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Antigua and Barbuda turns to Blue Economy to strengthen growth

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On Wednesday 31st March, 2021, the Cabinet of Antigua and Barbuda approved the first Maritime Blue Economy Plan (MBEP), and a blue economy department gap analysis for the formal establishment of the Department of the Blue Economy, charged with the implementation of this plan.

This MBEP is a partnership initiative between the Governments of the United Kingdom (UK) and Antigua and Barbuda.

This inaugural plan provides an overview of the existing maritime economy of Antigua and Barbuda and sets out priorities and actions that aim to help the country demonstrate a clear vision and direction that takes account of national issues, international commitments and the challenges of a Small Island State.

This original plan provides actions to support economic growth, livelihoods and jobs, while it reduces losses from natural hazards, weather events and climate change. The overall objective is to help grow the national economy in a way that reflects the aims of the Commonwealth Charter, including good governance, sustainable development, gender equality, and recognizing the needs of small and vulnerable States.

According to Dean Jonas, Minister of Social Transformation, Human Resource Development, and the Blue Economy:

The events of 2020, most notably the COVID -19 pandemic has brought home the urgent need to diversify our economy so that our island nation can better handle the shocks of such unprecedented events. In one fell swoop, our foremost contributor to our nation’s economy, tourism, was significantly impacted with little or no notice. Our government, cognizant of the need to identify new economic sectors which will result in growth, innovation, jobs and investment while safeguarding healthy ecosystems is very grateful for the work of the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme (CME), the UK Government and the many local stakeholders who made this document possible, notably, the Department of Marine Services and Merchant Shipping (ADOMS).

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To implement this plan, the Department of the Blue Economy will work closely with and coordinate the efforts of key blue economy stakeholders and investors to broaden economic opportunities which will translate to increased economic resilience, improved socio-economy standards, and advancements in climate adaptation.

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REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL SELECTION)

 

OECS MSME Guarantee Facility Project

Loan No.: IDA-62670, IDA-62660, IDA-62640, IBRD-88830, IDA-62650

Assignment Title: Senior Operating Officer (SOO)

Reference No. KN-ECPCGC-207852-CS-INDV

 

The Governments of Antigua and Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have received financing in the amount of US$10 million equivalent from the World Bank towards the cost of establishing a partial credit guarantee scheme, and they intend to apply part of the proceeds to payments for goods, and consulting services to be procured under this project. 

The consultant will serve as the “Senior Operating Officer (SOO)” for the ECPCGC and should possess extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to Micro, small and medium-sized businesses, knowledge of the internal control processes necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk mitigation procedures. The ideal candidate should possess an Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Accounting, Banking or related field, with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in lending, inclusive of MSME lending. The initial employment period will be for two years on a contractual basis. Renewal of the contract will be subject to a performance evaluation at the end of the contractual period. The assignment is expected to begin on September 30th, 2021.  The consultant will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the ECPCGC.

The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for the assignment can be viewed by following the attached link below. 

 

https://bit.ly/3iVannm

 

The Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation (ECPCGC) now invites eligible “Consultants” to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have:

  • An Undergraduate Degree from a reputable college or university, preferably in Business, Finance, Banking or related field; and
  • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MSME lending. Applicants should also have:
  • The ability to design and implement risk management procedures 
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME lending with some direct experience lending to small and medium-sized businesses
  • Extensive knowledge of MSME banking operations
  • Knowledge of the internal controls necessary for a lending operation and the ability to design and implement risk management procedures
  • Experience developing and presenting information in public, including responding to questions in real-time
  • Experience lending to MSMEs located in the ECCU
  • Knowledge of marketing and communicating with the MSME sector
  • Ability to draft procedures to be used in a lending operation
  • Familiarity with the mechanics of a loan guarantee program
  • Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills, and
  • Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite.

The attention of interested Individual Consultants is drawn to Section III, Paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers July 2016, [revised November 2017] (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Approved Selection Method for Individual Consultants set out in the clause 7.34 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers. 

 

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 0800 to 1700 hours:

Eastern Caribbean Partial Credit Guarantee Corporation

Brid Rock, Basseterre,

St. Kitts.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form by e-mail by August 11th, 2021, to [email protected]

 

For further information, please contact:

Carmen Gomez-Trigg                                                            Bernard Thomas

Chief Executive Officer                                                          Chief Financial Officer

Tel: 868-620-8144                                                                  Tel: 869-765-2385

Email: [email protected]                                          [email protected]