How to Write a CV in Kiribati: Format & Resume Guide 2026

Kiribati is one of the world's smallest and most geographically dispersed nations, with a population of around 120,000 spread across 33 atolls in the central Pacific. The formal employment sector is dominated by the government and a small number of international organisations. Writing a Kiribati CV means following the British Commonwealth convention while adapting to the realities of a very limited formal labour market.

The Kiribati CV Format

The document is called a CV, consistent with Kiribati's status as a former British protectorate. Standard length is one to two pages. The format follows a simple structure: personal details, a brief professional objective or summary, work experience in reverse chronological order, education, and skills. References are typically included at the end.

English is the only language for formal CV submissions. I-Kiribati (Gilbertese) is the national language but is not used in professional applications.

Photo Convention

A photo is not required or expected on a Kiribati CV, following British Commonwealth convention. Do not include one unless specifically requested.

Personal Information

Include: full name, date of birth, residential location (island or atoll), phone number, and email address. Nationality is useful to include. Marital status is optional. Do not include your national identification number on a standard CV.

Education

Kiribati's education system produces graduates from:

• University of the South Pacific (USP) — the regional university with a campus in Tarawa; the most recognised institution for most professional roles
• Kiribati Institute of Technology (KIT) — provides vocational and technical qualifications
• Kiribati Teachers College — trains educators for the government school system
• Pacific Community (SPC) training programmes — valued for fisheries, marine science, and public health roles

Many I-Kiribati professionals hold degrees from universities in Fiji, Australia, or New Zealand. These international qualifications carry strong weight and should be listed with the full institution name, degree title, and year.

Work Experience

Formal employment is concentrated in the government of Kiribati, the Kiribati Provident Fund (KPF), the Bank of Kiribati, and international organisations. Key employers:

• Government of Kiribati (via the Public Service Office) — the dominant employer
• Bank of Kiribati — the main commercial bank, a joint venture with ANZ
• Kiribati Provident Fund (KPF) — the national savings and pension body
• Pacific Community (SPC) in Tarawa — significant regional employer for scientific and technical roles
• Kiribati Fisheries and the regional WCPFC licensing framework — fisheries is a primary revenue source

List positions with dates, employer, role title, and a brief description of responsibilities. Even one or two positions constitute a full professional record for many applicants in this small market.

Skills and Certifications

English fluency is a significant differentiator in Kiribati's labour market. Seafaring is one of the largest sources of formal employment for I-Kiribati men, with STCW (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping) certifications being essential for maritime roles. List any STCW endorsements, medical fitness certificates (ENG1), and the issuing authority.

For fisheries and environmental roles, Pacific Community and SPC-accredited training programmes should be listed by full programme name.

Cover Letter

A cover letter is expected when applying to government positions and international organisations. Address it formally, reference the specific vacancy, and keep it to one page. For public service applications, applications typically go through the Public Service Office (PSO) of Kiribati, which may have specific form requirements.

Common CV Mistakes in Kiribati

• Including a photo: British Commonwealth convention applies in Kiribati. Omit the photo unless specifically requested.
• Sending a CV without a cover letter to a government position: The Public Service Office expects a formal covering letter with every application.
• Not naming the USP campus or programme: Write "University of the South Pacific, Tarawa Campus" rather than just "USP" to give full context.
• Omitting STCW certification details for maritime roles: Level, endorsement type, and issue/expiry dates are all required fields for seafaring applications.