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Vacancy: Chief Executive Officer

  • PSGDN
  • 1 day ago
  • 6 min read

POSITION DESCRIPTION


Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN)

Location: Suva, Fiji (office-based)

Contract: Fixed-term, three (3) years, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and performance

Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week

Salary : Competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with PSGDN Salary Scale – Category A

Reports To: PSGDN Regional Governance Board through the Board Chair

Closing Date: 30 June 2026


About PSGDN


The Pacific Sexual & Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) is the regional network of LGBTQI+ organisations and individuals in the Pacific. Registered in Fiji and headquartered in Suva, PSGDN has member affiliates across 14 Pacific countries and territories.


PSGDN’s mission is for Pacific Islanders of Diverse Sexual Orientations, Gender Identities, Gender Expressions, and Sex Characteristics (PIDSOGIESC+) to live healthy, safe, prosperous, and fulfilling lives in inclusive and just Pacific societies. During its 2025–2030 strategic period, PSGDN is undertaking a significant organisational transition moving from a direct programme implementer to a regional grant-making and capacity-strengthening organisation.


PSGDN is strengthening the systems, partnerships, and leadership needed to support National Member Organisations (NMOs) to lead communitydriven change throughout the Pacific region. This is a pivotal moment for the organisation, and PSGDN is seeking an exceptional leader to guide the next phase of organisational growth, transformation, and regional impact.


The Opportunity


The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is PSGDN’s most senior staff member and is responsible for the overall strategic, operational, and organisational leadership of the organisation under the direction of the PSGDN Regional Governance Board.


The CEO will lead a dedicated Secretariat and oversee implementation of PSGDN’s Strategic Plan 2025–2030, including establishing PSGDN’s regional grant-making mechanism, strengthening engagement with National Member Organisations, and ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the organisation.


This is a transformative leadership role requiring a strategic, values-driven, and visionary leader who can navigate complex regional environments while centring Pacific values and PIDSOGIESC+ communities in all aspects of PSGDN’s work. Success in this role will include strengthening organisational systems, operationalising regional grant-making mechanisms, deepening regional partnerships, enhancing accountability and governance systems, and building a sustainable, high-performing Secretariat.


Key Responsibilities


Strategic Leadership


  • Lead implementation of the PSGDN Strategic Plan 2025–2030, including PSGDN’s transition to a regional grant-making and capacity-strengthening model.

  • Provide strategic leadership and organisational direction aligned with PSGDN’s mission, values, and regional priorities.

  • Advise the Board on strategic opportunities, emerging risks, organisational performance, and regional developments.

  • Embed Pacific-led, decolonial, and culturally grounded approaches across all areas of PSGDN’s work.

  • Ensure organisational planning, monitoring, learning, and evaluation systems support evidence-based decision-making and impact.


Organisational Leadership and Management


  • Oversee the day-to-day management and operations of PSGDN.

  • Lead, supervise, mentor, and support Secretariat staff to deliver work to a high standard.

  • Foster a safe, inclusive, trauma-informed, and values-driven organisational culture.

  • Oversee staff wellbeing, professional development, performance management, and succession planning.

  • Ensure effective internal systems, operational policies, and organisational procedures are maintained and continuously strengthened.


Grant-Making and NMO Empowerment


  • Design, establish, and operationalise PSGDN’s regional grant-making mechanism, targeting full implementation by Year 3 of the Strategic Plan.

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with National Member Organisations and regional partners across the Pacific.

  • Oversee capacity-strengthening support for NMOs in areas including governance, organisational development, financial management, safeguarding, advocacy, and programme delivery.

  • Ensure PSGDN’s grant-making approaches are transparent, accountable, communitycentred, and aligned with donor requirements and Pacific realities.


Financial Stewardship and Resource Mobilisation


  • Ensure sound financial management, internal controls, donor compliance, and transparent reporting.

  • Develop and oversee annual organisational budgets and financial planning processes in collaboration with the Board and Finance, Audit & Risk Committee.

  • Lead donor engagement, partnership development, and implementation of PSGDN’s Resource Mobilisation Strategy to strengthen long-term organisational sustainability.

  • Diversify and strengthen PSGDN’s funding base through strategic partnerships, grant opportunities, and philanthropic engagement.

  • Report regularly to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee on financial performance, risks, and compliance matters. Governance, Risk, and Compliance

  • Support the effective functioning of the PSGDN Regional Governance Board and its Committees.

  • Ensure compliance with the Fiji Companies Act 2015, employment obligations, donor requirements, and other applicable legal and regulatory frameworks.

