1. Project Officer – West
   The position listed will be responsible for the project activities in the West project sites. The role must adhere to SC Fiji’s policies and procedures.

To apply, please email a covering letter addressing key areas of accountability (maximum 2 pages) together with a CV to vacancy.fiji@savethechildrern.org

For further information and a Terms of Reference please click here:

Email applications preferred.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The closing date for this application is Sunday 17th March 2024 at 11.59pm.
Save the Children (Fiji) provides Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages candidates from diverse background including persons living with disabilities to apply.

1. Project Manager (1 Position)
2. Project Officer – North (1 Position)
3. Project Officer – West (2 Positions)
4. Finance and Logistics Officer Integrated Role
5. MEAL and Communications Officer Integrated Role

The position listed will be responsible for the project activities at the specific location as per the Role Description. The role must adhere to SC Fiji’s policies and procedures.

For further information, please read the Terms of Reference provided
To apply, please email a covering letter addressing key areas of accountability (maximum 2 pages) together with a CV to vacancy.fiji@savethechildrern.org
Email applications preferred.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
The closing date for this application is Sunday 10thMarch 2024 at 11.59pm.
Save the Children (Fiji) provides Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages candidates from diverse background including persons living with disabilities to apply.

SC Fiji Programs Manager, Afsrin Ali, reflecting on the EVAC project’s journey, emphasized the collective commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and dignity. Through tireless efforts and partnerships forged across various communities, the project endeavoured to create safer environments for children. Ms Ali acknowledged the imperative of humility, honesty, and continuous improvement in addressing the scourge of violence against children.

Discussions during the workshop centered on evaluating the project’s impact, identifying contributing factors, and recognizing unintended effects on beneficiaries. Through SWOT analysis, participants assessed best practices and lessons learned to inform future programming. The workshop provided a platform for stakeholders to reaffirm their dedication to advocating for children’s safety and well-being.

As the workshop concluded, participants committed to integrating the workshop’s findings and recommendations into future programming efforts. They pledged to continue working collaboratively to create a society where every child can grow up free from violence. The event served as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle to protect children and the collective responsibility to safeguard their rights and dignity.

Prioritizing building strong relationships with stakeholders and establishing key partnerships and working groups has been central to their efforts. The project team have worked tirelessly to foster stronger ties with communities, recognizing the importance of unity in achieving goals amidst internal fragmentation.

The recent exercise delved into various key areas, including project reflections, the development of the 2024 work plan, MEAL strategies, logistics, finance, communication mapping, and formalizing engagements with partners and community focal points.

Looking ahead, commitment to addressing emerging challenges, enhancing community reach and mobilization, and ensuring project sustainability post-completion remains steadfast. With a renewed focus on Parenting without Violence Programming and Child Participation activities, the team is eager to continue making a positive impact in the communities they serve.

The CAEVAC Project is generously funded by the New Zealand Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Supported by Save the Children New Zealand and Implemented by Save the Children Fiji.

‘The EVAC Team conducted community awareness sessions over the past two days which included Child Safeguarding (CSG), Child Participation, and Children are a Precious Gift from God (CPGG) training. The project team collaborated with key stakeholders who actively participated in the community training held in Lovu (sea-side) settlement, Lautoka.

During the Child Safeguarding and Child Participation Training sessions, officers from the Ministry of Women, Children & Social Protection and the Fiji Police Force, Western Division, worked hand-in-hand to comprehensively cover the Child Protection Laws in Fiji with the training participants from this community. The Child Protection Laws discussed included the Juvenile Act, Crimes Decree, and Child Welfare Act. Awareness conducted on these Acts facilitated discussions and highlighted child protection issues specific to this community, covering topics such as different types of abuse, categorization of sexual offenses, abduction, defilement of children, incest, abortion, and infanticide.

Moreover, the Divisional Juvenile Officer, Western, and Training Officer, in collaboration with the Ministry of Women, Children, and Social Protection – Child Protection Officer, Western Division, provided insights into the latest statistics of Juvenile Offenses in the Lautoka district. The session concluded with further dialogue on establishing a safety net for children in the Lovu community.

The sessions conducted by stakeholders successfully engaged 17 adult participants from this community and concluded on Thursday, 8 February 2024.

