information for candidates director - fiji national...

fnu.ac.fj

Information for Candidates

National Training & Productivity Centre

(NTPC)

Director

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Message from the Vice-Chancellor

About Fiji National University

Job Description

Person Specification

Application Process

About Fiji

Information for Candidates 1

Message from the Vice-Chancellor

Bula! I am pleased that you are considering this important senior management role at Fiji National University (FNU). FNU is

a young and dynamic university, with deep roots that reach back to the 19th Century. Although the university was only formed in 2010, its constituent colleges date back to 1885, when Suva Medical School was established. Today FNU is a ‘dual sector’ university, offering technical and vocational education and training (TVET) and higher education, from certificates to doctorates. With six campuses in Suva, and one each in Nadi, Lautoka, Ba and Labasa, plus a number of smaller training centres, FNU provides nationwide access to tertiary education. Uniquely, FNU is also home to the National Training and Productivity Centre, which provides training to employees funded through a national payroll levy paid by all employers, and Fiji Maritime Academic, which trains the nation’s ship captains and navigators.

FNU has a clear vision to provide education and training which is aimed at employability – either to ensure that new graduates are highly employable, or to assist those already in work to advance their careers. All our colleges have strong vocational roots. FNU trains the nation’s doctors, dentists and nurses, its accountants and managers, its teachers, its engineers and technicians, its veterinarians and agronomists. It is vital that, as the country’s national university, FNU’s programmes are co-designed with employers to meet their needs and underpinned by relevant, applied research which aligns with our national priorities.

FNU is seeking to make a number of senior management appointments to drive us forward to the 135th anniversary of its founding in 2020. We are seeking to build a high-performing senior management team, which can lead FNU into the next stage of its development, as the national provider of comprehensive, integrated and employment-focused tertiary education and training and the heart of the nation’s capacity to undertake research which transforms lives and society.

If you are seeking an opportunity to join a vibrant, multiracial, multinational team which is committed to supporting the economic and social development of Fiji, the South Pacific’s ‘hub economy’, we look forward to hearing from you.

Vinaka vakelevu.

Professor Nigel HealeyVice Chancellor

Fiji National University (FNU) was formed in 2010, following the merger of the six government tertiary institutions in Fiji – Fiji School of Medicine (founded 1885), Fiji School of Nursing

(founded 1893), Fiji College of Advanced Education (founded 1947), Fiji College of Agriculture (founded 1954). Fiji Institute of Technology (founded 1963), and Lautoka Teachers College (founded 1978). In 2011, the Training and Productivity Authority of Fiji (established in 1973) became part of FNU as the National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC).

Today the university is structured into five major colleges:• CollegeofAgriculture,FisheriesandForestry• CollegeofBusiness,HospitalityandTourism Studies• CollegeofEngineering,ScienceandTechnology• CollegeofHumanitiesandEducation• CollegeofMedicine,NursingandHealthSciences

plus:• NationalTrainingandProductivityCentre• FijiMaritimeAcademy• FijiAviationAcademy(underdevelopment, jointly with Fiji Airways)

2 Director National Training and Productivity Centre (NTPC)

The university has approximately 20,000 regular students in its five colleges, plus another 10,000 employees who undertake short courses with NTPC. In addition, the university runs a special community programme for citizens in rural villages, which has trained over 10,000 people in the last two years in a range of basic skills.

FNU is in a period of ambitious development. We are currently building a state-of-the-art campus in Labasa on Vanua Levu, Fiji’s second most populated island. This will provide a range of technology-enabled programmes to support the development of the country’s ‘Northern Division’. On Viti Levu, the main island, we are constructing new laboratories, an animal hospital and purpose-built instructional facilities to create a regional centre of excellence for veterinary science.

As a small island nation of just under a million people, Fiji has always reached out to the world and played a full part in the global trading economy. For FNU, our international partnerships with peer institutions in Australia, New Zealand and further afield are critical to accelerating the development of our curricula and our

staff. We work closely with universities and colleges across the region to exchange ideas and best practices and provide opportunities for our staff to gain professional development and upgrade their qualifications.

FNU is committed to underpinning the nation’s rapid economic development, working with employers to ensure that our manpower needs are met in the burgeoning tourism, renewable energy, telecommunications and manufacturing sectors. At the same time, our researchers are working on interdisciplinary projects to address the country’s priorities, in terms of combatting non-communicable diseases (obesity, diabetes and heart disease), promoting climate adaptation for the Pacific’s low-lying islands and moving the country’s production up the value chain.

