of the Ministry.

4 PROFILE

Required Qualifications

A master’s degree in international law, Environmental Policy, Marine Affairs, or Climate Change. Including:

• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in international negotiations or policy advisory roles within a government, regional, or international organization.
• Demonstrated expertise and in-depth knowledge of climate change and ocean governance, covering the economic, social, and environmental dimensions.
• Extensive experience with UNFCCC processes and a sound understanding of other multilateral frameworks, including the CBD and UN General Assembly processes related to oceans and environment.
• Experience working with or within Small Island Developing States (SIDS) settings is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience liaising with stakeholders from different organisations and backgrounds to meet varying priorities and needs.
• Sound knowledge of Fijian Government legislation, policies, and procedures, as well as Pacific regional architecture.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent negotiation, drafting, and analytical skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and impactful policy documents and briefings.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and mentoring skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated ability to represent Fiji and the PSIDS Chair at senior technical and political levels with professionalism and diplomatic acumen.
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills, with a proven ability to foster collaboration and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to identify complex issues, analyze implications, and negotiate successful outcomes.
• Experience working effectively in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural, and cross-sector teams.
• Capacity to utilize computer programs to support daily operations and knowledge management.
• Service-oriented approach, with a strong commitment to supporting the strategic and corporate environment of the organization.
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.

5 WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal

Ministry executive leadership – Direct support and advisory role

Senior officials within Ministry of Environment and Climate Change – coordination on policy and technical inputs.

Technical Divisions – evidence for positions

Communications – preparing briefs, statements, speeches.

External

PSIDS Member States – regular consultation and coordination to build consensus amongst parties.

Regional Organizations – technical and policy collaboration

UN Agencies – Technical and financial support

Civil Society and NGOs – ensuring inclusivity and amplifying Pacific voices.

This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organisational needs.