WWF Pacific Islands is seeking an Advisor – UNFCCC Ocean and Climate Dialogue. The position provides high-level legal, policy and technical advice to the Permanent Secretary in his capacity as Co-Facilitator of the UNFCCC Ocean and Climate Change Dialogue.

The role supports and advances Fiji’s leadership in integrating the ocean-climate nexus at national, regional and global levels, ensuring that Fiji’s interests are effectively represented and strategically advanced in multilateral fora.

This is a fixed-term contract position. It is open to Fiji nationals and those that have work rights in Fiji only.

Job responsibilities

• Lead the development of high-level policy analysis and technical advice on ocean-climate issues across the UNFCCC, UNCLOS, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and other relevant multilateral processes, including drafting negotiation strategies, policy briefs, talking points and official submissions.
• Provide strategic coordination and support to strengthen collaboration between Fiji and Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) on ocean-climate diplomacy, including preparing for, convening and following up on Dialogue sessions and related international events.
• Manage and deliver capacity development initiatives within the Oceans Unit to build sustainable institutional expertise in ocean-climate diplomacy, including organizing technical workshops and mentoring staff.
• Represent the Ministry in technical and coordination meetings as delegated and prepare speeches, statements and advocacy materials to elevate Fiji’s profile internationally.
• Conduct research and analysis to produce assessments and knowledge products on emerging ocean-climate issues and negotiation trends to inform national and regional strategy.
• Foster strategic collaboration with government ministries, development partners, regional organizations, NGOs and academic institutions to promote integrated programming and advance Fiji’s national interests.
• Ensure alignment of Fiji’s international ocean-climate engagements with national development priorities and contribute actively to the Ministry’s strategic and corporate planning processes.
• Contribute to corporate responsibilities including planning, budgeting, reporting, awareness outreach and human resource support where required.

Job requirements

Required Qualifications

Master’s degree in International Law, Environmental Policy, Marine Affairs or Climate Change, or equivalent professional experience, including:

• 7–10 years of professional experience in international negotiations or policy advisory roles.
• Demonstrated in-depth expertise in climate change and ocean governance.
• Experience with UNFCCC processes and other multilateral frameworks including UNCLOS and the CBD.
• Experience in policy analysis, drafting negotiation texts and developing advocacy materials.
• Experience working at national, regional and international levels on climate and ocean issues.
• Demonstrated experience working within or with Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
• Excellent negotiation, drafting and analytical skills with a demonstrated ability to exercise effective judgment and see the implications of policy changes.
• Demonstrated ability to be responsive to employer needs and possess a strong technical background in the ocean-climate nexus.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership, organizational and mentoring skills with the ability to identify issues and build consensus for successful outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, written and oral, with the ability to represent Fiji at senior technical and political levels.
• Strong analytical, data interpretation and computer skills.
• Strong communication and partnership-building skills, with experience working in multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural and/or cross-sector teams.
• Capacity to utilize computer programs to support daily operations and knowledge management.
• Service-oriented approach, with a commitment to supporting the operational and corporate environment of the Ministry.
• Embraces the WWF mission and values of the organisation: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration.