Job Information
Abt Global Inc. Coordinator, Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) Systems Strengthening - Australia Fiji Education Program in Suva, Fiji
Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP)
Locally Engaged Personnel – June 2025 - June 2026
To maintain specialist expertise within the Ministry of Education, applications from existing MoE staff would only be considered if they have written approval from the Permanent Secretary
Suva, Fiji
Program 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.
The Platform implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji.
The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sector programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted populations including those who are often marginalised.
AFEP Overview:
The Australian Government is supporting Fiji’s education sector through the Australia Fiji Education Program (AFEP, the Program) working with the Ministry of Education (MoE).
The objective of the AFEP is “to work with the Government of Fiji under the Vuvale Partnership to catalyse quality education delivery for all Fijian children”.
The changes expected by the end of the five-year program are:
EOPO 1: Schools, particularly trial schools, have improved student literacy and numeracy outcomes, supported by enabling policies, plans and data from the Ministry of Education.
EOPO 2: Heads of schools and teachers, supported by enabling policies and data from the Ministry of Education, provide a safe, resilient and inclusive learning environment for all students, particularly in trial schools.
Four intermediate outcomes will provide pathways to meet these end of program outcomes in priority areas, like implementation of the revised literacy and numeracy curriculum in primary and secondary schools, professional development interventions, analysis and improvement of the Fiji Education Management Information System (FEMIS), as well as GEDSI and student wellbeing.
The funding for the program is approximately AUD45 million over 9 years (5 years, with an option to extend for a further 4 years) and delivered through a range of activities to achieve the program’s objectives. Implementation modalities include technical advice, procurement of technical services and goods, minor works and infrastructure upgrades, capacity building and training support, support to Ministry led initiatives and innovations, and grants to civil society organisations (CSOs).
Position Summary:
The Coordinator, Special and Inclusive Education (SIE) Systems Strengthening (or the ‘Coordinator’) will work closely with the Education Program’s SIE Team and MoE counterparts to support and progress implementation of the program’s activities to support the operationalisation of MoE’s Special and Inclusive Education Policy.
The role will be situated primarily at MoE and will require frequent field trips to schools and district education offices outside Suva. As with all Australian Government aid, cross cutting priorities of gender equality, child protection, climate change and disaster resilience will be integrated across all programs.
Key Responsibilities:
Support program efforts to work with MoE to implement the Special and Inclusive Education policy, in line with the agree implementation plan, and with a focus on systems strengthening for children with disabilities.
Design and lead the provision of professional development for District Officers, Teachers and Heads of Schools in special and inclusive education approaches and tools that relate to improvement of learning outcomes. These include the identification of students with disabilities using FEMIS Student Learning Profiles, verification of children with disabilities, use of the SIEG to support learning, and the use of Individual Education Plans.
Support continuous improvement of disability identification processes, and the collection, analysis and use of disability data within FEMIS.
Provide technical advice and professional development to District Officers, Teachers and Heads of Schools in special and inclusive education approaches and tools that relate to identification of children with disabilities through FEMIS.
In collaboration with MoE, develop relationships with Ministries of Health and Women, Children and Social Protection, and civil society organisations, to promote access to specialist support services.
Support MoE and schools to develop transition pathways for students with disabilities.
Support efforts to improve knowledge, ownership and confidence in disability inclusion across the Facility’s education team.
Support activities related to monitoring, evaluation, research, representation in governance or other committees, and timely reporting of disability inclusion work across the program.
Work with the Monitoring and Evaluation Team and Communications Coordinator to collect, document, and share disability-related efforts, achievements and lessons learnt.
Provide analysis and advice to the Education Team concerning any changes in the local operating environment and impact on the Education Program.
Undertake any other tasks relevant to the Program as required.
Other tasks relevant to the Program as required.
Key Deliverables:
Improved use of the Student Learning Profile, verification processes and Special and Inclusive Education Grant by schools to promote student learning outcomes, particularly for students with disabilities.
Increased numbers of verifications of students with disabilities in FEMIS by teachers, Heads of School, and District Officers.
Increased access and more effective use of the Special and Inclusive Education Grant (SIEG) by schools.
Key Working Relationships:
Reporting to:
- Senior Specialist, Special and Inclusive Education
Other:
Senior Education Officer SIE within MoE, and the Special and Inclusive Education Specialists
Relevant MEHA counterpart staff
Selection Criteria:
Qualifications
- Postgraduate degree in education or social sciences (Master degree or equivalent, or a relevant undergraduate university degree in combination with applicable experience).
Experience
Proven experience in implementing practical and effective disability inclusion approaches.
Experience in the development of training manuals, communication materials and reports.
Experience in a range of professional development approaches, including coaching, mentoring and training, and demonstrated ability to break down and communicate complex concepts simply with a range of stakeholders in multi-cultural settings.
Experience in the education sector in Fiji.
Experience working collaboratively with people with disabilities.
Experience in early childhood education is desirable.
Knowledge
Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to disability inclusive education, including demonstrated understanding of factors which impact attendance and achievement by students with disabilities.
Understanding of, and commitment to approaches which ensure gender equality and social inclusion.
Personal Attributes:
Ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of people, including MEHA, schools and disabled people’s organisations.
Budget management and work planning skills.
Ability to think analytically and systematically.
Ability to work independently in a flexible and diverse team environment.
Ability to work collaboratively and respond flexibly to changed circumstances and priorities.
Excellent communication and writing skills (oral and written) and fluent in English.
How to apply:
Applications close on Tuesday 20 May 2025 6:00 pm
Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.
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