improving extractives governance
PNGEITI Report Releases
The EITI holds all implementing countries to the same global standard. Through Validation, the EITI’s quality assurance mechanism, implementing countries are assessed on their ability to meet the provisions of the EITI Standard.
Request for Expressions of Interest for Contract Transparency Study in Papua New Guinea
Request for Expressions of Interest for Contract Transparency Study in Papua New Guinea: Assessment of Benefits, Challenges, Risks and Opportunities The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) is a global standard that promotes transparency and accountability in the oil, gas and mining sectors. One of the key requirements for PNG as an EITI implementing country is to systematically disclose company payments and government receipts of extractive revenues in the annual EITI country reports through the existing systems consistent with the EITI Standard. Contract Transparency or disclosure of extractive resources project agreements through the EITI reports is a key requirement under the EITI Standard. When EITI countries commit to contract transparency, they accept to publicly disclose the full text of any contract, license, concession or other agreements governing the exploitation of oil, gas and mineral resources. Contract Transparency allows citizens to understand the agreed terms for extractive projects in their countries and to hold the parties to these agreements accountable for their actions. This in turn creates a level playing field for resource developers and also enables governments to negotiate better deals for their citizens. The EITI with support from USAID is seeking a competent and credible firm or individual to produce a study describing the existing legal framework for contract (or projects agreements) disclosure in PNG, and evaluating risks and challenges as well as the opportunities and benefits associated with disclosing extractive sector contracts. The outcome of the study is expected to enhance stakeholders understanding of any potential risks and offer practical solutions on how to address such risks and reap the benefits of public disclosure. The assignment is expected to take 20 consultancy days in July and August and should be completed by end of August 2021. The consultant must be a reputable company/one or more individual(s) with a proven reputation, perceived by the EITI International Secretariat and the EITI Papua New Guinea to be credible, trustworthy, experienced and technically competent. The consultant will need to possess the following competencies: Expertise in PNG’s legal framework and contracts regime, specifically in the extractive sector relating to project agreements, MOAs, Development Agreements, UBSA, LBSAs etc. A PNG law degree or relevant background in the context of PNG is an advantage. Expertise in natural resource governance in PNG, as demonstrated by at least seven years of relevant work experience. Familiarity with the EITI Standard’s requirements on contract disclosure. Adequate experience in producing similar technical studies and research. Familiarity with PNG’s government systems, laws and policies. The consultant must demonstrate ability to access information from government through well-established networks within the PNG’s bureaucracy. Adequate experience in conducting consultations with various stakeholders from government, companies and civil society. Advanced written and communication skills in English. To ensure quality and independence in the undertaking, the consultant must, in their technical and financial proposals, disclose any potential or actual conflicts of interest, together with a comment about how they may be avoided. A consultant will be selected following a quality- and cost-based selection procedure. Consultants should submit: A Technical Proposal, outlining: (a) the experience of the firm / consultants, (b) the proposed methodology and work plan in response to the Terms of Reference (TORs) and (c) the key experts’ qualifications and competence. The Technical Proposal should not include any financial information. Technical proposals containing material financial information shall be declared non-responsive. A Financial Proposal, clearly indicating a lump sum financial proposal, inclusive of all costs associated with required travel and applicable taxes. The financial proposal should clearly differentiate fees from any other reimbursable expenses. The daily rate for the consultant fees should be clearly indicated. The Financial Proposal should be sent as a password protected PDF file. The passwords should not be sent. The passwords will be requested following the assessment of the technical proposals. Proposals must be delivered by email to SKasimova@EITI.org from the EITI International Secretariat (Oslo, Norway office) and copy to be sent to PNGEITI National Secretariat on email Francis_Diakon@treasury.gov.pg by 13 July 2021. Terms of Reference is available on: https://eiti.org/files/documents/tor-contract_transparency_study_-_png.pdf AUTHORIZED BY: LUCAS ALKAN HEAD OF PNGEITI NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
Transparency and Honesty cornerstone Guiding Principles for resource governance: AGAROBE
