Tetra Tech is supporting Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and the Cook Islands governments to develop national employment policy documents.
These strategic frameworks will guide each Pacific Island nation’s key decisions to enhance investment, expand employment opportunities, and promote meaningful work for their citizens.
Our work to support the development of national employment policy documents in Solomon Islands, Vanuatu and Cook Islands is funded by the International Labour Organization.
A recent milestone was a stakeholder validation workshop for the Solomon Islands’ new employment policy—the country’s first employment policy.
Key government, private sector and workers’ representatives from across the country gathered in Honiara in March to review the draft of the nation’s new policy.
The purpose of the workshop was to validate the document by providing an opportunity for government officials, private sector and workers’ organisations to comment and agree on the contents of the document.
Stakeholders expressed their confidence that the policy document will contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of the nation.
Here we share some key insights for developing effective employment policies in emerging economies.
These insights are also relevant for the creating other strategic frameworks.
Contextual analysis
The starting point for policy making is a review of key historical policy and research documents.
An extensive analysis saves time, and interviews thereafter can focus on gaining ‘insight’ rather than ‘information’.
While the information collected at this stage may lead to a lengthy background document, it is critical that the final policy does not simply present information but uses it to support making recommendations later.
Evidence-based decision making
Policy recommendations must be grounded in clear, reliable data.
However, many developing countries face challenges due to outdated or incomplete information. Bridging these gaps requires a combination of strategic data collection and primary research to ensure well-informed policies.
It is also important to keep in mind that some policy priorities may not have enough evidence, but the lack of evidence is not sufficient to leave out key recommendations if they are collectively aspirational.
Historical and present evidence is not fully sufficient for future action.
Stakeholder engagement
Broad consultation with government ministries, private sector representatives, and workers’ organisations form the foundation of the policy development process.
Inclusive participation fosters ownership, transparency, and long-term commitment.
Policy champion
While external experts and consultants provide technical expertise, the successful development and implementation of a policy requires leadership from within the government.
A senior official with collective credibility serving as a policy champion can navigate political dynamics, drive the process forward, and ensure adoption and execution.
The policy champion will often require external support.
Alignment of interests
The policy landscape involves diverse and sometimes competing priorities of important decision makers and implementors.
Effective policymaking requires balancing these interests through collective decision-making and strategic compromises that serve the nation’s long-term goals.
The ‘visibility’ of this prioritisation and compromise in the public arena is critical.
What is not said is just as important as what is said.
Omission of key individuals, viewpoints and potential other priorities in consultations or validation may be seen as an intentional trade-off, which could potentially prevent future implementation success.
Therefore, careful consideration of the policy development agenda is critical.
Political acceptability
Policy recommendations can have varied political implications.
Gaining high-level political endorsement ensures that policies are not only developed but also formally adopted and actionable.
This endorsement must be presented as one that creates political value.
Timing and strategic considerations
The timing of policy development and endorsement in parliament must account for broader national priorities and public expectations.
In some cases, delays are necessary to allow for further consultations and consensus building.
More often, the momentum of policy creation can support endorsement and implementation with a sense of urgency.
Action plan for implementation
A policy document without a clear action plan risks becoming an aspirational statement rather than a practical roadmap.
The plan should include realistic, yet ambitious, targets that maintain stakeholder engagement and drive measurable progress.
Monitoring and accountability
A robust monitoring mechanism is essential to track progress and maintain accountability.
This requires well-defined indicators, designated responsibilities, and regular reviews to ensure the policy remains relevant and effective.
Budget allocation and sustainability Without committed funding, even the most well-crafted policy risks stagnation.
Securing budget allocations often requires navigating financial constraints and competing national priorities.
Justifying the policy’s importance and demonstrating efficiencies are crucial to sustaining long-term support.
These insights underscore the complexities of strategic policymaking in developing contexts.
By ensuring broad engagement, evidence-based decision-making, and strategic implementation, national policies can serve as powerful tools for economic growth and social progress.
Read more about Tetra Tech’s work in future economies.
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