More than 20 Board of Directors vacant posts are currently being advertised by the Independent Selection Committee which it hopes will be filled by the end of next month. 

A total of 24 vacancies for 15 State-owned enterprises that are responsible for governing the public bodies are up for grabs. 

The positions were advertised by the Committee (I.S.C.) and published by the Ministry of Public Enterprises (M.P.E.) website inviting applications from experienced and qualified individuals to serve the public bodies. 

The vacant Directors position is for Development Bank of Samoa, Electric Power Corporation, Public Trust Office, Samoa Airport Authority, Samoa Housing Corporation, Samoa International Finance Authority, Samoa Ports Authority, Samoa Post Limited, Samoa Trust Estates Corporation, Unit Trust of Samoa, Samoa Life Assurance Corporation, Samoa National Provident Fund, Accident Compensation, Samoa Fire and Emergency Authority and the Scientific Research Organisation of Samoa. 

The Board of Directors sets operational and organisational policies, provides overall leadership and strategic direction, plans and monitors work and financial performance and reports on that performance to the shareholder (Government).

Applications close on 21 April and should be addressed to the I.S.C. Chair for consideration. 

The Board of Directors governs the public body and it sets operational and organisational policies, provides overall leadership and strategic direction, plans and monitors work and financial performance and reports on that performance to the shareholder (Government). 

"Therefore, all those interested must have proven governance and leadership experience at a senior level and hold appropriate academic and professional qualifications," the advertisement states. 

"An understanding of State-owned Enterprises or Public Bodies, their governance structure and how they operate is essential. Being able to understand key legislations that govern how Public Bodies operate and the obligations in place for reporting on their performance is also important. 

"The Board is accountable to the Shareholding Ministers for the performance of the Public Body. Therefore, it is important that all Directors and those interested in becoming Directors have an understanding of the duty of care that is expected of them under the Public Bodies (Performance & Accountability) Act 2001."

All applicants are asked to complete the application form available from the Ministry for Public Enterprises in order to be considered. 

"This includes current Directors whose terms are ending as well as those who may have submitted an application previously to the Ministry. A list of the priority skills and technical expertise together with essential knowledge, experience and qualifications required is described in an Information Package prepared by the Ministry for Public Enterprises (MPE). 

"All those interested in applying must obtain this package and study it carefully before applying. 

"These directorships provide an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic leadership of organizations that provide essential services to the community and contribute to the socio-economic development of the country. 

"Interested applicants must be able to demonstrate and provide evidence of their skills and experience relevant to the available directorship."

Last month, M.P.E. released a list of new Board of Directors last month and new Board of Directors.