The Public Sector Improvement Facility (PSIF) is a mechanism for supporting a program of priority public sector reform activities in Samoa. The Facility, as part of the Ministry of the Prime Minister and Cabinet (MPMC) provides support for the continuing program of public sector reform within specific Ministries, within sectors, and across government with the aim of promoting a whole-of-government approach.

The PSIF Strategic Framework is the baseline planning and policy document for the Facility. The Framework is consistent with other national development frameworks identifying:

• Opportunities for reform and improvement
• Straegic priorities for public sector improvement; and,
• Guiding principles on which projects will be assessed for funding.  

GOAL

 

The goal of the Public Sector Improvement Facility is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of Samoa’s Public Service to support Samoa’s national development priorities.

 

PURPOSE 

The purpose of the Public Sector Improvement Facility is to strengthen cooperation and collaboration between public service agencies (and between them, the private sector and civil society), in identifying and addressing critical constraints within the public sector to effective service delivery through a range of institutional strengthening initiatives.

CATEGORIES OF PROJECTS

Ministries develop proposals for funding and these are appraised according to their PSIF eligibility criteria. There are two categories of projects.

1. Core Projects( Over SAT$100,000 )

The strategic focus of the PSIF is through a series of core programs that address key issues across government.

Core projects proposals are prepared by agencies. Agencies are encouraged to consult with the FMU when developing their project proposals, ensuring that their project proposals meets the PSIF eligibility criteria.

Agencies submit their core project proposals to Economic Policy and Planning Division (EPPD) of the Ministry of Finance for appraisal. The EPPD then submits their appraisal reports to the Cabinet Development Committee (CDC). If approved by CDC, projects that have identified PSIF funding are then referred to FUM for PSIF approval, development of the project agreement and assistance with project implementation processes.

Approval by CDC as projects that meet the Government's development agenda requirements does not mean that funding will automatically be available through the PSIF. The PSIF has an annual budget and works within those parameters. It is therefore important that agencies communicate with the FMU in the initial planning for their project proposal. The FMU does not fund retrospective activities.

2.Immediate and Emerging Priorities(IEP) Usually less than SAT$100,000

The Facility supports Immediate and Emerging Priorities (IEPs) so as to provide responsive solutions to smaller projects that address an agency's priority needs in a more immediate way.

IEP proposals are prepared by agencies and submitted to the FMU for appraisal. The FMU refers all IEPs to the FSC Sub-Committee for approval.