In collaboration with the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency, CABRI is planning a workshop on Public Participation and Open Data for January 2018. This workshop will consider how improved participation by the public and parliament can help narrow the gap between transparency and accountability in Africa. We are seeking a consultant to develop four case studies (fictitious) that will inform our deliberations at the January workshop.
1. Introduction
CABRI works with African finance and budget ministries in developing and implementing reform initiatives that lead to more functional public financial management (PFM) systems. We facilitate peer learning and exchange, and utilise problem-driven and iterative approaches to solving context-specific challenges.
The Status Report on Good Financial Governance and the Declaration on Good Public Financial Governance – the products of a comprehensive study undertaken by the African Tax Administration Forum (ATAF), African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI) and CABRI – provide a critical basis CABRI’s work. In particular, the GFG Declaration commits the three bodies to work towards the achievement of six principles, of which transparency and accountability feature prominently. The Declaration states that:
“We will take steps to significantly improve fiscal transparency, including the establishment of appropriate mechanisms to ensure that information is accessible to our publics. We will publish available information in relation to the next and all subsequent fiscal years on fiscal and budget policy intentions and projections, the state of public finances and on the structure, functions and financing of government and the wider public sector. We will publish the public accounts annually. We will take steps to publish the information necessary to result in value for money through, and integrity in, public procurement processes. Over time, we will take steps to extend the scope of published information and improve its quality, usefulness, accessibility and timeliness.”
The relationship between budget transparency and improved fiscal outcomes, although well recognised, is not a given: many countries make improvements in budget transparency, but then experience limited improvement in financial governance. In this respect, the difference between nominal and effective transparency is often emphasised, as is the need for clear, proactive transparency policies that ensure the right information is published at the right time and in the right way so that parliamentarians and citizens can hold their governments to account.
2. Objective
In collaboration with the Global Initiative for Fiscal Transparency, CABRI is planning a workshop on Public Participation and Open Data for January 2018. This workshop will consider how improved participation by the public and parliament can help narrow the gap between transparency and accountability in Africa. We are seeking a consultant to develop four case studies (fictitious) that will inform our deliberations at the January workshop.
3. Case Studies
To narrow the gap between transparency and accountability, the four case studies will depict weaknesses in accountability and participation in Africa. The consultant will develop real-world scenarios, however, not use actual country names. The consultant will develop four case studies based on the following scenarios:
- Public participation during the budget process is minimal to non-existent. Some line ministries have extended offers to civil society organisations, however, this process isn’t well structured. Most civil society organisations accuse the government of not providing opportunities for participation.
- Significant delays in budget formulation led to the Executive’s Budget Proposal being submitted to Parliament two months after the start of the fiscal year. This led to delays in budget implementation and reporting. Civil society, the media, and even MPs have questioned the government’s ability provide basic services.
- The Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) identified several recommendations on how to improve health services. The health committee in Parliament agreed with the recommendations of the SAI and made several recommendations, none of which were implemented by the health ministry.
- The Ministry of Finance submitted the Executive’s budget proposal on time. The public accounts, health, agriculture, education, and many other committees have new MPs who don’t have much experience with public budgets. Changes are made to the budget proposal, mainly in the form of increases to programmes that are favoured by Members of Parliament.
4. Timelines
The case studies will inform the discussions of the CABRI/GIFT workshop on Public Participation and Open Data scheduled for January 2018.
5. Requirements of the consultant
The consultant will need to meet the following requirements;
- Postgraduate degree in economics, political science, public administration or related subject;
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in good financial governance, public participation, and public policy;
- Preferably fluent in English and French;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
6. Contract Specifications
Duration of the assignment
The contract duration will run from the 13th of November 2017 till the 3th of March 2018.
Terms & conditions
The terms of the contract will follow CABRI’s rules and procedures.
Payments will be made as follows: (a) preliminary case studies and (b) the final case studies.
The consultant will be expected to submit original invoices and payments will be made following prior approval of services to be performed and submission of outputs in line with milestones agreed in the contract. Depending on the timeliness and quality of the deliverables, the CABRI Secretariat reserves the right to limit the scope of, or terminate the assignment at any stage.
Applications
The consultant should indicate his/her interest by submitting a technical and a financial proposal. On the technical side, it should include a CV, highlighting relevant and recent experience and qualifications, and the details for at least three references that CABRI may contact.
On the financial side, the proposal should present the total budget required for the assignment, with a breakdown between fees and expenses and indicating the number of days for each task. Proposals should be submitted to the CABRI secretariat via e-mail to Joana Bento and Michael Castro.
The deadline for submitting the proposals is 3pm (GMT+2), Friday the 3rd November 2017.
If you do not hear back from us after 2 weeks of close of tender, you may consider your application unsuccessful.