The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) is assisting the Fiji Police Force (FPF) in digitizing the Police Clearance process to enhance its efficiency. The first stage of this transformation involves developing an Online Police Clearance System, which will automate application submissions and improve the FPF's capacity for more efficient application vetting. Police Clearance Service is one of the most demanding services provided by FPF to the public. According to the current regulation, there are 11 types of police clearance provided with different fees and turnaround times. The application submission is done onsite at a receiving station, but for urgent application submissions from overseas, email submissions are acceptable with the requirement that hardcopy submissions will follow the email submissions. However, payments only can be made onsite at a receiving station. Although different payment methods are acceptable, including cash, bank transfer, credit card or mobile wallet, most payments are made via cash. The average number of applications received a day is approximately 300 and are processed by FPF office in Suva. This Terms of Reference (TOR) document defines the plan and deliverables for the FPF to digitize its police clearance process by transitioning from paper-based methods to an electronic system. The rationale behind this initiative is to streamline the police clearance application process and enhance overall efficiency. The objectives include developing an online portal and mobile application which makes submitting police clearance applications more efficient to the public and processing by FPF. Digitizing and promoting electronic payments in government channels is a key focus area within Fiji’s 5-Year (2017-2021) & 20-Year (2017-2036) National Development Plan. This initiative is being implemented with the collaboration of UNCDF’s Pacific Digital Economy Programme, Ministry of Economy, and FPF. This initiative will require resources, which is not available in house at FPF hence recognizing the need, the FPF intends to procure a reputable and established digital solutions provider with experience in building secure online processing and payment platforms handling the integration of confidential data. This decision is driven considering the highly sensitive criminal database within the FPF. The United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) mobilizes and catalyzes an increase in capital flows for SDG impactful investments to Member States, especially Least Developed Countries, contributing to sustainable economic growth and equitable prosperity. In partnership with UN entities and development partners, UNCDF delivers scalable, blended finance solutions to drive systemic change, pave the way for commercial finance, and contribute to the SDGs. We support market development by enabling entities to access finance in high-risk environments by deploying financial instruments, mechanisms and advisory. In 2021, UNCDF started to tailor its new strategy to the Pacific context with three complementary programme initiatives that are part of a bigger portfolio approach to implement UNCDF’s strategy, “Leaving no one behind in the digital era” in the Pacific region. These programs are the Pacific Digital Economy Programme (PDEP), the Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme (PICAP), DFS for Resilience Programme (DFS4Resilience). Furthermore, as a UN agency with a unique investment mandate, UNCDF is expanding its interventions incorporating blended finance (grants, loans, guarantees, and technical assistance) in various thematic areas ranging from digital economy, climate change, and green/blue economy. PDEP is currently being implemented in 11 countries across the Pacific, namely Fiji, Samoa, Vanuatu, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, PNG, Cook Islands, FSM, RMI and Kiribati. The programme aims to support the development of inclusive digital economies in the Pacific that allow rural communities, women and MSMEs, and labour mobility workers to enhance market participation, resulting in poverty reduction, improved livelihoods, and economic growth. With the assistance of UNCDF, FPF commissioned a feasibility study to digitalize the Police Clearance Certification process, and the reports broadly recommends designing a digital system for processing and issuing police clearance certificates, introduce digital payment options and improve efficiency of operations. It's crucial to consider the unique context of Fiji, including factors such as internet connectivity, digital literacy and access to technology that can be some barriers towards digital transformation. The digital platform and mobile application must be accessible to citizens across the country, including those in remote areas with limited internet connectivity. Additionally, considerations for data security and privacy are paramount to protect applicants' personal information and maintain public trust in the clearance process. The technology contractor will need to address these challenges by designing a platform that is user-friendly, culturally sensitive, and compliant with relevant regulations and standards of the FPF. In summary, by embracing digital transformation, the FPF seeks to improve service delivery, efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction in the police clearance processing.

UNCDF Procurement Unit