INFORMATION OFFICER (VERNACULAR I-TAUKEI) – Department of Information

DINFO 05/2025 – INFORMATION OFFICER (VERNACULAR I-TAUKEI)

CORPORATE INFORMATION 

Salary Band: Band F

Salary Range: $24,261.72 – $30,615.98

Reports to: Senior Information Officer (iTaukei)

Liaise with: Staff in the Department, other Ministries and stakeholders

Subordinates: Assistant Information Officer (News) and Media Assistant (News)

Duty Station: Suva
POSITION PURPOSE 

The purpose of this position is to be responsible for writing, developing media releases, feature articles and taking high quality preferred photographs in a studio or on locations as required for the Department of Information.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The position will achieve its purpose through the following key duties:

1. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular iTaukei) in the production of program materials for Fiji Government iTaukei radio program ‘Voqa ni Davui’ for Public Service Broadcast in cognizant with Government policies, programs and achievements;

2. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the production of program material for the Fiji Government iTaukei publication Noda Viti, in cognizant with Government policies, programs and achievements;

3. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the provision of translation services of government statements messages and stories in iTaukei language;

4. Assist the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in the scripting and re-writing of government press releases, statements for broadcast radio Voqa ni Davui and newspaper publications Noda Viti;

5. Assist the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the proofreading and checking of Fiji Focus iTaukei pages, Noda Viti & editing of Voqa ni Davui Government Radio Program;

6. Assist the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) to liaise with Government Ministries for the purpose of media publications and radio broadcast in the vernacular unit;

7. Assisting as sub editor of news releases/Fiji Focus articles to ensure accurate and timely release of government information;

8. Assisting in the dissemination of information for social media platforms;

9. Any other duties assigned by the Permanent Secretary.

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

Performance will be measured through the following indicators:

1. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the production of program material for Fijian Government I-Taukei radio program ‘Voqa ni Davui’ for Public Service Broadcast in cognizant with Government policies, programs and achievements;

2. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the production of program material for the Fijian Government I-Taukei publication Noda Viti, in cognizant with Government policies, programs and achievements;

3. Assisting the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in ensuring the provision of translation services of government statements and messages;

4. Assist the Senior Information Officer (Vernacular) in the scripting and re-writing of government press releases, statements for both government broadcast radio Voqa ni Davui and newspaper publications Noda Viti;

5. Effective subordinate supervision through implementation of work plans, performance management and capacity building;

6. All reports to be submitted within agreed timeframe and meets the standards set.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

A relevant Degree in Journalism / Media / Literature / Language (iTaukei) from a recognised tertiary institution OR 4 years’ proven experience in newsroom I-Taukei production management;
The following Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities are required to successfully undertake this role;

Knowledge and Experience  

1. Proven experience in media platform and at least 4 years’ experience in newsroom I-Taukei production management; social media platform, graphic design, vernacular, photography and News bulletin at supervisory level;

2. Knowledge of Adobe Photoshop, InDesign and illustration ;

3. Understanding of communications public relations, social media channels and marketing best practices is an asset.

Skills and Abilities 

1. Understanding of media regulations of the country and applicable laws that will be required for this role;

2. Must be an efficient worker, proficient, writer / broadcaster, have analytical skills and broad understanding of current and international events and issues relating to Fiji both locally and internationally;

3. Effective written and communications, problem solving skills and ability to communicate with people at different levels;

4. Must have excellent command of written and spoken English and I-Taukei language;

5. Ability to write news feature articles;

6. Ability to coordinate programs;

7. Demonstrated ability to meet tight and immovable deadlines;

8. Possess strong work ethics and be able to work after normal hours as and when needed.
Personal Character and Eligibility

All applicants for employment in the Department of Information must be of good character, with a background that demonstrates their commitment to the civil service values contained in the Fiji Constitution.  Applicants must also be Fiji Citizens, under the age of 60 years, in sound health, with a clear police record.  The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance prior to taking up the position.

The Department of Information is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. Applications are encouraged from all eligible, qualified applicants. Only the specific knowledge, experience, skills and abilities required for the job will be considered in assessing the relative suitability of applicants.

Eligibility Criteria
All applicants for employment in the Department of Information must meet the following criteria:
• Must be a Fiji Citizen.
• Must have a clear police record (Employment shall be subject to confirmation of
clear police record).
• Be in good health and able to undertake the requirements of the position (Employment shall be subject to a medical clearance).

How to apply and what to submit with your application?
We strongly recommend that you refer to the role description at the end of this Application Package. This document sets out the level of duties, the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job.  Your CV should illustrate your past experience that relates to the position you are applying for.

To ensure that your application is given due consideration, we request that you submit the following to [email protected]
• Your completed application form; (below)
• Your Declaration and Authorisation form; (below)
• A covering letter of no more than three (3) pages which explains how you meet the Knowledge, Experience, Skills and Abilities (KESA) required as stipulated in the role description.
• A full curriculum vitae, highlighting your past experience that is relevant to the role/s you are applying for. Please keep your CV to no more than 3 pages in length.

We do not require written referee reports, or qualifications to be submitted with your application at this stage. These will be verified as required later in the process.

Alternatively, you can hand deliver your completed application at Ground Floor, New Wing, Government Buildings, Suva.