  • Maintain effective risk management, safeguarding, integrity, and accountability systems across the organisation.

  • Ensure timely reporting to the Board, donors, regulators, and relevant stakeholders.

  • Uphold high standards of ethics, transparency, confidentiality, and organisational integrity.


Advocacy and Representation


  • Serve as PSGDN’s principal spokesperson and representative at regional and international levels.

  • Advance LGBTQI+/PIDSOGIESC+ human rights advocacy in alignment with PSGDN’s mission and strategic priorities.

  • Strengthen partnerships with donors, UN agencies, Pacific regional bodies, civil society organisations, and development partners.

  • Provide leadership and oversight in external communications, media engagement, and crisis response where required.

  • Promote PSGDN’s visibility, influence, and regional leadership within Pacific and global advocacy spaces.


What We Are Looking For


Essential Qualifications and Experience Applicants should demonstrate the following:


  • A Master’s degree in a relevant field, or a Bachelor’s degree with 8–10 years of equivalent senior leadership work experience.

  • At least five (5) years’ experience in an executive or senior leadership role with responsibility for organisational management, staff leadership, financial oversight, and strategic delivery.

  • Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded programmes and meeting compliance and reporting requirements.

  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, reporting, forecasting, and resource mobilisation.

  • Demonstrated experience leading organisational change, strategy implementation, or institutional strengthening processes.

  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills across diverse Pacific cultural and political contexts.

  • Demonstrated ability to work effectively with governance boards, donors, partners, and community stakeholders.


Desirable Qualifications and Experience


  • Experience in grant-making, grant management, pooled funding, or operating as a regional intermediary funder.

  • Experience in human rights, gender equality, or LGBTQI+/PIDSOGIESC+ advocacy and programming.

  • Understanding of Pacific cultural contexts, Indigenous Pacific values, and the challenges facing PIDSOGIESC+ communities.

  • Experience in resource mobilisation, donor engagement, and diversified fundraising.

  • Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) frameworks and evidence-based programming.

  • Experience representing organisations in regional or international policy, advocacy, or diplomatic spaces.


Desirable Qualifications and Experience


  • Experience in grant-making, grant management, pooled funding, or operating as a regional intermediary funder.

  • Experience in human rights, gender equality, or LGBTQI+/PIDSOGIESC+ advocacy and programming.

  • Understanding of Pacific cultural contexts, Indigenous Pacific values, and the challenges facing PIDSOGIESC+ communities.

  • Experience in resource mobilisation, donor engagement, and diversified fundraising.

  • Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) frameworks and evidence-based programming.

  • Experience representing organisations in regional or international policy, advocacy, or diplomatic spaces.


Personal Attributes


  • Deep commitment to PSGDN’s mission, values, and community-centred approach.

  • Courage, integrity, sound judgement, and the ability to lead in complex and politically sensitive environments.

  • A collaborative, people-centred, and emotionally intelligent leadership style.

  • Ability to work effectively across Pacific cultural contexts with humility, diplomacy, and respect.

  • Strategic thinking, adaptability, and resilience under pressure.

  • Strong commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, accountability, and ethical leadership.


A note on identity and values


PSGDN strongly encourages applications from individuals who identify as PIDSOGIESC+ and/or who are Pacific Islanders. We are committed to building a Secretariat that reflects the communities we serve. PSGDN is an equal opportunity employer, and we do not discriminate on the basis of gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic.


Terms and Conditions


This is a full-time, fixed-term position based in Suva, Fiji.

Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, in accordance with PSGDN’s Staff Salary Scale – Category A. Leave entitlements, travel allowances, and other statutory benefits will be provided in accordance with PSGDN’s Human Resources Policy and Fiji employment legislation.


The appointment is subject to:


  • A six-month probation period;

  • Satisfactory police clearance;

  • Medical clearance; and

  • Compliance with PSGDN safeguarding, confidentiality, and conflict of interest policies. The role requires occasional regional and international travel. Due to current operational and funding limitations, PSGDN is only able to consider applicants who are currently based in Fiji or already possess the legal right to work in Fiji.


How to Apply Applications must include:


  • A current CV or résumé;

  • A cover letter (maximum two pages) addressing the key selection criteria; and

  • Contact details for three professional referees (referees will not be contacted without prior consent).


Applications should be submitted via email to: psgdnrecruitment@gmail.com


Closing Date: 30 June 2026


For all enquiries regarding the role, please contact the Chairperson of the Chairperson of the CEO Recruitment Committee at: psgdnrecruitment@gmail.com 


PSGDN is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome and celebrate diversity in our team.



 
 
 

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