Fiji is undergoing a period of unprecedented economic growth and social development. As the national university, FNU is proud to be one of the critical drivers of growth, by providing the human capital and technological knowhow needed for continued success.


Director National Training & Productivity Centre (NTPC)

The Director National Training and Productivity Centre is responsible for providing systematic in-service training, knowledge, skills and consultancy services in all areas of industry and commerce and empowered further to oversee and exert control over training at all levels for the public and private sectors. The

incumbent’s role is to promote productivity and business excellence programmes in industries. Additionally, represent Fiji as its National Productivity Organisation (NPO) and is responsible spearheading the productivity initiatives in Fiji. Furthermore, it will be core function of the Director National Training and Productivity Centre to ensure that the delivery of in-service training programmes and consultancy services in technical and non-technical areas sufficiently meet the needs of the industry and stakeholders of Fiji.

Position Type: 3 Year Employment ContractReporting to: Vice ChancellorStaff Responsible to you: Departmental Managers

Key Accountabilities

Key Tasks

• Ensurethatthein-servicetrainingneedsofindustriesinFijiaremetatalltimes;• ManageaqualityapprenticeshipsysteminFijianditspromotionwithinindustriesFiji-wide.• PromoteproductivityandbusinessexcellenceprogramsinindustryastheheadoftheNational Productivity Organisation (NPO) and Alternate Director for Asian Productivity Organisation (APO) forFijionbehalfoftheGovernment;• ImplementallAPOPrograms,Workshops,RoundTableConferencesonProductivity,Seminarsand Demonstrations projects in Fiji and represent Fiji as its NPO head in all Governing Body/workshop meetings.• Workwiththethreesocialpartnersonmattersconcerningproductivityandtraining.• ProvidetheBoardoftheNTPC,asitsExecutiveSecretary,withtimelyandhighqualitystrategicadviceon all matters pertaining to in-service training in Fiji, and specifically on advancing trades and skills training for the industry and productivity.• Beresponsibleformanagingtraininggrantssystematicallywithinthebudgetaryprovisionsandfinancial policies,oftheUniversity;• Promoteandconducttradetestsasnecessaryforfulfillingtheobjectiveoftrainingfornationaldevelopment;• ThroughcloseinteractionwithIndustry,CollegeDeansandDirectorTVETtoensurethatskill/craft training in all trades (engineering and non-engineering) are developed and offered at the National Training and Productivity Centre, at the standards accepted by the industry and accreditation bodies nationally, regionally and internationally.• ProvidetheViceChancellorwithtimelyandhighqualitystrategicadviceonallmatterspertainingtoin- service training in Fiji and developments internationally, and specifically on advancing trades and skills training for the industry and on short courses/programs.• Developandmaintainconstantinteractionandnetworkwiththeindustryonthetraininganddevelopment needs of the industry in Fiji, and develop training programs and packages for the NTPC on the most efficient and effective means of providing such ways of meeting these needs.


Position Purpose


• Developqualitypoliciesandprocessesonencouragingandbuildingopportunitiesforproviderstooffer NTPC programs and consultancy services.• Cultivateahealthyandworkablerelationshipwithindustryandtrainingprovidersinthepromotionof training through the Levy and the Grant Scheme.• ToensurethattheUniversityisattheforefrontincapitalisingontraining/developmentandconsultancy opportunities in the Pacific region, and in this respect, advance the interests of the University in the Pacific region.• TorepresenttheViceChancellorinvariousmeetingsandbodiesthatdealwithNTPC.• CarryoutothersuchresponsibilitiesrelatingtoindustrytrainingneedsthataredelegatedtotheNational Ttaining and Productivity Centre by the Senate or the Vice Chancellor from time to time.• EnsuretimelypreparationandsubmissionofallpapersthatneedtobepresentedtotheSenateandother official committees of the NTPC board and the University.• Developstaffcompetenciesthroughregularguidanceandcoachingandeffectiveimplementationofthe performance management system.

General Duties & Responsibilities

The general duties and responsibilities of a Director in the University are:

• AdministrativeDutiesrelatingtoallmattersthatthemembershipofaUniversityentails,includingSchool Division/University wide activities.• GeneralResponsibilitytoundertakeallotherdutiesasdirectedbytheViceChancellor.