7th February, 2024.

Save the Children Fiji Issues Urgent Plea to Stop Violence Against Children After
Disturbing Video Goes Viral

Save the Children Fiji is appalled by a video circulating on social media depicting a parent
resorting to physical abuse as a means of disciplining a child. Such actions not only violate the
fundamental rights of the child but also perpetuate a cycle of violence with lasting detrimental
effects.

As an organization dedicated to the protection and well-being of children, SC Fiji condemns all
forms of violence against children, including corporal punishment. We firmly believe that every
child has the right to grow up in a safe and nurturing environment, free from fear and harm.

This video serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for collective action to end violence
against children. It highlights the critical role that parents, caregivers, and bystanders play in
preventing and addressing such incidents. We call on every parent, guardian and caregiver to
seek support and guidance on positive discipline methods that promote healthy child
development and respect for children’s rights.

SCF Chief Executive Officer, Shairana Ali, stated that there should be zero tolerance for abuse
of any kind against vulnerable children in Fiji and every member of the community must learn
to speak up, stand up for child rights and protect children.

“We can no longer stand by and witness abuse against children in our communities and we
must band together to prevent such incidents from happening in the first place. The culture of
violence must be broken, and it is up to all members of the community to collectively fight this
injustice against children” she stated.

In light of this incident, Save the Children Fiji calls on the police to take swift and decisive action
against perpetrators of violence against children. We urge law enforcement agencies to
prioritize the investigation of such cases and ensure that perpetrators are held accountable for
their actions

SC Fiji urges bystanders who witness instances of child abuse to intervene safely and report
such incidents to relevant authorities. Silence in the face of violence only perpetuates the cycle
and puts children at further risk. SC Fiji stands in solidarity with the laws which prohibit all
forms of child abuse and ensures the protection of children from harm.

SC Fiji remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of every
child and will continue to advocate for policies and programs that protect children from all
forms of abuse and exploitation such as the Collective Action to End Violence Against Children
(CAEVAC) Program that currently run awareness programs in 24 communities advocating and
raising awareness about the importance of child protection.

Call the Child Helpline toll-free number 1325 available 24/7 or reach out to Save the Children
Fiji on 3313178 to report any concerns with children.

For media enquiries please contact Coletta.King@savethechildren.org or
Vika.Ramara@savethechildren.org

For more information, please send us an email on Info.Fiji@savethechildren.org or contact us at
+(679) 3313178

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To apply, please email a covering letter addressing key areas of accountability (maximum of 2 pages) together with a CV – providing three (3) referees who has directly supervised including one (1) from the recent supervisor t to Vacancy.Fiji@savethechildren.org

Email applications are preferred and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The closing date for the application is Tuesday 30th January, 2024 at 11.59pm.

Save the Children Fiji provides Equal Employment Opportunity and encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds including people living with disabilities to apply.

Read the full Job Description Below:

10^th January 2024.

Save the Children Fiji is deeply concerned about the shocking and highly disturbing surge in reported cases of sexual offences against children, as highlighted in the December 2023 Rape and Sexual Offences Statistics released by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP).

The alarming data reveals a distressing pattern of abuse, with nine individuals facing a total of 44 charges related to sexual offenses in December alone. Of these charges, 33 were recorded as rape, four as indecent assault, and three as sexual assault. Additionally, particular concern is the fact that half of the incidents involved victims who were known or related to the perpetrators.

According to the ODPP report, two of the nine individuals charged were juveniles, emphasizing the pressing need for support systems to address the root causes of such behavior. Of the 10 victims identified, five were under the age of 18, with two males and eight females affected. These cases underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and prevent sexual violence against children.

Save the Children Fiji’s Chief Executive Officer, Shairana Ali, stated that the cases of violence against children and in particular, sexual violence afflicted on children point to a deeper problem within society. There is a total breakdown of morality, and it is unacceptable for such heinous crimes against children to become the norm. We urge a swift and comprehensive effort by the entire community to denounce these offenses in the harshest terms possible, to impose heavier penalties on those who commit them, and to increase funding for organizations that regularly assist communities in creating safe spaces for children.

