Director Business Reforms and Investment (Ministry of Trade, Co-operative, SME and Communications)

The position is responsible to the Permanent Secretary for the overall performance of the Business Reforms and Investment Unit. The role leads Fiji’s Ease of Doing Business reform agenda and the development of BusinessNOW Fiji as the national one-stop digital gateway for business approvals and information. This includes strategic oversight and continuous optimisation of the Fiji Integrated Licensing and Permits Approval System (FILPAS), the Starting A Business Sub-System (SABS) and the Building Permit Approval System (BPAS), including the integration of Hotel, Liquor and Tobacco licensing and future approvals.

The position drives implementation of the National E-Commerce Strategy, strengthens Investment Facilitation and aftercare, improves Fiji’s performance and ranking in the World Bank’s B-Ready assessment, and provides policy oversight, KPI monitoring and budget utilisation compliance for Investment Fiji and Film Fiji. The role also serves as Secretariat to the Cabinet-mandated Investment Facilitation Committee

Key Responsibilities

1) Lead the national Ease of Doing Business reform agenda including regulatory simplification across business-facing agencies.

2) Oversee the implementation, governance and performance of FILPAS, SABS and BPAS and future BusinessNOW Fiji modules to ensure business-friendly, consistent national service standards.

3) Coordinate the digitalisation and onboarding of Hotel, Liquor and Tobacco licensing and other future approvals into BusinessNOW Fiji.

4) Lead implementation of the National E-Commerce Strategy including business digital adoption, online platforms, electronic payments and cybersecurity readiness.

5) Strengthen Investment Facilitation and aftercare through chairing and servicing the Investment Facilitation Committee to resolve investor constraints in a timely manner.

6) Coordinate actions to improve Fiji’s World Bank B-Ready global ranking and component indicator performance; and build and maintain strong relationships with the private sector, regulatory authorities and other government agencies to support the reform agenda.

7) Provide policy oversight, KPI monitoring and budget utilisation performance reporting for Investment Fiji and Film Fiji.

8) Prepare and present timely reports to senior management and Government on reform progress and outcomes; and actively contribute to all corporate requirements of the Ministry including planning, budgeting and human resource activities.

Knowledge & Experience

1. 1) At least 5 years’ experience working in regulatory reform, digital transformation, economic policy or investment facilitation
2. 2) Experience leading and coordinating complex multi-stakeholder reform initiatives with measurable outcomes.
3. 3) Experience working with similar business licensing and development approval systems including BusinessNOW Fiji, FILPAS, SABS and BPAS.
4. 4) Knowledge of Government economic development policies, municipal regulatory processes and statutory body governance.
5. 5) Understanding of international best practices in business environment reforms and B-Ready methodologies
6. 6) Demonstrated and proven experience at managerial or supervisory level in the economic sector.

Skills & Abilities

1. 1) Exceptional written and oral communication skills and strong negotiation and stakeholder management capability
2. 2) Strong analytical and policy development capability with ability to produce actionable insights.
3. 3) Ability to lead and supervise teams to deliver reform outcomes.
4. 4) Strong project management and change management skills with digital system familiarity.
5. 5) Demonstrated commitment to civil service values, service excellence and accountability
6. 6) Service oriented approach with a commitment to supporting the operational and corporate environment of the Ministry.

Additional Information

Applicants for employment must be of good character, with a background that demonstrates their commitment to the Civil Service Values contained in the Fijian Constitution. Applicants must also be Fijian Citizens, under age 60 years, in sound health and with a clear police record. The selected applicant will be required to provide a medical certificate and police clearance prior to taking up duty.

Contact Information

For further information contact prem.lata@trade.gov.fj