Job Description

Job DetailsJob Location: Suva, Fiji - FijiPosition Type: Full TimeFLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $70,000-$75,000/year
SUMMARY
American Councils is a premier, international nonprofit organization that strives to empower individuals and institutions to address challenges in an interconnected world. American Councils has designed and administered innovative programs that broaden individual perspectives, increase knowledge, and deepen understanding for almost 50 years across 130 countries.
American Councils implements the Uaiakinan ao Uarokoan Toronibwaia I-Kiribati Activity (the “UUTI Activity”), part of the MCC-Kiribati Threshold Program. The MCC-Kiribati Threshold Program is a partnership between the US Government’s Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Kiribati. Funded by the American people, the program supports economic opportunities for the people of Kiribati while advancing U.S. strategic priorities in the Indo-Pacific. The UUTI Activity provides youth skills camps and academic scholarships for I-Kiribati high school students. Through their experience abroad, I-Kiribati students receive language immersion and a cultural experience that builds self-confidence and work readiness in ways that are unique to student exchange programs. Students study for an academic year in the United States or attend an immersive 3 to 4 week camp in Fiji or the United States.
The Project Manager, based in Suva, Fiji, will manage and facilitate pre-departure orientations and re-entry workshops for participants traveling to the U.S. on a U.S. Camp or Academic Year program, as well as support student recruitment efforts and alumni programming in Kiribati. This position will lead stakeholder engagement with the U.S. Embassy and other local stakeholders, as well as supporting Fiji office administration.
This position requires travel to Kiribati multiple times per year and works in conjunction with staff in Washington, DC. The Project Manager reports to the Senior Project Manager in Washington, DC with support from the Technical Lead in Suva, Fiji.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Work jointly with MCC and other American Councils UUTI staff to develop and implement project strategies;
Travel to Kiribati for recruitment and programming at least three times per year:
Support the development of recruitment plans and outreach efforts
Actively participate in the recruitment, testing, and interviewing of I-Kiribati student applicants for all 3 project sub-activities;
Assist Kiribati staff with programming and meetings as required
Develop and implement multi-day Pre-Departure Orientations (PDOs) and facilitate visa interviews and processing for students traveling to U.S. for camps and academic year;
Work with U.S. Embassy to organize and manage visa interviews
Update and develop PDO sessions to prepare participants for their program
Create staffing plans for PDOs and be lead point person during PDO programming
Liaise with hotels, transportation companies, and other vendors
Facilitate one-day re-entry workshops for U.S. Camp and Academic Year students when students transit via Fiji on their return to Kiribati;
Support Technical Lead in implementation of Fiji camps and teacher training as needed;
Support UUTI alumni programming:
Lead small grant application process
Coordinate with Kiribati office staff to manage alumni database
Support recruitment of UUTI alumni to serve as camp counselors and PDO assistants
Provide D.C. office with finance reports monthly, and budgets every six months; monitor all outgoing and incoming funds;
Work in collaboration with Administrative Assistant on all general office administrative matters such as negotiating contracts; security; risk mitigation;;
Represent American Councils in individual consultations, public appearances, program orientations, funder meetings, and meetings with potential and existing partners; and
Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Able to work in Fiji and travel to Kiribati 30% of time;
Bachelor’s degree (master’s degree preferred) in Education, Economics, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or a related field;
At least five years of relevant experience including at least two years managing projects of similar scope and complexity;
Experience working preferably in Pacific Islands or a similar setting;
Demonstrated experience and/or understanding of international education, international development, language acquisition, and/or cross-cultural workplace skills development;
A proven record of excellent leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills to ensure internal coherence among a variety of team members and partners;
Professional fluency in English in both written and oral communication required;
Experience studying in a U.S high school preferred;
Excellent presentation and negotiation skills and experience; and
Confident networking ability; demonstrated track record of creating and maintaining productive working relationships across government, private sector, and academia.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE POSITION
The anticipated start date for this position is May 15, 2026. The position is currently funded through August 2027, with the possibility of extension through May 2028.
BENEFITS
This position is eligible for healthcare benefits.
American Councils is committed to providing employment opportunities for all individuals, in accordance with current federal regulations. Our focus is on ensuring that all individuals have equal access to employment and advancement opportunities based on merit. American Councils’ commitment to employment opportunity is driven by federal requirements, including Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (supporting individuals with disabilities) and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) (protecting covered veterans). We also ensure our employment practices comply with all applicable regulations, including E-Verify requirements for work eligibility. We are dedicated to fostering a workplace where all individuals have the opportunity to succeed and grow, in full compliance with federal law.
PAY TRANSPARENCY NONDISCRIMINATION PROVISION
The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.