SC Fiji is committed to working collaboratively with the government, law enforcement agencies, and communities to address the root causes of child sexual abuse and enhance protective mechanisms. SC Fiji calls for urgent and concerted efforts to strengthen the legal framework, improve access to support services for survivors, and raise awareness to prevent the devastating impact of sexual violence on children.

SC Fiji remains steadfast in its mission to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of every child and will continue to advocate for policies and programs that protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation such as the Collective Action to End Violence Against Children (CAEVAC) Program that currently run awareness programs in 24 communities advocating and raising awareness about the importance of child protection. 

Call the Child Helpline toll-free number 1325 available 24/7 or reach out to Save the Children Fiji on 3313178 to report any concerns with children.

For media enquiries please contact Coletta.King@savethechildren.org or Vika.Ramara@savethechildren.org

For more information, please send us an email on Info.Fiji@savethechildren.org or contact us at +(679) 3313178

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The CAEVAC (Collective Action to End Violence Against Children) Project is a “child-centered” initiative that is aimed at stimulating platforms that will strengthen child protection systems in communities as well as on a national scale, with the assurance of children’s contributions to the revolutionary change incorporated.

The project whose long-term goal is “to ensure that children in Fiji face less harm from all forms of violence,” is implemented in 24 marginalized communities between the Lami, Suva, and Nausori corridors, with the primary objective of reaching 24 community leaders and 24 community development committees.

The CAEVAC Project is being implemented by Save the Children Fiji, funded by New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supported by Save the Children New Zealand.

Urgent Call to Action for Child Safety During School Holidays

12th December, 2023.

Save the Children Fiji (SCF) is making an urgent call on all members of society to collectively
prioritize the safety of children especially as families prepare for the festive season.

Recent incidents underscore the challenges we face in protecting our children. According to the latest statistics from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), alarming cases involving abduction, rape, and sexual assault have been reported. A 19-year-old woman faces charges for the abduction, rape, and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, while a 19-yearold man is charged with the rape of his 14-year-old nephew. Additionally, a 35-year-old man has been charged with the rape of his 15-year-old niece, and a 22-year-old man faces charges for the rape of his 12-year old niece. These horrific and shameful incidents highlight the urgency of collective efforts to safeguard the well-being of every child.

In light of these concerns, Save the Children Fiji Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Shairana Ali, emphasizes the importance of parental and guardian responsibility. “Every year and especially during the school holidays, children get into accidents and sustain injuries, and quite unfortunately, some children have even lost their lives. It is imperative on parents and guardians to supervise and monitor their children, even when they are within the vicinity of their own homes”.

Ms Ali calls on parents, guardians, and those in caregiving roles to take their roles seriously and make a commitment to themselves and their families that children in their care will be safe and protected and not come in harm’s way. Unsupervised loitering can expose children to potential dangers and parents should be more vigilant about their whereabouts during the holidays.

As adverse weather conditions become more prevalent, it is essential to educate children about the dangers associated with such events. “There are a range of hazards, especially as we are in the cyclone season, which coincides with the festive season, and we reiterate to all the duty bearers to look out for risks that may be a source of harm to children’s well-being and mitigate those risks”, says Save the Children Fiji CEO.

In addition to external factors, SCF asks all families to remain attentive to hazards within the home and community. Parents are urged to reinforce safety measures to protect children from accidents, especially house fires. The holiday period can exacerbate neglect and abuse concerns and it is everyone’s responsibility to be alert to signs of distress or mistreatment and report any suspicions promptly to the appropriate authorities.

SCF is appealing to nightclub owners to exercise utmost diligence in verifying the age of patrons. Entertaining or permitting minors in establishments that serve alcohol can have severe consequences. Communities need to work collaboratively to prevent underage access to venues where drugs and alcohol are present. With the festive season approaching, there is a heightened risk of exposure to drugs and alcohol. Parents and guardians are encouraged to
engage in open and honest conversations with children about the dangers associated with substance abuse.

By addressing these key points and fostering a sense of community responsibility, SCF hopes that families can collectively create an environment that ensures the safety and well-being of children during the school holiday period.

For media inquiries, please contact Vika.Ramara@savethechildren.org or Coletta.King@savethechildren.org

For more information visit our website www.savethechildren.org or contact us on +(679)3313178 or Info.Fiji@savethechildren.org

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