Summary

This management response addresses the evaluation of the Labour Mobility Initiative (Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme). AusAID agrees with the majority of the recommendations and plans to respond through a new design for capacity building assistance.

Description

The evaluation of the Labour Mobility Initiative highlights the need for sufficient long-term planning and certainty regarding funding so that the delivery organisation can address the specific needs of participating Pacific countries in managing labour recruitment. As the evaluation assesses AusAID support to the Pacific Seasonal Worker Pilot Scheme, a longer commitment to capacity building was not possible. However, since the permanent Seasonal Worker Program (SWP) commenced on 1 July 2012, AusAID can plan a longer commitment that seeks to sustainably build the capacity of Pacific Labour Export Units to manage labour recruitment. Better monitoring and evaluation will provide the necessary basis for capacity building planning and delivery.

While the development impact of the SWP has been clearly positive, the new design will seek to further boost its impact on poverty by improving gender equity and disability inclusiveness, and providing better re-integration services for returning seasonal workers. The details of the design will be informed and developed through full consultations with stakeholders in participating Pacific governments, Approved Employers, Whole-of-Government partners and the managers of New Zealand's Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme. Although a single delivery partner for capacity building is preferred, a key challenge will be how to efficiently support up to nine different participating governments with varying needs in a single project.

Management Response (PDF 61kb)
Management Response (Word 111kb)

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