Director – Fisheries Development Division

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is an intergovernmental organisation working to strengthen national capacity and regional solidarity so Pacific island countries can manage, control, and develop their valuable tuna fisheries now and into the future.

Based in Honiara, Solomon Islands, FFA’s 17 member nations are Australia, Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, New Zealand, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

Since 1979, FFA has facilitated regional cooperation so that all Pacific countries benefit from the sustainable use of tuna – which currently contributes around USD $1 billion per annum to Pacific economies through access revenue and contribution to GDP, and is important for many people’s livelihoods in the Pacific.

About the Opportunity

The Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) is looking for a full-time Director – Fisheries Development Division based in Honiara, Solomon Islands .

This appointment is made on a three-year term and may be renewable for a further three years subject to availability of funds, ongoing need for the position and performance.

This executive leadership position is responsible for leading and supervising the work of the Fisheries Development Division in delivering on the FFA Strategic Plan and Annual Work Programme and Budget.

More specifically, your responsibilities include but are not limited to :

• Leading and supervising the Fisheries Development Division in alignment with the Strategic Plan and Work Programme
• Providing advice and support to FFA members in the development of their offshore fisheries, including fishery planning, economic analysis, market access and investment facilitation
• Overseeing the implementation and management of donor-funded projects, including from the EU and World Bank, in collaboration with other Divisions and organisations
• Providing advice and reports to the Executive, Forum Fisheries Committee, and where appropriate, other regional and international bodies on tuna fisheries development matters

About You

To be considered for this position you will have tertiary qualifications in Fisheries, Economics, Resource Management or a related field , along with a minimum of 7 years of senior executive leadership experience at the national level in public service, regional or international organisations, or equivalent private sector, with at least 10 years operational experience in fisheries development, economics, investment, or commercial fishing operations.

The following skills and background will be highly valued :

• Experience working in the Pacific region and / or within Intergovernmental Organisations (IGOs) or similar institutions
• Proven ability to develop high-level economic policies and provide strategic advice, analysis and reporting to a broad range of stakeholders
• Ability to deliver high-level strategic direction and promote positive reform across the region
• Strong advocacy, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills with donors, FFC and member delegations

As our ideal candidate, you are an innovative and influential leader who thrives in multicultural and technical environments. You will bring high-level political and strategic acumen, and a deep understanding of fisheries and regional development priorities.

Please Note : Previous experience living and / or working in a remote or international location will be highly regarded.

About the Benefits

This position offers a competitive, tax-free salary of USD $133,660 p.a. , inclusive of location and Cost-of-Living Differential Allowances (COLDA). The base salary is equivalent to SDR72,523 (USD $97,237), subject to exchange rates. Appointments are typically made at 85% of the salary grade, with potential for higher offers based on qualifications and experience.

You'll also benefit from :

• Superannuation at 7.5% , paid into your nominated fund or as a cash supplement
• Full reimbursement of medical, dental, and optical expenses for you and dependents
• Comprehensive insurance including life, personal accident, medical, and repatriation cover
• Education allowance covering 75% of tuition fees for dependent children (conditions apply)
• Paid school travel for dependents educated overseas
• Accommodation assistance in Honiara
• Relocation expenses and an establishment grant on arrival
• Annual return airfares to your home country
• Retention bonus of 21% of base salary , paid at end of the 3-year contract
• 6 weeks annual leave per year

If you are ready to immerse yourself in an intergovernmental organisation this is the opportunity for you! - Apply Now!

Applications close 10 : 30pm Solomon Islands Time, Friday 28 November 2025.