Program Officer Policy & Legal Research

---

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 – Policy & Legal Research provides technical support to advance disability-inclusive policies, legislation, and regulatory frameworks across the Pacific region. The role is responsible for conducting policy analysis, legal research, evidence gathering, and monitoring of national, regional, and international developments that impact the rights of persons with disabilities. Working closely with Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs), governments, development partners, and other stakeholders, the position contributes to strengthening advocacy efforts and promoting the implementation of disability rights commitments, including the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD).

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. Policy Research and Analysis
Conduct research and analysis on disability-related policies, legislation, regulations, and governance frameworks. Review existing national and regional policies to identify gaps, opportunities, and barriers affecting persons with disabilities. Develop policy briefs, discussion papers, technical reports, position statements, and recommendations to support advocacy initiatives. Monitor policy developments and emerging trends relevant to disability inclusion across the Pacific region.
2. Legal Research and Rights Monitoring
Undertake legal analysis on disability rights issues and assess alignment with international human rights instruments, particularly the UNCRPD. Support the review of laws and regulations affecting persons with disabilities. Maintain a repository of legal and policy resources to support organizational and member needs. Provide research-based evidence to strengthen policy and legal reform initiatives.
3. Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Support
Contribute technical information and evidence to disability advocacy campaigns and policy dialogue processes. Support consultations with DPOs, government agencies, regional bodies, and development partners. Prepare background papers, briefing notes, presentations, and meeting materials for policy engagements. Assist in coordinating stakeholder feedback and consultation processes.v
4. Knowledge Management and Reporting
Maintain accurate records of research findings, policy reviews, and legal assessments. Develop knowledge products that support awareness, advocacy, and capacity-building activities. Contribute to donor, program, and organizational reporting requirements. Disseminate research findings and good practices through various communication channels.
5. Program Support
Support implementation of policy and legal research activities within approved workplans and budgets. Assist with organizing workshops, consultations, policy dialogues, and regional forums. Collaborate with program teams to ensure policy and legal perspectives are integrated into program design and implementation. Perform other duties reasonably required to support organizational objectives.

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Risk Management	Analyse and manage risk.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Customer
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
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Compliance	Comply with relevant laws and the policies and procedures of the organisation.
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Laws	Bachelor's degree in Law, Public Policy, Political Science, International Development, Human Rights, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, legal research, advocacy, governance, or human rights-related work.
2. Strong understanding of disability rights and inclusive development principles.
3. Excellent research, analytical, and report-writing skills.
4. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement abilities.
5. Experience working with Disabled Persons Organizations, civil society organizations, regional institutions, or government agencie
6. Understanding of Pacific regional development and policy environments.

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
External
Donors
Consultants
Government
Member OPDs

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Achiever	Puts in effort to achieve a desired result or goal and is motivated by this end and the overall accomplishment.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Energetic	Constantly active and driven to put in effort. Works hard to promote an enterprise.
Interpersonal Styles
Extrovert	Outgoing and showing interest in events going on around them, particularly people, new experiences and changing situations.
Objective	Impartial and honest in dealings with others, eliminating own feelings and view to reach a balanced judgement.
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Holistic thinker	Considers issues/situations as a whole rather than analysing or dissecting the parts.
Well organised	Controls tasks in a well thought out and critical manner.

Apply Now