Antecedentes

Financed by the Government of Switzerland and implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Municipal Environmental and Economic Governance (MEG) Project is a 12-year intervention in the domain of local governance in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Project’s overall goal is defined as follows: Local governments, assigned with appropriate competences and finances, have improved their democratic governance, apply sound public policy and performance management systems, and provide public services in an inclusive, effective and efficient manner, particularly those related to economic and environmental sectors. The expected concrete improvements the Project will contribute to are clustered in three outcomes, as follows:

• Outcome 1: Supported local governments apply effective development management systems characterized by stronger oversight of the legislative and greater accountability towards the citizens.
• Outcome 2:  Citizens and businesses in target localities benefit from good quality services provided by LGs in the economic and environmental sectors.
• Outcome 3:   Improved regulatory framework at higher and local government levels.

The Project’s territorial focus is on the North-West part of the country (including Una-Sana Canton and Prijedor region) and the North-East region (the wider Doboj-Tuzla area), covering 18 partner local governments: Bihac, Bosanska Krupa, Cazin, Doboj, Gracanica, Gradacac, Gradiška, Kalesija, Kostajnica, Kozarska Dubica, Prijedor, Prnjavor, Sanski Most, Tešanj, Teslic, Tuzla, Velika Kladuša and Žepce.
The Project is implemented in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Ministry of Development, Entrepreneurship and Crafts of the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina (FBiH), the FBiH Ministry of Agriculture, Water Management and Forestry, the Ministry for Administration and Local Self-Government of Republika Srpska (RS), the RS Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management and both entity Associations of Municipalities and Cities (AMCs).
The purpose of this consultancy is to enhance transparency, accountability and effectiveness of targeted Local Governments (LGs) budget management, to be quantified by better assessment scores against the relevant MEG project developed Performance Management Analysis (PMA) results. For the purposes of this assignment, a National Consultant for Local Governments’ Budget and Finance (hereafter: the Consultant) will be contracted.
This activity will take place within the Local Government component of the Project, which aims to achieve significant improvements in the performance of partner LGs across the MEG community and their individual budget management.
 

Deberes y responsabilidades

The Consultant will be tasked to assess the specific legal framework, which is regulating the introduction of program-based budgeting in BiH, FBiH and RS, as well as existing methodologies currently used at higher government levels, with clearly indicated relevant Ministry of Finance’s (MoF) plans for introduction of the program-based budgeting at local level. Furthermore, the Consultant will need to prepare a report on the relevant assessment findings, with a proposal of two (2) LGs that are suitable for piloting of the performance-based budgeting, against clear pre-defined criteria. Based on the finalized report inputs and results of an LG assessment performed in 2018, the Project Team will jointly decide on the selection of the two partner LGs for piloting the performance-based budgeting introduction.
Finally, the Consultant will develop training programs, deliver the training, and continuously provide technical assistance to selected partner municipalities in the process of development of required outputs. Concretely, s/he will ensure performance-based budgeting is completed in two selected LGs, and two to-be selected areas such as CSOs, sport, culture, agriculture, etc.
Consulting with the Project Team, the Consultant is expected to perform assessment of the budget management legal framework, meet with both Entities’ Ministries of Finance, and based on the findings and assessment of the tools currently used in practice in both entities, as well as MoFs’ future plans for LGs, prepare a comprehensive report, develop relevant training modules and tools, provide training assistance and guides to two partner LGs.
The training module must also take into consideration relevant findings and recommendations of assessments and needs to be vetted by the Project Team. It is expected that no single training event will take more than one (1) day to deliver.

Specifically, the Consultant will perform the below described tasks, in line with the indicative timeline and level of effort.

Task 1 – Report on the current state of Performance-based Budgeting
The Consultant is to complete an assessment of the legal framework, current practices, relevant instructions, and legally prescribed tools for LGs in both entities, or if absent, obtain what is being applied in practice at relevant higher levels of government. Together with the Project team, the Consultant will consult on the subject matter with the relevant Entity MoF prior to taking any further actions with the pilot LGs.
Based on results of these meetings, the Consultant will prepare an assessment report with focus on findings and recommendations for introducing the Performance-based budgeting. The Consultant will work closely with Gender Mainstreaming Consultant that will assist in bringing gender perspective in the process of Performance-based Budgeting Introduction. 
It is envisaged that task will be delivered by 15 April 2019, and the level of effort will not exceed 15 expert days.

Task 2 – Development of Methodology for Performance-based Budgeting
The Consultant will develop a methodology for proper, sustainable introduction of the Performance-based budgeting for local level with gender perspective (with assistance of a Gender Mainstreaming Consultant) at local level, which is in line with legal requirements and expectations from higher government levels. The Methodology will include relevant tools and tables to be used in the process.
It is envisaged that task will be delivered by 15 May 2019, and the level of effort will not exceed 15 expert days.

Task 3 – Technical Assistance on Performance-based Budgeting
The Consultant will provide technical assistance to not more than two (2) interested  LGs in introducing the Performance-based Budgeting with Gender Perspective, in two areas under the LG’s responsibility (CSOs, sports, culture, agriculture, etc.) through:

• Organization and delivery of at least three (3) training sessions in each of the two selected LGs.
• Provision of necessary follow-up and continuous on-line assistance until the relevant performance- based budget is integrated in the draft budget proposal for 2020.
• Facilitation of the performance-based budget integration and acceptance process within the LG, and facilitation of its promotion on official LG web sites.
• Development of a practical guidebook for introduction of the “Performance Based Budgeting with Gender Perspective for LG practitioners”, based on the experiences collected during the piloting process, including lessons learned.

It is envisaged that the task will be delivered by 20 December 2019, and the level of effort will not exceed 19 expert days.

