Assistant Lecturer in Law
Laucala Campus
Position Number: LBD019
The University
The University of the South Pacific (USP) is the premier tertiary institution in the Pacific region and one of only two regional universities globally. Established in 1968, USP is dedicated to excellence in teaching, research, international engagement and digital innovation guided by its vision of ‘Shaping Pacific Futures’. USP is jointly owned by 13 member countries: Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naoero, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu and Papua New Guinea. Through this unique regional partnership, the University serves a diverse and geographically dispersed population across more than 33 million square kilometres of the Pacific Ocean. Working at USP offers the opportunity to be part of a dynamic, multicultural and internationally connected institution at the heart of the Pacific contributing to transformative education, impactful research and regional initiatives that help shape the future of the Pacific communities.
The School of Law and Social Sciences
Successful candidates will be based in the School of Law and Social Sciences (SoLaSS), which brings together the disciplines of Law, Psychology, Diplomacy and International Affairs, Sociology, Social Work, and History. SoLaSS is committed to producing work-ready graduates through degree programmes that are impactful, relevant, and accessible to students across the South Pacific. The School fosters a culture of collegiality and is invested in building a dynamic scholarly community that responds directly to regional priorities. With large student enrolments spanning the Pacific, SoLaSS provides meaningful higher education opportunities to a significant number of Pacific Islander students.
The Opportunity
USP Law is the leading higher education institution for legal study and research across the Pacific. We are seeking to significantly strengthen our staffing at the Laucala/Statham Campus and invite applications from dedicated, experienced professionals to join the discipline at Assistant Lecturer level.
Appointee will teach into the core and elective courses of the LLB programme. We welcome applicants who can contribute across our core courses; where possible, academic staff are supported to teach in areas that align with their research interests.
Staff based at the Laucala/Statham Campus are primarily responsible for the face-to-face teaching of the LLB cohort in Suva, Fiji but as required will also do online teaching across the Pacific. We also offer the LLM and maintain a large cohort of higher degree research students (PhD and LLM by Thesis). All suitably qualified appointee will be expected to contribute to the LLM and higher degree research programmes.
In addition to teaching, the appointee will be expected to conduct research, publish their studies, and actively engage through their research with Pacific communities and society. Candidate at the Assistant Lecturer level must meet the entry requirements for our higher degree research programmes and will be required to enrol in the LLM (Thesis) or PhD programme within six months of appointment. Completion of this research training will serve as a substitute for standard research performance expectations during that period.
Preference will be given to candidates with experience in, or a research focus on, Pacific communities and societies. We also welcome applications from candidates who have the right qualifications and aptitude to teach Pacific law and legal systems.
The Person we Seek
To be considered for this position, applicants must have:
- a postgraduate degree (Masters/PhD) in a relevant discipline;
- Other Minimum Qualification Requirements may be stipulated according to particular disciplinary requirements, following international standards.
- Evidence of an interest in conducting research;
- Some experience teaching in a higher education setting and a genuine interest in legal education and professional practice; and/or
- Experience in legal practice is welcomed but not essential.
Enquiries and further information: myhr@usp.ac.fj
The position is available for a term of five years and may be renewed by mutual agreement.
Salary Range
- FJ$71,212 – FJ$85,454 per annum
Closing Date
The closing date for applications is: 11 October 2026
How to Apply
Click the Apply button to apply for this position online.
The advertisement criteria is available on our University website (www.usp.ac.fj) under Employment Opportunities.
Please include the following documents in your application: Academic Credentials/Transcripts, Cover letter clearly addressing key Selection Criteria and Resume with names of three referees, one of which must be your current or most recent direct work supervisor. Referees will only be contacted if you are selected.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The University of the South Pacific is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and equitable environment that protects the rights of children; nurture, promote and facilitate mutual respect, constructive empowerment and progress amongst its employees, students, stakeholders including visitors, without being hampered by any form of sexual harassment, sexual abuse or sexual exploitation. We reserve the right to conduct police checks and other screening procedures to ensure a safe environment.
USP is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to ensure that everyone is treated with respect and given equal opportunities to work in an inclusive environment. USP encourages all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious and cultural background, gender, sexual orientation or disabilities.
