Regional Expert - Pacific Digital Economy Programme Evaluation - Fiji

Closing: Sun, 31 Aug 2025 23:59:59 +0000

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Bodhi Global Analysis is a UK-based international development research consultancy firm with subsidiaries in Nairobi and Singapore. We specialise in conducting rigorous evaluations and research to enable development stakeholders to achieve more effective outcomes through evidence-based insights. We are committed to delivering high-quality analysis that drives meaningful change in development programming.


About the Assignment

We are seeking an experienced Regional Expert to join our evaluation team for a comprehensive final evaluation of a major Pacific Digital Economy Programme. This programme operates across eleven Pacific Island countries, addressing market constraints and narrowing the digital divide to create inclusive digital economies. The evaluation will assess programme effectiveness, impact, and sustainability in promoting digital financial inclusion for rural communities, women, MSMEs, and labour mobility workers across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia.


This position requires extensive regional travel and deep cultural competency across Pacific Island contexts.


Key Tasks and Responsibilities:

  • Supporting the evaluation team in understanding and navigating Pacific Island cultural contexts, institutional frameworks, and stakeholder landscapes
  • Facilitating stakeholder engagement and coordination with government officials, central banks, private sector partners, and community representatives across multiple Pacific nations
  • Contributing regional expertise to the design and contextualisation of data collection tools, ensuring cultural appropriateness and relevance
  • Conducting key informant interviews with national and regional stakeholders, including policymakers, regulators, financial service providers, and development partners
  • Supporting focus group discussions with programme beneficiaries, ensuring culturally appropriate facilitation techniques
  • Providing critical insights on Pacific-specific digital economy challenges, opportunities, and market dynamics
  • Analysing regional policy frameworks, regulatory environments, and institutional capacities related to digital financial inclusion
  • Contributing to the assessment of programme interventions across four key workstreams: enabling policy environments, open digital finance ecosystems, inclusive innovation, and customer empowerment
  • Supporting data collection during country visits to Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, with potential remote engagement for other programme countries
  • Ensuring evaluation findings accurately reflect Pacific Island contexts, challenges, and opportunities
  • Contributing to case study development highlighting regional successes and lessons learned
  • Providing translation and interpretation support where necessary for local language requirements


Person Specification


Qualifications and Experience:

  • Advanced degree in Economics, Development Studies, Finance, Public Policy, Information Technology, Business Administration, or related field relevant to digital economy and financial inclusion
  • Minimum 7 years of professional experience working in Pacific Island Countries on development programmes, with deep understanding of regional dynamics
  • Demonstrated expertise in digital financial services, financial inclusion, or digital economy development in small island developing states
  • Strong experience engaging with Pacific regional bodies such as Pacific Islands Forum Secretariat, central banks, and regional development organisations
  • Proven track record working with diverse Pacific stakeholders including government agencies, private sector entities, civil society organisations, and community groups
  • Essential: Pacific Islander nationality or long-term residency demonstrating deep cultural competency and regional networks
  • Thorough understanding of Pacific Island regulatory environments, policy frameworks, and institutional structures
  • Experience with mobile money operators, fintech companies, or digital payment systems in Pacific contexts is highly desirable
  • Knowledge of labour mobility schemes and remittance flows within the Pacific region is an advantage
  • Experience with gender equality and social inclusion approaches in Pacific Island contexts


Core Competencies:

  • Cultural Competency: Exceptional understanding of Pacific Island cultures, customs, and protocols with ability to navigate diverse cultural contexts across Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia with respect and sensitivity
  • Regional Networks: Established relationships with key stakeholders across Pacific Island countries, including government officials, private sector leaders, and community representatives
  • Language Skills: Fluency in English is essential; proficiency in Pacific languages such as Fijian, Samoan, Tongan, or Bislama is highly advantageous
  • Digital Economy Expertise: Deep understanding of digital transformation challenges and opportunities specific to small island developing states, including connectivity constraints, market size limitations, and regulatory considerations
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Proven ability to facilitate meaningful engagement with diverse stakeholder groups, from senior government officials to rural community members
  • Analytical Capability: Strong analytical skills to assess complex market systems, policy environments, and programme interventions within Pacific contexts
  • Gender and Inclusion: Demonstrated commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion, and Leave No One Behind principles in Pacific development contexts
  • Adaptability: Ability to work effectively in challenging field conditions, adapt to changing circumstances, and navigate complex institutional environments
  • Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to present complex findings to diverse audiences


Duration and Location

The consultancy period is approximately 25-30 days between October 2025 and March 2026, including participation in country visits to selected Pacific Island nations. The role requires availability for field missions to Fiji, Samoa, and Kiribati, with potential remote engagement for other programme countries. Travel is anticipated during December 2025 and January 2026.


The consultant must have unrestricted right to work and travel within Pacific Island countries.


Application Requirements

Applications should include a detailed CV highlighting relevant Pacific experience, a cover letter demonstrating deep understanding of Pacific digital economy contexts and stakeholder networks, and examples of previous evaluation or research work conducted in the Pacific region.

Shortlisted candidates will be required to demonstrate their regional expertise and stakeholder engagement capabilities during the selection process.


Questions may be directed to jobs@bodhiglobalanalysis.com
 

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications on a rolling basis.
 

Bodhi Global Analysis values the unique perspectives and expertise that Pacific Islanders bring to regional development work. We strongly encourage applications from qualified Pacific Island nationals and are committed to ensuring meaningful Pacific leadership in this evaluation. We particularly welcome applications from women and persons with disabilities. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religious beliefs, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, socioeconomic background, or disability.


Apply here