Regional Programme Officer, Blue Planet Fund (Maternity Cover)

About the role

The British High Commission in Suva is recruiting a Higher Executive Officer (HEO) to act as the overall lead for the UK government on oceans policy and programmes across the Pacific under the Blue Planet Fund (BPF). The role leads day-to-day oversight, engagement, delivery and coordination of BPF projects, advises British High Commissions across the Pacific on oceans issues and collaborates with governments, NGOs, the private sector and UK departments. It is a fixed-term maternity cover post of about 6.5 months, starting 28 December 2026, paid FJD 5,531.05 per month.

Key responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day relationships with BPF delivery partners and recipient governments, ensuring joined-up delivery with other donors
• Coordinate Defra and FCDO BPF activities in the Pacific, including marine protected areas, and harmonise programming with other donors and multilaterals
• Advise UK BPF teams and report regularly to UK teams and regional Boards
• Support communication activities in the region and advise High Commission staff across Oceania on BPF matters
• Lead on policy and sustainable ocean management: draft briefings, reports and presentations, represent the UK at meetings and take part in self-development
• Support the Pacific Climate, Nature and Energy team's work, including ministerial visits, COP preparations and regional oceans events

Required profile

• Degree qualification or equivalent experience
• Experience building networks with government officials, delivery partners and local and community groups
• Understanding of marine environment, biodiversity conservation, fisheries management and marine pollution
• Ability to work independently and manage workload to tight, changing timescales
• Desirable: project management training, public-sector or bilateral/multilateral programme experience, knowledge of the region, event organisation experience

Required skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
• International development, political and policy skills
• Ability to analyse complex information and make effective decisions