The final leg of the Papua New Guinea Extractive Industries Transparency Commission Bill covering the Southern Region is underway in Port Moresby this week. Central Governor Robert Agarobe opened yesterday the workshop with the key message that honesty and transparency must be the cornerstone principle guiding the management of PNG’s resource to derive best value for development. Mr. Agarobe gave the backing of the Central Province on the proposed law to transition the PNGEITI National Secretariat into a statutory body to be known as the “PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Commission”. “The Central Provincial Government and its people recognize the need to have visibility of the various revenue streams and other benefits received from our extractive projects in the country, and particularly in our province,” Mr. Agarobe said. “Our government also recognizes the importance of supporting the work of the PNGEITI in transforming itself into a Statutory Commission to effectively administer and sustain EITI implementation in PNG. We also recognize the importance of having an efficient and an independent administrative body or a commission that would enable better management and governance of the extractive sector and the proposed EITI Commission law to transition the PNGEITI National Secretariat currently parked at the Department of Treasury is a step in the right direction going forward,” he said. PNGEITI Head of National Secretariat Mr. Lucas Alkan said: “The sustainability and effectiveness of implementing EITI in PNG is dependent on having it legally established”. Mr. Alkan said a NEC decision on which the PNGEITI operations rode held “no legal obligation to reporting entities to ensure compliance. “Furthermore, the NEC Decision that created PNGEITI holds limited powers in enforcing compliance therefore presenting risks susceptible to being made redundant and dissolved,” Mr Alkan explained. Voluntary compliance in EITI reporting is high, however, comprehensiveness in reporting is low. These incomprehensiveness results from the absence of EITI enabling legislation. To mitigate incomprehensiveness in the short term, the State Solicitors and MRA have prescribed EITI reporting and transparency undertakings in mining MOA agreements. So far EITI provisions are captured in the K92 and Woodlark Mining contractual agreement with all future mining MoAs to receive similar undertakings. Limited visibility in revenue reporting over the years have hindered informed decision making for effective governance in the extractive sector. The introduction of the EITI concept and the subsequent intervention of the PNGEITI National Policy now sets the framework for effective governance, not only in the mineral sector, but also in the non- mineral sector utilizing the EITI model for improved transparency and accountability. “Mr Alkan said. ENDS/ Image Caption: Head of the PNGEITI National Secretariat Mr. Lucas Alkan and Central Governor Hon Robert Agarobe at the Stanley Hotel yesterday where PNGEIT Commission bill for the Southern Region is underway.
Terms of Reference for the Production of PNGEITI Promotional Video
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Terms of Reference (ToR) for a Short-term Journalist
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EOI for a Short-term Journalist
The PNG Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (PNGEITI) is an independent entity established by the Government of PNG to promote transparency and accountability in the revenue it receives from the extractive industries. The Secretariat is seeking to engage a short-term journalist to provide consultancy services. The Consultant will be responsible for providing support services by writing and producing media news articles or related works promoting the activities of PNGEITI for public information and awareness. These include: Information and press releases showcasing a well-established and fully functional National Secretariat office and the multi-stakeholder group (MSG), Information and press releases highlighting extractive industries contribution (both direct and indirect) to the PNG economy, Information and press releases showcasing management and governance of the extractive industries; Information and press releases showcasing revenue generation and collection that is consistent with policy setting; Information and press releases showcasing engagement of stakeholders to effectively address issues affecting PNG’s extractive industries; Information and press releases showcasing implementation of PNGEITI report recommendations as directed by Cabinet and the EITI International validation outcomes and Board decisions for PNG; Information and press releases showcasing special projects undertaken by the PNGEITI and its stakeholders such as Beneficial Ownership, Sub-national Payments, Policy and Legislation and others as directed by the Head of National Secretariat. Qualifications and Experiences: The consultant must possess tertiary qualifications; Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Have experience in journalism or in the media and communications field and should have at least 3 years’ relevant experience in producing news articles and related works as specified in the Terms of Reference (ToR). Some experience in writing on the PNG extractive sector including oil, gas and mining would be an advantage but not necessary. Duration of Engagement: The engagement will be for a period of 8 months from May to December, 2021. Interested individuals may obtain a copy of the Terms of Reference (ToR) which provides specific details on the tasks involved. ToR can be downloaded: tor-short-term-journalist Applications: Expression of Interest (EOI) must be received no later than 4:30 pm, 27 April, 2021 Email to Francis_Diakon@treasury.gov.pg or hand deliver to the Secretariat Office located at the Treasury Building, Waigani. Authorised by: Lucas Alkan Head of National Secretariat
Terms of Reference (ToR) for Beneficial Ownership Report preparation
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