Legal Drafting Consultant

Work on a global humanitarian program contributing to saving lives and alleviating suffering.

Contribute to a world where people, communities and the planet thrive.

Tetra Tech International Development is a leading development consulting firm working with government, businesses, and NGOs to solve complex development challenges in the Indo-Pacific region. For more information please visit our website .

The opportunity

• Based in Fiji
• Open to national and international candidates
• Full-time for 12 months

Australia Assists

Australia Assists is an Australian Government program that deploys skilled humanitarian specialists to support multilateral agencies, governments, civil society and communities to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters and conflict. Australia Assists’ Goal is to: Save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and in the aftermath of conflict, disasters and other humanitarian crises, and strengthen preparedness for the occurrence of such situations. The program’s Objective is: Targeted deployment of humanitarian expertise that meets the priorities and needs of Australia's multilateral, bilateral and civil society partners and advances Australia's international humanitarian priorities.

Role Overview

The Legal Drafting Consultant will support Fiji’s National Disaster Risk Management Office (NDRMO) in strengthening disaster risk governance. Embedded in the Policy Team, the consultant will draft regulations to implement the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2024 and promote its provisions to stakeholders. The role emphasises multi-hazard, multi-agency, and inclusive approaches in laws and policies while supporting the development of a people-centered Multi-Hazard Early Warning System (MHEWS). Additionally, the consultant will advance locally led, inclusive humanitarian action. Reporting to the NDRMO Director, the role focuses on sustainable governance outcomes by building institutional capacity and enhancing disaster resilience frameworks.

Key responsibilities

• Draft regulations under the 2024 National Disaster Risk Management Act, including humanitarian aid controls, disaster volunteer registries, and subnational DRM coordination.
• Finalise and revise key DRM policies, aligning them with the 2024 Act and adopting comprehensive emergency management approaches.
• Support the development of Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS) and related project proposals.
• Incorporate GEDSI and climate change principles into policies, programs, and training initiatives.
• Strengthen subnational DRM frameworks, governance for volunteers, and locally led disaster response.
• Provide technical support, training, and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainability of DRM initiatives.
• Collaborate with national and international partners, facilitating consultations and workshops to socialise DRM initiatives.

Selection criteria

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in legal and policy work is required, including advanced legal qualifications (Master’s or higher), proven expertise in drafting laws and policies, and substantial experience in Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
• In-depth knowledge of DRM/DRR theory, policy, and practice; expertise in policy development, communication, and stakeholder coordination; resilience in challenging environments; mentoring and capacity-building abilities.
• Deep understanding of public sector governance, Fiji’s cultural practices, and gender, disability, and diversity considerations; proven experience in consultative processes, stakeholder engagement, and capacity development.
• High-level verbal and written communication, influencing, and negotiating abilities; ability to build rapport and partnerships across diverse cultures and sectors.
• Strong planning, problem-solving, and deliverable-focused abilities, particularly in resource-constrained settings; proactive and self-managing approach.
• Extensive experience in DRM/DRR policy development, community-based disaster risk management (CBDRM), climate change, resilience, and localisation, ideally within the Pacific or similar contexts.

For a complete position description please click here and use password: TetraTech2025

How to apply

Please submit your application by clicking "Apply for job" at the top of this page. Applications will only be accepted via the Tetra Tech International Development Website. Emailed applications will be disregarded.

A completed application includes:

• Resume
• Statement of suitability (not to exceed two pages), demonstrating how your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and personal attributes align with the selection criteria

Apply before 11:59pm (AEDT) Sunday 2 February 2025.