Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)

Long Term Personnel - commencing Mid August 2025 to 31 December 2027 Based in Suva, Fiji

FPSP Overview:

FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute 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 will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. 

The Platform has three functional Outcomes:  

The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.  The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies.  The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management.

AAS Overview:

Australia Awards are prestigious scholarships offered by the Australian Government that aim to contribute to the long-term development needs of partner countries. Australia Awards are offered to Fiji citizens for study in Australia or Pacific-based institutions in the form of long-term scholarships and/or short courses or informal workshops. Through study and research, recipients develop the skills and knowledge to drive change and help build enduring people-to-people links with Australia. 

Position Summary: 

The Alumni and Professional Development Support Officer plays a critical role in strengthening the impact and visibility of the Australia Awards Fiji (AAF) program. The position supports the implementation of alumni engagement initiatives and professional development activities, including short courses and informal training.

The Officer will be responsible for the administration of the alumni management system, managing the alumni small grants program, and contributing to improved communication, data management, and program monitoring. The role will also provide logistical and operational support for the delivery of short courses and other training activities.

The position will also support, when needed, the implementation of the long-term scholarship cycle and associated activities.

This position is essential in supporting Australia’s public diplomacy and development objectives by ensuring that alumni are actively engaged and equipped to contribute to Fiji’s development priorities. 

Key Responsibilities:

Stakeholder Engagement

Develop and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including alumni, short-term training and short course participants, DFAT, Government of Fiji counterparts, registered training organisations, and organisations of persons with disabilities. Provide timely and accurate information to stakeholders in line with DFAT’s policies and AAF program procedures. Positively represent the AAF program in relevant meetings and stakeholder consultations.

Alumni Engagement

Support the Alumni and Professional Development Coordinator in the implementation of the Fiji Alumni Engagement Strategy, including annual work planning, outreach, events, and communications. Oversee the alumni management system, ensuring the integrity, regular updating, and use of alumni data across all award modalities. Manage the alumni small grants program including promotion, selection and ongoing monitoring.  Support the activities of the Alumni Advisory Board, including secretariat and logistical support. Coordinate and support the delivery of alumni networking events, thematic dialogues, and knowledge-sharing forums. Collaborate with the Platform Communications Team to identify and develop alumni impact stories for public diplomacy.  Promote GEDSI-sensitive engagement approaches, ensuring the active inclusion of women, persons with disabilities, and alumni from underrepresented regions or groups.

Professional Development and Short Course Support

Support the Alumni and Professional Development Coordinator in planning, implementation, and logistics for short courses and non-accredited professional development activities. Contribute to the procurement and contracting of training providers in consultation with the Program Manager and DFAT. Support the management of key mobilisation tasks for course participants, including documentation, visa assistance (where applicable), travel, accommodation and welfare support. Promote professional development opportunities and support application, eligibility, and selection processes.

GEDSI and Safeguarding

Ensure that alumni and professional development activities are inclusive and accessible, and that GEDSI is effectively mainstreamed throughout the program. Work with training providers and alumni to identify opportunities for GEDSI integration in program content and implementation. Uphold DFAT policies on child protection and prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment (PSEAH), and proactively report and manage any concerns in line with program procedures.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Reporting

Support the development and use of MEL tools to track progress and outcomes of alumni and professional development initiatives. Monitor alumni grant performance, conduct follow-up with grantees, and contribute to outcome documentation and reporting. Contribute to AAF's continuous improvement processes through feedback, data analysis, and learning dissemination. Support MEL activities including data entry and tracking in the alumni management system and contribute to broader reporting against AAF performance indicators.

Program Support and Operational Coordination

Work closely with the Alumni and Professional Development Coordinator and Program Manager to contribute to operational planning, forecasting, budgeting, and reporting. Support internal team processes such as annual work plan development, intake reviews, and alumni-related audits or data reviews. Participate in AAF team meetings and represent the team at Platform-wide events as required. Develop and maintain a reliable understanding of the Australia awards requirements and relevant DFAT policies i.e. Handbook/s (scholarship and short course), Online Australia Scholarships Information System (OASIS) manual, etc.  Provide general scholarship support including application support. This may also include attending roadshows or responding to applicant enquiries via phone, information centre and/or the generic email. Undertake other duties as directed by the Alumni ad Professional Development Coordinator and Program Manager to support efficient and effective delivery of the Australia Awards Fiji program.

Key Working Relationships:

Reporting to: 

Program Manager (AAF)

Working with: 

AAF Program Team  Platform Performance, Learning and Communications Hub AAF Alumni Short-term training and short course participants DFAT Government of Fiji counterparts Registered training organisations

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

Tertiary qualification in education, development studies, public administration, communication, or a related field. Qualifications or professional training in alumni relations, project coordination, or event management would be an advantage.

Experience

Relevant professional experience in program or event coordination, alumni relations, scholarships, or stakeholder engagement. Experience supporting program logistics, administration, and communication with diverse stakeholders. Experience supporting professional development programs, short courses, or training-related activities. Experience working within donor-funded programs or in collaboration with government, civil society, or educational institutions in Fiji.  Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and web-based systems is desirab

Knowledge 

Understanding of alumni engagement strategies, professional development approaches, and stakeholder management. Knowledge of GEDSI and safeguarding principles including child protection and PSEAH (Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment). Familiarity with DFAT policies and requirements desirable.

Personal Attributes 

Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to build and maintain productive relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Organised and detail-oriented, with a demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. Commitment to principles of inclusion, equity, transparency, and public diplomacy. Proactive, collaborative, and able to work effectively as part of a dynamic and culturally diverse team. Demonstrated integrity and adherence to high standards of professional conduct, including compliance with safeguarding, fraud control, and anticorruption practices.