Professionalizing Disaster Risk Management Workforce in Fiji - Development Competency Framework
Tracks
Coolangatta Room
| Tuesday, July 28, 2026 |
| 1:25 PM - 1:45 PM |
| Coolangatta Room |
Overview
Yos Malole, Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office
Details
Three Key Learnings
1. The importance of a competency-based approach to strengthen disaster risk management systems. How a structured competency framework helps define the knowledge, skills, and performance standards required for DRM personnel.
2. The need to move from ad hoc training to a coordinated and sustainable capacity-building system. How a nationally aligned competency framework and capacity-building roadmap can improve coordination, create clear learning pathways, and ensure long-term sustainability of DRM capacity development.
3. Practical steps and methodology for developing a national DRM competency framework including job function analysis, training needs assessment, benchmarking against international frameworks, and alignment with national qualification systems.
Speaker
Yos Malole
Training Advisor
Fiji National Disaster Risk Management Office
Professionalizing Disaster Risk Management Workforce in Fiji - Development Competency Framework
Abstract
Fiji faces significant disaster risks from tropical cyclones, flooding, and other climate-related hazards, with substantial impacts on livelihoods and the national economy. Strengthening Disaster Risk Management (DRM) capacity is therefore essential to ensure effective preparedness, response, and recovery. However, existing DRM capacity-building initiatives in Fiji are largely fragmented, ad hoc, and not guided by a standardized competency framework. This report presents the development of a DRM Competency Framework and Capacity-Building Roadmap to support the professionalisation and systematic strengthening of DRM personnel in Fiji.
The study applied a comprehensive methodology, including desk review of national, regional, and global competency frameworks, key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders, job and skill analysis guided by the Pacific Competencies Model, and a Learning and Training Needs Analysis. The assessment identified gaps in coordination, limited access to accredited training, lack of training databases, and challenges related to staff turnover and sustainability of capacity-building efforts. Despite numerous training programs delivered by government agencies, universities, and development partners, the absence of a unified competency framework has limited their long-term effectiveness.
The proposed competency framework defines core and functional competencies required across key DRM roles, aligned with the Fiji Qualifications Framework and international standards such as ASCEND and the Core Humanitarian Competency Framework. It identifies 31 job functions across NDRMO, Emergency Operations Centres, cluster systems, and response teams, providing structured pathways for workforce development.
The accompanying roadmap outlines strategic priorities for implementing a coordinated capacity-building system, including competency-based training pathways, accreditation alignment, improved coordination mechanisms, and sustainable institutional arrangements. This framework aims to enhance workforce professionalism, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen national resilience. Ultimately, it provides a foundation for a structured, sustainable, and nationally aligned approach to DRM capacity development in Fiji.
The study applied a comprehensive methodology, including desk review of national, regional, and global competency frameworks, key informant interviews with relevant stakeholders, job and skill analysis guided by the Pacific Competencies Model, and a Learning and Training Needs Analysis. The assessment identified gaps in coordination, limited access to accredited training, lack of training databases, and challenges related to staff turnover and sustainability of capacity-building efforts. Despite numerous training programs delivered by government agencies, universities, and development partners, the absence of a unified competency framework has limited their long-term effectiveness.
The proposed competency framework defines core and functional competencies required across key DRM roles, aligned with the Fiji Qualifications Framework and international standards such as ASCEND and the Core Humanitarian Competency Framework. It identifies 31 job functions across NDRMO, Emergency Operations Centres, cluster systems, and response teams, providing structured pathways for workforce development.
The accompanying roadmap outlines strategic priorities for implementing a coordinated capacity-building system, including competency-based training pathways, accreditation alignment, improved coordination mechanisms, and sustainable institutional arrangements. This framework aims to enhance workforce professionalism, improve operational effectiveness, and strengthen national resilience. Ultimately, it provides a foundation for a structured, sustainable, and nationally aligned approach to DRM capacity development in Fiji.
Biography
Yos Malole is a Disaster Risk Management specialist with over 20 years of experience in Southeast Asia and the Pacific, including Fiji. He is currently working in Fiji as a Technical Training Advisor under the Australia Assist Program, supporting the National Disaster Risk Management Office in developing the capacity of DRM practitioners. He has worked with leading humanitarian organizations such as the British Red Cross, American Red Cross, AHA Centre, and RedR Australia. Yos is a member of the ASEAN Emergency Response and Assessment Team (ERAT) and the UN Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) team.
