PBDC Announces Opening in Senior Fellows Program

09/13 The American Samoa Government is currently recruiting candidates for the senior fellows program under the Pacific Basin Development Council based in the Aloha State.

And joining in on the recruiting campaign trail is Governor Togiola Tulafono, who is also the newly elected PBDC president.

“It is my intention as president of PBDC to move for reforms that will make PBDC a more pro-active organization that will assert itself for the mutual interests of its members at the federal, regional and sub-regional levels. And offering the Senior Fellow Program is a contribution to that moving forward stance,” said Governor Togiola, adding that this is a great chance for advancement for college degree holders in the field.

American Samoa is a founding member of PBDC, a non-profit organization established in early 1980s by the governors of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and Hawaii.

From the pool of interested applicants, the ASG will select three nominees.

The job requires the successful candidate to monitor, analyze, and support development of PBDC policy documents related to federal laws, rules, and other initiatives, in addition to identifying, compiling, and analyzing information related to key policy issues in technical areas as assigned by the Executive Director.

Other tasks include providing technical assistance and informal consultations to individual PBDC members and island agencies, as well as implementing special projects and performing other related duties as may be required.

“The purpose of the Senior Fellow Program is to build capacity in and among the Territories by offering a fellowship that will allow a person from the Territories to work with the Pacific Basin Development Council to carry out and implement the PBDC’s strategic plan for the region,” said the Governor.

The contract is for three months (60-work days or 480-hours) at the PBDC Office in Honolulu.

Minimum qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university. A Master’s degree in economic development, regional planning, or public/business administration may be substituted for up to 2 years of required experience.

Successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to write effectively and work well with others. Work experience in PBDC member islands or extensive background in the region are preferred.

The application process includes the submission of a resume, one policy paper (10-15 pages), and two letters of recommendation (one of which must be from a current supervisor).

The final selection is up to the PBDC Executive Director.

The sponsoring government is responsible for providing airfare for the selected Fellow in addition to normal wages and other compensation.

PBDC will provide lodging expenses not to exceed 90-days. This full amount will be repaid to PBDC if the Fellow leaves government service prior to the second anniversary of the conclusion of the Fellowship. However, certain travel expenses, as appropriate, for the selected Fellow during the term of the Fellowship may be covered by the PBDC or the sponsoring government.

“This is an excellent opportunity for one of our very own to engage in substantive work for the betterment of our region and most importantly, our Territory,” said Togiola. “It truly is a wonderful opportunity.”

More information on the program can be obtained by contacting the Governor’s chief legal counsel Toetasi Fue Tuiteleleapaga at 633-4116 or toetasi@americansamoa.gov