OTHER DUTIES

It is acknowledged and agreed that evolving needs or emphasis of the University may require a role/job/position to change from time to time but such alteration shall not be deemed to be a variation of the employment contract/Terms and Conditions of Employment or a breach of the same provided that the substantial nature of the employment remains consistent with the parties intentions at the time of the offer of the job and acceptance of the offer.

Person specificationThis challenging leadership role requires demonstrated extensive managerial and leadership experience and the ability to lead and respond strategically to the changing Fijian and global tertiary education environment. The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a commitment to building an organisational culture that encourages innovation, a customer-centred responsiveness to national and regional stakeholder needs and integrity and trust.

Qualifications: Relevant postgraduate qualification with appropriate vocational and industry experience andexcellentknowledgeofvocationaleducationandtrainingissues.Inaddition,He/sherecognisestheimportanceoftheroleofTVETandisabletoworkwithindustry,studentsandthecommunity.He/shewillcommandrespectand credibility in a national university, as well as with the University’s stakeholder community, including the Fiji HigherEducationCommission,keygovernmentministries,employersandtheFijiNationalUniversityStudents’Association.

Experience: Demonstrable experience in providing outstanding organisational leadership and management in a Tertiary Institution environment, including: •Thecapacitytodevelopandimplementstrategyandtoinitiateandimplementchangeinacomplex, multicultural environment. •Theabilitytoidentifyandassessappropriateopportunitiesandpartnershipstostrengthentheresource base and reputation of the University. •Experienceineffectivemanagementoffinancialandhumanresources,includingstaffplanning, recruitment and performance management and a sound knowledge of business principles. •Thecapacitytoworkacrossorganisationalboundariestoachieveagreedcorporateoutcomes. Leadership style, empowering others, making decisions: Demonstrates an effective, culturally-sensitive leadership style that addresses the challenges of the role whilst promoting the values and culture of a Tertiary Institution. Evidence of the ability to mentor and empower direct reports and take informed, evidence-based decisions.

Planning and Managing for Results: Experience of developing strategic and operational plans and demonstrable success in implementing such plans, with evidence of evaluation and corrective action as necessary.

Influencing and Networking Skills: Demonstrable ability to influence the decisions, actions or perceptions of others. The ability to build collaborative networks and deep collaborative links with key stakeholder groups in a multicultural environment.

Communication Skills: The ability to organise and present information, views and concepts in a concise, understandable, interesting and culturally-aware format for a variety of audiences, in a way which ensures that staff and stakeholders are consulted and well-informed.

Knowledge of Higher Education: An understanding of contemporary tertiary education issues and the implications of these on portfolio responsibilities and more broadly for the management of universities vocation education institutions. An awareness of the context of tertiary education in a developing region including the Pacific is an advantage. A demonstrable commitment to the importance of post-secondary technical and vocational education.


Application processThe University seeks written documents from candidates wishing to apply for the role. Candidates are required to provide:

•AfullCurriculum Vitae, including (for academic roles) a full list of publications, external research grants and postgraduate students supervised to completion.•Acoveringletterofapplicationaddressingeachofthepersonspecificationsabove,evidencinghowyour qualifications and experience meet the requirements.•Threereferees,withfullcontactdetails,includingtelephonenumbersande-mailaddresses.Candidateshould state their relationship with each referee (eg, line manager, former postgraduate supervisor).

Start date

Candidates are asked to provide an indication of the earliest date at which they would be available to take up the appointment, if successful (eg, one month, three months).

Refereeswillonlybecontactedafterpriorconsultationwiththecandidate.Itisthecandidate’sresponsibilitytoensure that their referees are willing to provide reports when contacted.

The University reserves the right to seek reports on the suitability of candidates from experts in the field, other than those nominated by the candidate. Appointment is also subject to a pre-employment security check and health check.


About FijiFiji is the most developed country in the South Pacific and serves as the region’s economic hub. It has

experienced rapid economic growth in recent years and tourism, manufacturing and services have replaced traditional primary industries like mining and agriculture as the main drivers of economic development. The

business and political capital, Suva, is a thriving multicultural city of over 0.3m. Located on the southeast coast of Viti Levu, Suva enjoys modern shopping malls, movie theatres, restaurants and cafes.

Fiji is located in the heart of the South Pacific, with more than 330 islands, of which 100 are permanently inhabited and more than 500 islets. The people of Fiji are well-known for their friendly personality, great hospitality and regarded as the happiest people on earth. Fiji has a rich culture and tradition. It is a former British colony and maintains its close ties through the commonwealth. It has two major islands, Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with the majority of the almost 1m population residing on Viti Levu.

