Expert Panel: Support to Addressing the Economic Impacts of Covid-19 on Samoa

Job Description

Location: Home based

Duration: 50 working days (home-based)

ARF Category: C4

Est. Date: April 2020 – September 2020

Programme Background

Adam Smith International (ASI) manages the Samoa Governance Support Programme, which is funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).

Established in 2016 following agreement between the Government of Samoa (GoS) and the Government of Australia, the Samoa Governance Support Programme (the Programme) works with the GoS to achieve sustainable and equitable development in accordance with the Strategy for the Development of Samoa (2017-2020) and the Australia-Samoa Aid Partnership Arrangement (2016-2019). The Programme has two objectives: to develop and strengthen policies and institutions that enable sustainable and inclusive economic growth, especially private sector-led growth; and to improve economic governance by addressing issues that affect underlying public sector capability and performance.

Responsibility for the strategic management of the Programme rests with the Programme Steering Committee, whose membership comprises the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ministry of Finance (chair); the CEO of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet (deputy chair); the Chair of the Public Service Commission; and the Australian High Commissioner to Samoa.

Assignment objective

The aim of this assignment will be to to provide the Macroeconomic Policy Committee (MPC) of the Government of Samoa with access to on-demand high-level economic policy expertise and advice regarding the socio-economic effects of COVID-19 and their management and mitigation.

The principal objectives of the Project are to:

1. Anticipate, and draw to the attention of the MPC, socio-economic problems that would be likely to arise from COVID-19 and to analyse how they would affect different industries or sectors of the economy (e.g., travel restrictions and effects on tourism; social distancing and effects on small restaurants and cafes; and so on).
2. Produce analyses that inform policies and stimulus packages that could address such problems (e.g., small grants to low-income workers and families; tax credits to employers who are able to provide paid sick leave; and so on).
3. Estimate the costs involved and identify possible means and sources of financing.
4. Be available on demand to respond to requests from the MOF and MPC.

The panel will comprise two or three economists, consultant selection will be based on the following criteria:

1. Work experience: Experience of labour market survey work that is clearly relevant – in terms of substantive technical content, scope, and level(s) - to the work outlined in these TOR. It is necessary that applicants have a thorough understanding of the Samoan economy and knowledge of the availability and quality of relevant data and access to them.
2. Country experience: Comparative experience from work carried out in more than one economy.
3. Qualifications: An advanced degree in economics or a related field, preferably at doctoral level.
4. Substantive knowledge: Strong and up-to-date knowledge and experience of economic policy and practice surrounding markets in distress. It is essential that the consultant be someone whose general approach to these questions is driven by pragmatic considerations associated with the development context rather than ideological ones derived from a particular paradigm of economics. Refereed publications will be viewed favourably
5. Analytical capability: The consultants should be capable of analysing complex problems, evaluating the quality of different types of data, and producing practical and workable solutions.
6. Performance under pressure: A consistent record of producing outstanding performance under pressure and of working with senior government counterparts.
7. Judgement and mediation: The ability to make independent judgments and to lead discussion, develop consensus on sometimes difficult and controversial issues, and to balance and mediate multiple stakeholder expectations and objectives.
8. Knowledge and skill transfer: The ability to convey effectively his/her own knowledge and skills to others.
9. Written and oral communication capabilities: It is essential that the consultant possesses the ability to express complex ideas - both in writing and orally – clearly and in plain English to a variety of audiences, including government officials, community groups, entrepreneurs, donors, and other professionals. Short-listed candidates may be required to provide examples of their written work.
10. Interpersonal and intercultural skills: Excellent interpersonal and intercultural skills and the ability to manage questions of national and organizational culture skilfully and to build effective and harmonious working relations with clients and counterparts.
11. Multiple reporting: The consultants should also be able to work effectively in a matrix management structure or one that has multiple lines of reporting.
12. Other skills and knowledge: The consultants should also possess:

• Research skills, knowledge, and experience of both quantitative and qualitative methods;
• Good knowledge and understanding of policy development; and
• Up-to-date knowledge and understanding of the relevant literature.

How to apply

Interested applicants are requested to submit a CV and a short covering note in an email with the subject “Expert Panel: Addressing Economic Impacts COVID-19” to tammy.theikdi@adamsmithinternational.com. Unfortunately, due to high application volume, only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Detailed terms of reference will be provided to short-listed candidates.

Applications close: Friday 27 March 2020.

About the Organization

Adam Smith International is a global advisory company that works locally to transform lives by making economies stronger, societies more stable, and governments more effective. Our clients are governments, international organisations, companies, and foundations. They come to us to develop strategies and to design, deliver and evaluate programmes that address the big challenges facing the world.

Our core team of staff and technical experts, in multiple offices around the world, ensures the quality of delivery and high ethical standards that we and our clients require. We bring together a global network of experts, who contribute their experience and know-how, where and when it is needed.

ASI is owned and operated by its employees. We are committed to corporate integrity and a triple bottom line of social, environmental and financial performance.

That is the way we work and that commitment was formally recognised when we became a certified B Corp. The certification indicates we balance profit and purpose through the highest standards of transparency and accountability as well as social and environmental performance.

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