Program Officer Advocacy & Influence

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Job Description

The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is a regional peak body on disability, provides leadership as well as supports national organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), donor and development partners as well as civil society and the private sector in the pursuit to ensure that persons with disabilities live in an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society in Pacific Island countries and territories.

The Program Officer – Advocacy & Influence supports the implementation of Pacific Disability Forum's advocacy, policy influence and disability rights initiatives across the Pacific region. The role contributes to strengthening the voice and representation of Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs), promoting implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), and advancing disability-inclusive policies and practices. The position works closely with member OPDs, government agencies, development partners and regional stakeholders to coordinate advocacy campaigns, monitor policy developments, gather evidence, and support informed decision-making that advances the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities throughout the Pacific. This role ensures that advocacy efforts are evidence-based, strategically coordinated and aligned with PDF's organisational priorities and commitments

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Advocacy and Campaign Coordination
Support the planning, implementation and monitoring of regional and national advocacy campaigns. Coordinate campaign activities, stakeholder consultations and awareness initiatives. Prepare advocacy materials, briefing notes, position papers and communication products. Monitor progress against advocacy objectives and maintain records of campaign outcomes.
2. Policy Research and Analysis
Monitor regional, national and international disability policy developments. Conduct research and gather evidence to support advocacy priorities. Analyse policy trends and identify opportunities to influence decision-making processes. Contribute to policy submissions, reports and recommendations.
3. CRPD Monitoring and Accountability
Support monitoring of CRPD implementation across member countries. Coordinate collection and analysis of information related to disability rights commitments. Maintain records on progress, challenges and emerging issues affecting persons with disabilities. Assist in preparing reports and accountability mechanisms that promote compliance with international obligations.
4. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships
Develop and maintain positive working relationships with OPDs, governments, civil society organisations and development partners. Coordinate stakeholder meetings, consultations and engagement activities. Maintain stakeholder databases and engagement records. Facilitate the sharing of information and good practices across networks.
5. Knowledge Management and Reporting
Consolidate evidence, case studies and programme data to support advocacy initiatives. Maintain accurate records, filing systems and programme documentation. Prepare timely progress reports, meeting records and activity updates. Support organisational learning through documentation of advocacy achievements and lessons learned.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Customer
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Organisational Values	Display the organisation's image and value standards.
Social and Cultural Awareness	Respond respectfully and effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds.
People
Self-Management	Manage your priorities and objectives efficiently and effectively

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Law, public policy, management, planning, research, disability studies, community development, human rights or another relevant discipline.	Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal qualifications.
2. At least 3 years' experience in advocacy, policy, programme coordination or stakeholder engagement.
3. Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including civil society, government and development partners.
4. Experience in report writing, research and project administration.
5. Understanding of disability rights and the CRPD.
6. Knowledge of the Pacific development context and issues affecting persons with disabilities.
7. Understanding of inclusive development, accessibility and safeguarding principles.
8. Strong written communication, analytical and organisational skills.

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Senior Manager Influence, Advocacy & Enablement; colleagues across all three strategic priorities; CEO and Board through approved channels
Chief Executive Officer
Programme Officers
Communications and Membership staff
External
Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
Government Ministries
Regional regulators and governments

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Integrity	Adherence to moral and ethical principles; soundness of moral character; honesty.
Interpersonal Styles
Extrovert	Outgoing and showing interest in events going on around them, particularly people, new experiences and changing situations.
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Thinking Styles
Concrete thinker	Focuses on the tangible experiences of actual things or events.
Disciplined/Systematic	Is controlled in conduct, shows an orderly pattern of behaviour, following a methodical and thorough approach.
Holistic thinker	Considers issues/situations as a whole rather than analysing or dissecting the parts.

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