Fiji Demographics

Fiji’s population is comprised mostly of iTaukei’s (native Fijians) at just over 56%, with around 36% made up by Indo-Fijians who are descended from Indian labourers brought to the islands by the British in the late 19th and early 20th century. The rest of Fiji’s population are Rotumans, who are natives of Rotuma (incorporatedinto Fiji after independence in 1970), Fijians of Chinese and European descent and expatriates.


Religion

Fiji is a secular society and the constitution guarantees religious tolerance. While the majority of Fijians follow Christianity,Hinduism,Islam,Sikhism,Buddhismarewidely practised. Fiji marks the key dates of the major religionswithaPublicHoliday(eg,Christmas,Easter,Diwali, Prophet’s Birthday).

Government

Fiji has a Westminster-style democracy. The present governing party is Fiji First, a multiracial party led by Rear Admiral (Retired) Hon. Josaia VoreqeBainimarama, which was elected in 2014 and holds a majority in the 50-seat parliament. Fiji First has undertaken an ambitious range of reforms designed to transform Fiji into a vibrant and growing economy and unite the nation through the government’s ‘One Fiji Policy’, which provides for equal citizenry status for all Fijians regardless of ethnicity.

Fiji is the transport hub of the South Pacific. It is well-connected with direct flights to most major Australian andNewZealandcities,HongKong,Singapore,Seoul,and San Francisco and Los Angeles. Fiji’s international airline. Fiji Airways, has code-sharing arrangements with Qantas, Air Zealand, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Jet Airways and Solomon Airlines which provide access to a global network of international connections. Nadi International Airport has just completed a major upgrade, with world-class facilities including a brand-new departures lounge, departures check-in terminal, arrivals and departures immigration areas, additional carousels and new business class lounges. Nadi International Airport receives 2m passengers annually.

Accessibility


Climate

Fiji enjoys a mild tropical climate averaging 31ºC (88ºF) during the summer months of November to April and 29ºC (84ºF) during the winter months of May to October.

English is the official language of Fiji and is universally spoken. iTaukeis also speak the native Fijian dialect, while FijiansofIndianoriginspeakFiji-Hindi.Giventhecloseintegrationbetweenthetwocommunities,manyFijiansare fluent in both vernacular languages, as well as English.

Language


Here are some Fijian words to get you started.

English Fijian PronunciationHello/hi nisabula neesarbulaGood morning ni sa yadra nee sar yarndraGoodbye sa moce sa more theyPlease yalo vinaka yarlo veenarkaExcuse me tulou too lowYes io ee orThank you/good vinaka veenarkaThank you very much vinaka vaka levu veenarka varka levooMuch/big levu levooNo sega sengaEat kana karnaVillage koro ko roA little/small vaka lailai va ka lie lieGreat/a lot vaka levu va ka levooFast vaka totolo va ka tortorloSlowly vaka malua va ka mar luaHouse vale valeWashroom (Toilet) vale lailai va le lie lieCome lako mai la ko myGo lako tani la ko tan iOne dua du aTwo rua ru aOne more dua tale du a ta le

Quick facts• FijiaretheinauguralGoldMedalwinnersinthe7’srugbycompetitionattheRioOlympics.• FormerWorldNumber1golferVijaySinghisfromNadi,westernpartofFiji.• MountTomaniviwhichis1,324metres(4,344ft)isFiji’shighestmountain.MtTomanivi,previously namedMountVictoria,isanextinctvolcanolocatedinthenorthernhighlandsofVitiLevu.• Globalbottlewaterbrand,FijiWaterisbottledinFiji.• Fiji’sfarthestislandOno-i-LauisclosertoTongathentoFiji’smainislandVitiLevu.• FijiwasbatteredbythesecondmostpowerfulCategory5CycloneintheworldinFeb,2016.• ThewordBulaisusedtogreetpeoplesimilartoHiorHello.• Fiji’straditionalwayofpreparingmealsiscalledLovo.Themealsarepreparedinanearthoven.• Fiji’smainforeignexchangeearnerisTourismandremittancesfromFijianslivingabroad.• ThepeopleofBeqaislandinFijiareknownasthefirewalkers.Thesevillagershavetheabilitytoworkon stonesheatedinfirewithoutanyinjurytotheirfeetorbody.


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