INTRODUCTION
The Government of Ghana has secured an IDA credit of $175 million for the Local Government Capacity Support Project (LGCSP). The objectives of the project are:
i. To strengthen the intergovernmental fiscal framework;
ii. To strengthen local public financial management and accountability for improved infrastructure and services in urban assemblies; and
iii. To improve citizens’ engagement with urban assemblies and their perceptions of urban management.
The project is divided into four components. Component 1 will support the establishment of a predictable and transparent fiscal framework for local governance by assisting the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MOFEP) to develop and manage specific aspects of the fiscal framework for local governance. Component 2 will support selected urban local governments to improve their management capabilities in identified key reform areas through a performance based Urban Development Grant and targeted capacity support. Component 3 will generate civil society demand for financial information from urban assemblies, foster more effective engagement of civil society with assemblies on this data, and strengthen the capacity and engagement of citizens’ representatives on the budget and service delivery issues. Component 4 will provide support to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) in fulfilling its roles in supporting the decentralization process and in managing the project.
Component 1, strengthening the fiscal framework for decentralization, is being implemented by MOFEP and includes the following activities:
A. Development of intergovernmental fiscal policy including i. Review of the Intergovernmental Fiscal Framework (IGFF) Policy Statement ; ii. Review of intergovernmental fiscal transfers; iii. Sector fiscal decentralization reviews; and iv. Review of the regulatory framework for municipal borrowing.
B: Supporting reforms to Local Government Public Financial Management (PFM) including the development of policies/implementation strategies related to the following 5 key reform areas identified for support under the project i. Budget Reforms; ii. Reporting and Auditing; iii. Local Revenue Management; iv. Asset Management; and v. Social Accountability;
C: Management of intergovernmental fiscal relations including the strengthening of the Fiscal Decentralization Unit (FDU) of MOFEP through technical assistance, , training and study tours, and support for fiscal and financial monitoring, and communications and awareness.
MoFEP has recently created a Fiscal Decentralization Unit (FDU) with the mandate to lead the consultative process of fiscal policy development over the medium term and to monitor the fiscal and financial aspects of the decentralization program. The activities under Component One of the LGCSP are designed to strengthen this mandate and as such, the FDU will be responsible for the implementation of the various activities under Component One. A long term Technical Adviser is being hired under the project to support the FDU in developing its management and technical capacities as well as to provide technical advice on the establishment and institutionalisation of key systems in MoFEP for the effective management of the fiscal policy stance of national government towards local governments (metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies, or MMDAs)
Scope of Work
a) Provide specialist advice and recommendations on key policy positions in intergovernmental fiscal relations (IGFR) related to expenditure assignments, revenue assignments, intergovernmental budgeting, fiscal transfers, MMDA expenditure and revenue performance and sub-national borrowing
b) Support the FDU in the development of detailed work plans and systems for each sub-unit or task area within the FDU, including recommendations on specific job descriptions for staff and the identification of support that will be provided
c) Enable the FDU to maintain regular interface with the implementation of the Ghana Integrated Financial Management and Information System (GIFMIS) and support the MoFEP and MLGRD in designing GIFMIS rollout to MMDAs
d) Support the FDU to maintain regular interface with the Ghana Audit Service (GAS) and the Controller and Accountant General’s Department (CAGD) on issues relating to financial reporting and MMDA audits
e) Support the FDU in organizing quarterly seminars on key aspects of IGFR, drawing on global experiences
f) Support the FDU to exercise oversight and quality enhancement of all consultancies commissioned by the FDU
g) Provide regular advice on key risks facing MoFEP in carrying out its IGFR functions
h) Provide overall support to the head of the FDU, including ensuring the timely commissioning and completion of tasks in the annual work plan of the FDU.
Deliverables and Outputs
The expected deliverables and outputs under this assignment will vary in accordance with the each of the tasks outlined in the scope of work detailed above. Accordingly these could include providing specific advice on technical and policy issues, preparation of policy papers and technical advisory notes, preparation/review of terms of reference for the various consultancies planned under Component One of the project, organization of workshops/seminars to discuss fiscal and financial policy issues etc. At the start of the assignment as well as at the start of the subsequent fiscal years during the course of the assignment, the Adviser will prepare a work program in consultation with the Head of the FDU. The work program will be approved by the Chief Director, MoFEP and will spell out in detail the specific deliverables expected during the course of the year. The Adviser will also prepare and submit a progress report every six months on the activities under taken under the consulting assignment and submit to the Head of FDU. At the close of the assignment, the Adviser will be required to prepare an exit report on the assignment.
Qualifications
(i) Phd or Masters degree in Economics/ Public Administration/ Development Policy and Planning/Public finance or such related disciplines
(ii) 15 years international work experience in the areas of fiscal decentralization, local government public finance, intergovernmental fiscal and financial systems is essential.
(iii) Previous experience in providing technical assistance/advisory services to Governments in areas such as fiscal decentralization/intergovernmental fiscal and financial systems/local government public finance is highly desirable
(iv) Practical experience in a treasury at local or national levels
(v) Solid technical experience in at least two PFM areas that must be demonstrated.
(vi) Demonstrated Management skills in multi stakeholder environment
(vii) Outstanding interpersonal skills
(viii) Strategic outcomes focus with strong strategy management and coordination skills
(ix) Knowledge of the Ghanaian system of public finance will be desirable, but not essential
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Individual Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out under Section V of the World Bank’s Guidelines: Selection and Employment of Consultants by World Bank Borrowers, (May 2004 revised October 2006 and May 2010).
All interested individuals are requested to submit typewritten letters and curriculum vitae for the specific position described above.
Only short listed individuals will be contacted.
Letters of interest clearly marked "Local Government Capacity Support Project (LGCSP)” and the name of the position should be received by the close of work on 4th September 2011 and addressed to:
THE CHIEF DIRECTOR
MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND ECONOMIC PLANNING
POST OFFICE BOX M B 40
ACCRA, GHANA.
Tel. + 233302 665310 Ext 436
Fax: 233302663854
E-mail : chiefdirector@mofep.gov.gh, <simeon.kyei@yahoo.com>,
