Introduction

The Department of Labour (the Department) has been allocated funding over two years from an assistance fund administered by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.  The funding is to provide technical and capacity building assistance to Pacific states to strengthen their ability to participate in the Recognised Seasonal Employer policy (RSE). 

The nature of the assistance will be tailored to meet the specific needs of each Pacific state (Kiribati, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu).

The project has 3 phases:

Phase One

Phase One - focused on compiling and completing project documentation. For example completing the funding documents, the Memorandum of Understanding, planning for the project workshop etc.  This Phase of the project was completed in July 2009.

Phase Two

Phase Two – involved hosting a workshop for Pacific states, industry and stakeholders. This includes project scoping, working group sessions, developing individual project plans and consultation. 

Strengthening Partnerships Project Workshop

As a first step, DoL hosted the ‘Strengthening Partnership Project Workshop’ inviting officials from Pacific states and other key partners to initially scope the type of assistance needed.
The workshop provided the foundations to develop country specific project plans outlining the technical assistance required to support Pacific states’ arrangements.  Specific actions discussed during the workshop included:

• addressing gaps in the end to end RSE process,
• assisting Pacific states to embed the processes that underpin the facilitative arrangements, and
• equipping operational staff with the right tools to enable them to enhance the services provided and manage administrative systems more efficiently.

In consultation with each Pacific State, project plans have been developed that identify focus areas for providing technical assistance.

Phase Three – Implementation

The Implementation Phase started in September 2009.  On-going consultation will take place with each of the Pacific states.  The necessary expertise can be located from within the Department to complete the action items for the Pacific States.  An Implementation Plan has been drafted please see Updates/Reports for further information.