Disability Benefit Specialist

About P4SP

The Australian Government through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has commissioned the Partnerships for Social Protection program (P4SP), which is being implemented by Development Pathways.

P4SP contributes to greater coverage of quality, sustainable social protection systems in Pacific island countries that reduce poverty and exclusion, address vulnerabilities through the life-course and stimulate economic growth.

About the role

P4SP is seeking a Disability Benefit Specialist to provide technical leadership on a comprehensive review and redesign of Nauru’s Disability Allowance. The assignment will assess the current scheme across policy, design, and operational dimensions, and develop a set of feasible, rights-based, and context-appropriate reform options to strengthen the program’s alignment with national and international commitments, improve its effectiveness, and ensure its sustainability.

The Disability Benefit Specialist will:

• Review relevant program documentation
• Review program design and operations
• Fiscal and institutional analysis
• Develop redesign options
• Benchmark the scheme design
• Participate in key consultations

Please refer to the full Terms of Reference for a complete description of the role, including key responsibilities, qualifications, and other relevant details.

Selection criteria

Essential criteria

• Advanced degree in public policy, economics, social development, disability studies or a related field
• At least 10 years experiences in social protection system design and reform, particularly in low- and middle-income countries
• Strong operational experience and understanding of the delivery chain of social protection programs
• Experience designing or evaluating disability-targeted and disability-sensitive programs, including either categorical allowances or mainstream social protection schemes with disability inclusive features
• Flexibility to travel across to Nauru for the review missions
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with a demonstrated ability to produce policy-relevant reports for governments.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working in the Pacific or across Small Island Developing States (SIDS)
• Knowledge of Nauru’s social protection system

Submission requirements

Please submit a Curriculum Vitae and a brief one page cover letter demonstrating how you meet the selection criteria.

All submissions are to be submitted via email to admin@p4sp.org with the subject line "TOR: Nauru Disability Allowance Review and Redesign – Disability Benefit Specialist".

Applications must be submitted by no later than 5:00pm (AEST) Thursday 7 August 2025.