Government of Belize following through with plans to raise minimum wage to $5; launches call for consultancy services proposals

Published by BBNTEAM at April 24, 2022

Posted: Sunday, April 24, 2022. 4:36 pm CST.

By Benjamin Flowers: The Government of Belize has launched a call for consultancy services proposals for the research and formulation of a gradual implementation plan to raise the minimum wage from $3.30 per hour to $5.00 per hour.

The call for proposals comes through the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government and the successful applicant will be required to conduct a four-phase project which includes: Situational Analysis, Gap Analysis, Drafting of the Plan, and the implementation of the plan.

Requirements for the consultancy include a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, Labour Economics, Development Studies, Industrial Relations, or any related fields from a recognized university or institution with ten years of relevant professional experience; exposure to and familiarity with local labour markets’ conditions, policies, programs, and Pre and Post COVID-19 situations; strong practical understanding of macro and microeconomic policies and conditions; strong practical knowledge and implementation of wages legislation and policies; and strong practical knowledge of government processes, legislations, regulations, and policies.

“Each proposal should consist of 1. A short cover letter (2 pages maximum) with exact references to the consultant’s experience with similar undertakings specifying – in detail – (i) experience with wages policies, action plans, or similar documents; (ii) experience with policy research, development, and implementation skill; and (iii) knowledge of Belize labour markets’ conditions, policies, programs, and Pre and Post COVID-19 situations; 2. Relevant samples of work and/or hyperlinks to published material; 3. The tentative calendar for carrying out the various phases of the process (see section 7, paragraphs(i) to (iv) of the Terms of Reference),” the Ministry said.

The ministry added that the consultant is expected to start working during the month of April 2022 and conclude the exercise at least, by October 2022.

Proposals should also consist of a curriculum vitae and current affiliation of relevant consultants if any; along with the priced proposal that includes all consultant fees and related expenses. Meetings and workshop costs will be covered by the Ministry.

The full Terms of Reference may be requested from [email protected] Proposals must be submitted to: Post: Chief Executive Officer Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government 5163 University Boulevard Belmopan City, CAYO.

Raising the minimum wage was a campaign promise of the Briceno administration, and on March 2, the Ministry announced the appointment of a Minimum Wage Task Force to oversee the implementation of that commitment.

The Task Force includes representation from the University of Belize, Belize Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Bank of Belize, Ministry of Economic Development, National Trade Union Congress of Belize, Central Bank of Belize, as well as the Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government.

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