Economic Development and Policy Advisor - Volunteer Position - Onsite in Fiji • Pacific Islands - 12 months
Peace Corps
United States
Posted on Mar 31, 2026
About The Project
Do you know what it takes to launch and maintain a small business? Fiji is looking for your skills.
Fiji is a lower middle-income country whose economy is largely supported by tourism and agriculture. The government is interested in fostering economic growth opportunities and more jobs through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). There are approximately a thousand MSME businesses in Fijian communities, but the government does not have the capacity to develop the necessary policy documentation to engage community buy-in and strengthen small businesses. Other challenges facing MSMEs include incomplete form submissions, extensive travel required to submit forms, English as a second language, lack of an existing bank account, and no organized committee structure. The mismanagement of operations or an insufficient supply of goods will result in business failure.
As the Economic Development and Policy Advisor, you will support the development of effective MSMEs to diversify and boost the local economy. Your daily support will help local business owners navigate challenges and strengthen English language skills. Alongside local government workers, you will strengthen economic policies and improve aid coordination.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Conduct research and data analysis on trade, the development of MSMEs, as well as social, economic, and development issues.
Assist in drafting policy papers, briefing notes, and cabinet submissions.
Monitor and evaluate existing policies, offering recommendations.
Provide administrative and logistical support for policy workshops and meetings.
Identify opportunities to improve aid coordination.
Foster positive working relationships with non-government organizations.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a youth entrepreneurial club and grant funding training.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
Key dates
APPLY BY : June 15, 2026
KNOW BY : August 1, 2026
DEPART ON : January 13, 2027
DURATION : 12 months
Do you know what it takes to launch and maintain a small business? Fiji is looking for your skills.
Fiji is a lower middle-income country whose economy is largely supported by tourism and agriculture. The government is interested in fostering economic growth opportunities and more jobs through micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). There are approximately a thousand MSME businesses in Fijian communities, but the government does not have the capacity to develop the necessary policy documentation to engage community buy-in and strengthen small businesses. Other challenges facing MSMEs include incomplete form submissions, extensive travel required to submit forms, English as a second language, lack of an existing bank account, and no organized committee structure. The mismanagement of operations or an insufficient supply of goods will result in business failure.
As the Economic Development and Policy Advisor, you will support the development of effective MSMEs to diversify and boost the local economy. Your daily support will help local business owners navigate challenges and strengthen English language skills. Alongside local government workers, you will strengthen economic policies and improve aid coordination.
Activities
How you and the community will make an impact together:
Conduct research and data analysis on trade, the development of MSMEs, as well as social, economic, and development issues.
Assist in drafting policy papers, briefing notes, and cabinet submissions.
Monitor and evaluate existing policies, offering recommendations.
Provide administrative and logistical support for policy workshops and meetings.
Identify opportunities to improve aid coordination.
Foster positive working relationships with non-government organizations.
You may also work on additional projects that meet the community’s interests and priorities, such as a youth entrepreneurial club and grant funding training.
Required Skills
Competitive candidates will have one or more of the following criteria:
- Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Business, Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, or Business Education. Formal training in entrepreneurship.
- Experience working in a start up or social enterprise, or running a small business
- Experience developing business plans
- Strategic and analytical thinking skills
- Experience facilitating adult training
Key dates
APPLY BY : June 15, 2026
KNOW BY : August 1, 2026
DEPART ON : January 13, 2027
DURATION : 12 months