The Fiji Corrections Services (FCS) has recently completed a Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE) that has led to the creation of 81 new positions in administration, technical fields, and among ranking officers. This initiative received the green light from the Cabinet and was backed by Parliament as part of the current national budget.
During a parliamentary session, Minister for Justice Siromi Turaga stated that the traditional norms regarding promotions and demotions will not be upheld in this new structure. Instead, he clarified that any adjustments in rank will depend on the specific role an officer is assigned, emphasizing that these changes are based on performance and the needs of the organization.
Mr. Turaga explained that the realignment of the FCS’s organizational structure necessitates updates to Human Resources policies and the identification of staff, which includes the introduction of these new positions over the next three financial years. He noted the essential need to re-evaluate and adjust the pay structure to align with the qualifications and responsibilities associated with each role.
Notably, the last job evaluation undertaken by the FCS occurred around 40 years ago. The current JEE has been pivotal in clarifying job descriptions for various officer positions and has led to the development of a new organizational chart to reflect these changes—something the previous administration did not accomplish.
This initiative paves the way for a more structured and efficient corrections service in Fiji, allowing for better alignment of roles and compensation, and ultimately enhancing the overall performance of the correctional system. The progress reflected in this exercise is a hopeful sign of a more organized and professional future for the Fiji Corrections Services.
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