OPEN – DRRS is looking for a team of experts to support Fiji’s flood risk management efforts in the Ba River catchment. Please note that a visit to Fiji is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 29, 2025.
Context
Fiji, one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations, is increasingly exposed to the escalating impacts of climate change, particularly in the form of floods and tropical cyclones. These extreme weather events result in an estimated annual economic loss of around 500 million Fijian dollars (approximately 230 million USD), placing a significant strain on the country’s economy and resilience. Among the most affected areas is the Ba region, a low-lying and agriculturally important district that frequently experiences severe river flooding. Driven by increasingly intense rainfall, deforestation, and land degradation, these floods cause widespread disruption. Short-term responses like river dredging offer limited relief and often result in negative environmental consequences, highlighting the need for more sustainable long-term solutions.
Aim of the intervention
In response to the need to enhance flood risk management and climate adaptation, the Government of Fiji formally requested technical assistance for the Ba River catchment. Based on the conducted scoping study and in line with the priorities expressed by the Government of Fiji, this DRRS intervention will focus on:
- Rapid technical assessment of flood risk drivers for the Ba River. Conduct a comprehensive, rapid technical study to understand how climate trends and human interventions have influenced flood risk in the Ba River catchment, how these factors may evolve in the future, and how flood impacts can be effectively mitigated. This includes detailed field observations of hydrodynamic and morphological processes—such as river erosion, sedimentation, flood markers, and critical infrastructure—complemented by stakeholder consultations to gather insights on flood impacts and water use patterns.
- Rapid assessment of institutional and technical capacities. Rapid assessment of institutional and technical capacities. Evaluate current institutional and technical capacities for implementing and sustaining flood risk management measures. This includes identifying existing constraints and potential opportunities to strengthen long-term flood resilience.
- Review and enhancement of mitigation and adaptation strategies. Based on the analysis outcomes, conduct a review of existing flood mitigation and adaptation strategies in the Ba River catchment and provide recommendations for their improvement. Using updated insights, advise on suitable, sustainable flood mitigation measures—highlighting opportunities related to hydropower and other interventions, including both no-regret actions and longer-term solutions. This part will emphasize sustainability and integrated catchment health, considering nature-based (green) solutions alongside traditional engineered approaches where appropriate.
- Identification of financing options and resource mobilization pathways. Identify potential internal and external funding sources to support both short-term (quick-win) and medium- to long-term flood risk reduction interventions. Provide strategic recommendations on financing options, specifying applicable funding mechanisms and budget sources for each phase. Include indicative cost estimates for the proposed measures to guide resource mobilization and facilitate donor engagement, emphasizing opportunities for co-financing and collaboration with international financial institutions (IFIs).
Required expertise
A preferred candidate for the team leader role has been identified and recruited during the scoping phase. To complete the DRRS team for Fiji, we are now seeking the following expertise:
- Flood Risk & River Dynamics Engineer (Solutions) – This expert will assess flood vulnerabilities across the catchment area using specialized knowledge in hydrology, river dynamics, and flood engineering. They will interpret hydrological and morphodynamic data to inform risk assessments and will develop tailored, technically sound solutions for flood risk reduction and river management.
- SIDS Climate Adaptation & Governance Specialist – This expert will provide in-depth knowledge of Fiji’s local context, including its historical, cultural, and institutional dynamics, and will leverage strong networks across national and regional institutions. They will ensure the intervention aligns with national and international climate and development policies, financing frameworks, and institutional agendas. This expert will also connect technical activities to broader climate resilience strategies and help drive follow-up actions with relevant stakeholders.
- Disaster Risk Finance Specialist – This expert will map existing flood resilience initiatives and their financiers, analyse funding sources, and identify critical gaps and opportunities for collaboration and scaling-up. They will identify and mobilize financing opportunities to support flood risk management efforts, with a particular focus on addressing resource gaps in Fiji. In addition, this expert is able to develop strategies to attract new funding, promote co-financing models, and engage with International Financial Institutions (IFIs) and other key stakeholders to ensure long-term financial sustainability of mitigation and adaptation measures.
All experts should preferably have work experience in the Pacific and a strong understanding of the SIDS context, particularly in terms of governance and institutional settings.
Planning
This assignment is scheduled to be carried out between September and November, 2025. The visit to Fiji is tentatively scheduled for the week of September 29, 2025.
The maximum number of working days depends on the role for this assignment and ranges from approximately 12 to 15 working days. This timeframe includes preparation for the visit to Fiji, the visit itself, as well as the writing and delivery of the final report.
Interested?
Interested? Please send (1) a brief motivation letter and (2) an updated CV to drrs@rvo.nl by Monday, September 1, noon CEST at the latest.
We strongly encourage a diverse set of candidates to apply, as we are committed to fostering gender diversity and inclusion in DRRS. Moreover, we stimulate national experts to become part of our database and to apply for vacancies. Please visit our website and become part of our network.
At RVO we are fully committed to creating a safe and respectful work environment. We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment (PSEAH). All deployees/experts must adhere to the Code of Conduct, which outlines ethical standards and behaviors expected within our organization. Successful candidates will be required to uphold these principles and participate in mandatory PSEAH and CoC training as part of their onboarding process.
