Fiji Corrections Services Revamps Job Structure with 81 New Positions

The Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) has announced a significant restructuring following the Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE), which has resulted in the creation of 81 new positions within the administration, technical, and ranking officer categories. The JEE was approved by the Cabinet and subsequently endorsed by Parliament as part of the national budget for the current financial year.

In a statement to Parliament, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga emphasized that traditional practices of promotion and demotion are no longer applicable. Instead, he explained that any changes in rank will depend on the assignment an officer receives, tailored to their performance and the needs of the organization.

“The realignment of the organizational structure incorporates updates to Human Resource policies and the identification of personnel, including these new roles over the next three financial years,” Mr. Turaga stated. He highlighted the necessity of revising the pay structure to better align with personnel qualifications, experience, and the demands of their roles.

Notably, the last time a JEE was performed was approximately 40 years ago, underscoring the importance of this initiative. The assessment has led to the development of clear job descriptions for various officer roles and a new organizational chart that reflects these updated positions, an endeavor that was overlooked by previous administrations.

In light of these changes, there is a hopeful outlook for the Fiji Corrections Services as it aims to create a more efficient and responsive workforce that can adapt to evolving demands. This initiative not only seeks to modernize the operations within the corrections system but also shows a commitment to the professional development of its personnel.

Summary: The Fiji Corrections Services has created 81 new positions through a Job Evaluation Exercise, approved by the Cabinet and endorsed by Parliament. Minister Siromi Turaga noted a shift from traditional promotion and demotion practices to a focus on roles based on performance and operational needs. The last JEE was conducted 40 years ago, and this initiative aims to modernize the organization and enhance personnel development.