Public Relations & Communications Officer
Suva, Fiji
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Public Relations & Communications Officer
Host Organisation
Habitat for Humanity Fiji
Duration of Assignment
12 months
Start Date
28 Oct 2014
Pre-departure Briefing Date
10-12 Sep
AVI Assignment Code
10533085
Australian Partner Organisation
Habitat for Humanity Australia is a non-funding DR
partner through the HFH Pacific Task Force
Host Organisation Overview
Habitat for Humanity Fiji (HFHF) has been active in Fiji since 1991 and is a national office of
Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) which was established in 1976. HFHI now does
work all over the world providing simple, decent and affordable housing to address global
poverty issues.
HFHF’s mission is seeking to put god’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people
together to build homes, communities and hope. The objective of Habitat is to contribute to a
world where everyone has a decent place to live by reducing the poverty deficit of Fiji.
The assistance from HFHF is targeted at poor and vulnerable families and communities
throughout Fiji. This is across both Viti Levu and Vanua Levu in rural and urban areas.
Assignment Overview
The position is critical to the success of the next 5 year strategic plan and therefore the
sustainability and growth of the organisation. The position needs established experience in all
facets of PR, marketing and fundraising. HFHF is restricted by funding when it comes to
highly skilled candidates and as a result there are many gaps at the management level that
ultimately affect strategic capability. This is a management level, capacity building position.
While this position may be filled locally, HFHF cannot afford to hire someone with the skills to
meet the need.
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Assignment Objectives
1) Plan, develop and implement HFHF’s overall communications and resource
development strategy.
2) Build the PR/Marketing Capacity of key HFHF staff
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, Volunteers complete a work
plan in the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the
type of work that may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:

Execute of all internal and external communications including advertising media,
public relations and marketing materials such as product brochures, annual report,
newsletters, press releases etc.

Develop and implement an annual Communications Plan including goals, timetables
and budgets

Mentor HFHF staff to build capacity in PR and Marketing

Planning, content development and delivery of HFHF’s digital communications,
including website and social media and oversee content production

Build HFHF’s media profile, including the development of key advocacy platforms.
This will involve working with the National Director and key staff as appropriate and
building relationships with key media contacts

Initiate and manage events for brand awareness and fundraising

Proactively identify funding opportunities

Work with the National Director and Management Team on brand development and
market research

Work with external suppliers for creative concepts
Assignment Information
Line Manager
National Director
Hours & Days of employment
From 8 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum
of 40 hours per week
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Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However,
as a minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 weeks leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
The volunteer will be expected to travel within Fiji
Language skill and level required
Willingness to learn local language
Language support
Basic language classes in Fijian and Hindi will be covered during orientation. If further
language classes are needed, volunteers can access a language grant of up to AUD400.
Living as a Volunteer
Independent since 1970, Fiji is an archipelago of 332 volcanic islands in the southwest Pacific
Ocean. About 110 of Fiji’s islands are inhabited, the largest being Viti Levu (10,642 km2) and
Vanua Levu (5,807 km2).
Fiji is one of the most developed of the Pacific island economies, although it remains a
developing country with a large subsistence agriculture sector. Fiji’s well developed, although
fragile economy relies upon tourism, remittances from overseas workers, and subsistence
agriculture. Current socio-economic challenges include governance, mitigation of racial
tension, and on-going development.
In December 2006 Fiji's military commander, Commodore Frank Bainimarama deposed Prime
Minister Qarase. It was the country's fourth coup since 1987. Since then, the country is
governed by an interim government appointed by the military with an election confirmed for
September 2014. The ongoing political issues do not affect the day to day living of ordinary
Fijians,
Suva is Fiji's political and administrative capital and home to almost half of the country's
population. It's also the largest city in the South Pacific and has become an important regional
centre; students from the Pacific region and a growing expat community make up a significant
chunk of the population. As with most cities, crime and poverty are factors to be aware of and
around half of Suva's inhabitants are crowded into settlements on land that has no title.
On a less serious but equally grey note, clouds tend to hover over Suva and frequently dump
rain on the city (around 300mm each year).
There is no shortage of food and a variety of local fruits and vegetable, fish and local
delicacies in the local market. Suva also hosts the only American outlet in the country with a
range of American products and ground coffee and coffee beans, as well as a newly opened
Italian bakery and a French bakery as well.
There are three private hospitals in Suva and the main public hospital is also located in Suva
with a range of private doctors and dental facilities available.
Being the main business centre for the country and possibly the Pacific Region, Suva hosts a
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large expat community. There are also a number of volunteers from different countries that
work in Suva and tend to form a network amongst them. Social events including weekend get
always to islands and local villages and an annual cross country hike are part of the activities
organised throughout the year by many of these groups. The friendliness of the locals also
makes it easier to be involved with the local communities.
The cyclone season for Fiji is from November to April. Flooding of low lying areas during
periods of heavy rain is common and the occasional Tsunami warning for Fiji has been more
predominant for the past 3 years. For this reason, volunteers are required to seek
accommodation that is 10m or higher during their assignment.
Water on most of Fiji is relatively safe to drink. Electricity is generated through Hydro power
and is mostly constant on Viti Levu, however outer islands rely on diesel generators thus have
intermittent electricity supply throughout the day.
Health facilities are readily available and accessible in Fiji. Although the facilities may not be
as modern as facilities in Australia, the local health workers are able to treat and diagnose
illnesses relatively well. AVI has contact details for a local expat doctor that is on hand for a
second opinion for volunteers or arrange admittance to any of the local public or private
hospitals.
Taxis and local buses form the main mode of transport and is relatively cheap for day to day
travel. Second hand cars are available and are more costly than in Australia. There are also
car rentals from F$50 per day.
Communication is relatively easy and reliable in Fiji, with about 4 service providers for internet
and at least 3 for mobile services with compatible prices.
Other Requirements
Selection Criteria
Please click here for more details about preparing your application.
Please click here to learn more about the personal competencies required to be a Volunteer.
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal
circumstances due to security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location.
These could include:
•
Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the AVID program
may face issues in applying for and being issued with a visa
First–Aid Competency
Apply First Aid Certificate (HLTFA 311A) or equivalent course dated within 3 years of the start
date of the assignment
Qualifications
•
Relevant tertiary, professional or technical qualifications and/or certification
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Essential Skills & Experience

Demonstrated experience in marketing, communications, research and writing

A strong track record of positioning an organisation to achieve tangible outcomes in a
competitive communications environment

Proven expertise in social media and the digital arena

Proven fundraising experience

Excellent writing, editing, presentation skills including proposal writing

Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through
formal and/or informal training and coaching

Previous experience in consulting with stakeholders and facilitating the work of others
to achieve an agreed outcome
Desirable Skills & Experience

Previous NGO experience

Previous experience in capacity development
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed
periodically and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to
the allowance level.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 850.00 per month
AUD 650.00 per month
The host organisation will be contributing
FJD160.00 to this standard allowance which
is equivalent to approximately AUD92.00
Housing
AVI in country staff will assist the volunteer in locating reasonable housing in the different
locations. The accommodation allowance provide by AVI is sufficient for a 1 bedroom secure
and comfortable housing with basic furnishings with sharing as an option for bigger premises.
Recently, accommodation in Suva is becoming increasingly expensive therefore volunteers
may need to move further out of the city to find affordable housing.
Other Allowances & Support
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All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
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Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
In-country Orientation on arrival
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
Visa expenses
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
Return airfare to country of assignment
Psychological and medical advice and support services
Re-entry Support services
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
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