Government is looking for someone to take charge of its Public Investment Unit (PIU). The PIU, which is part of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs, is currently headed by acting manager Seibert Frederick, who is also a former director of the ministry’s research and planning unit.
However, in a November 26, 2013 circular issued to all permanent secretaries and heads of department by the chief personnel officer, public officers were invited to apply so Government can “fill the vacant post”.
The circular seen by BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY said the new manager would be paid $121 349 annually and that interested individuals had until January 10 to apply for the senior civil service job.
“Qualifications required are a post-graduate qualification in economics or a related discipline. Not less than eight years’ experience in the public service, in business or in project management, and a degree in economics or a related discipline. Not less than ten years’ experience in the public service, in business or in project management is required,” the circular outlined.
The duties listed included being secretary to the Planning and Priorities Committee, supervising the work of the PIU, conducting and/or participating in negotiations with international funding agencies and consulting firms “as necessary for selection of professional services”.
The individual would also be required to monitor and support Government’s ongoing development project activities, assisting government agencies in developing new capital projects.
Probationary period
“The appointment may be permanent or temporary. If permanent, the appointment is subject to medical fitness and a probationary period, except in the case of officers who already hold a permanent appointment. If temporary, the appointment is subject to termination by at least one month’s notice on either side,” the document said.
“The selection process will be based on merit and may involve interviews, oral or written tests, or any other method of selection approved by the public service commission. A priority list arising out of the selection process and approved by the appointing authority, will be valid for a period of two years in keeping with Section 6 of the First Schedule of the Recruitment and Employment Code of the Public Service Act.
“All officers will be assessed on . . . relevant qualifications and professional training, experience, special reports or appraisal forms of the Performance Review and Development System, general suitability, [and] any other assessment method approved by the Public Service Commission,” it added.
Within the provisions of Barbados law, the PIU’s statutory function is to provide technical advice “to the Minister [of Finance] on matters pertaining to public investment and project planning; and provide technical support to ministries and statutory corporations in the preparation, implementation and evaluation of investment projects”.
In the most recent Estimates of Revenue and Expenditure, the unit received about $1 million in finance to cover costs, including salaries, about the same sum it received last financial year.
Meanwhile, in addition to finding a manager for the PIU, Government is also seeking officers for some other positions, including a chief licensing officer, deputy chief parliamentary counsel, training officer for the General Post Office, and a civil aviation instructor. (SC)