Deliverables/outputs
Deliverables / outputs, # of days,  Due date, Percentage

Task 1 – Report on the current state of Performance-based Budgeting

• Submitted report on assessment of legal framework, current practices, relevant instructions, and tools legally prescribed for the LGs in both entities, or what is being applied in practice at relevant higher levels of government.
• Report approved by the MEG project team. 15  15 April 2019 30.61%

Task 2 – Development of Methodology - Performance-based Budgeting

• Developed methodology for introduction of the performance-based budgeting with gender perspective at local level. The methodology includes LG relevant tools and tables to be used in the process. 15 15 May 2019 30.61%

Task 3 – Technical Assistance on Performance-based Budgeting

• Provided technical assistance to two (2) selected LGs in introducing the Performance-based Budgeting with gender perspective in two areas under the LG’s responsibility (CSOs, sports, culture, etc.). Specifically: 

i. Organized and delivered at least three (3) training sessions in each selected LG. 6 30 August 2019; 
ii. Provided necessary follow-up and continuous on-line assistance until the relevant performance-based budget was integrated in the draft budget proposal for 2020. 6 30 November 2019; 
iii. Facilitated performance-based budget integration and, acceptance process within the LG, and facilitation of its promotion on the official LG website. 2 30 November 2019; 
iv. Developed practical guidebook for the introduction of the “Performance Based Budgeting with Gender Perspective for LG practitioners”, based on the experiences collected during the piloting process, including lessons learned. 5 20 December 2019,  38.78%. 

Competencias

Corporate Responsibility and Teamwork:

• Demonstrates commitment to UNDP’s mission, vision and values;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Plans, prioritizes and delivers tasks on time;
• Strives for and promotes excellence in performance continually;
• Participates effectively in a team-based, information-sharing environment, collaborating and cooperating with others;
• Generates ideas and seizes opportunities to support corporate strategic objectives.

People Skills:

• Demonstrated ability to work harmoniously with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
• Recognizes and responds appropriately to the ideas, interests, and concerns of others;
• Builds trust and engenders morale by displaying open, transparent and credible behavior;
• Respects individual/cultural differences; utilizes diversity to foster teamwork;
• Ensures others’ understanding of, involvement in, and adaptation to a change process.

Partnering and Networking:

• Communicates sensitively and effectively across different constituencies;
• Ability to work as a member of a team as well as work autonomously.

Results-Orientation:

• Plans and ensures quality results to meet established goals.

Communication:

• Formulates written information clearly and persuasively;
• Shares information openly with co-workers and partners while using discretion to protect confidences;
• Presents information in a clear and articulate manner.

Job Knowledge and Expertise:

• Knowledge of matters related to public financing with the emphasis on the local level;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Strong facilitation and coordination skills;
• Advanced presentation skills;
• Advanced writing skills;
• Executes day-to-day tasks systematically and efficiently;
• Initiative and sound judgment.

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Academic Qualifications/Education

• University degree in economics, financial management, public administration, development studies or a related field.
• Postgraduate degree would be considered an asset. 

Experience

• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in budget and financial management at any government level.
• Minimum 5 years of proven work with LG administration specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, preferably in both entities;
• Minimum 5 years of proven experience in training development and training delivery.
• Previous experience in introduction of program or performance-based budgeting at any level of government in BiH will be a distinct advantage.
• Previous experience in the MEG LGs will be a distinct advantage.
• Proven presentation skills.
• Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly in English and in the languages of peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian).

Languages Requirements

• Fluency in English and in languages of peoples in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Other Requirements

• Excellent computer skills (MS Office applications, especially Excel) and ability to use information technologies as a tool and resource.

EVALUATION

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract should be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and
b) Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

• * Technical Criteria weight-70%
• * Financial Criteria weight- 30%

Applicants are required to submit an application including:

1. Proposal explaining why they are the most suitable for the work;
2. Completed and signed the Offeror’s template Confirming Interest and Availability (please follow the link: https://popp.undp.org/_layouts/15/WopiFrame.aspx?sourcedoc=/UNDP_POPP_DOCUMENT_LIBRARY/Public/PSU_%20Individual%20Contract_Offerors%20Letter%20to%20UNDP%20Confirming%20Interest%20and%20Availability.docx&action=default);

•  Short Essay on Possible Effects of Performance-based Budgeting Introduction at Local Level in which the candidate will demonstrate basic knowledge and understanding of the required processes and its possible effects to local communities in BiH (maximum two pages, font 12, English language).
• Sample analysis or assessment report produced by the interested candidate (languages of BiH peoples).

3.Latest personal CV, including past experience from similar projects, and email, telephone and any other contact details for references;

4.Financial proposal which will separately specify professional fee, indicating number of anticipated working days, travel costs (air-ticket or use of private vehicle), living allowance, and all other applicable costs.

Financial Proposal

• Lump sum contracts

The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount, and payment terms around specific and measurable (qualitative and quantitative) deliverables (i.e. whether payments fall in installments or upon completion of the entire contract). Payments are based upon output, i.e. upon delivery of the services specified in the TOR.  In order to assist the requesting unit in the comparison of financial proposals, the financial proposal will include a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diem, and number of anticipated working days).
Travel: All envisaged travel costs must be included in the financial proposal.
 
Criteria Weight  Max. Point
Technical  

• Progressive professional experience in budget and financial management at any government level (at minimum 10 years), 15% 15;
• Proven previous successful work with LG administration specifically in Bosnia and Herzegovina, preferably in both entities (at minimum 5 years),  10% 10;
• Proven positive experience in training development and training delivery (at minimum 5 years), 5% 5;
• Recognized previous experience in introduction of program or performance-based budgeting at any level of government in BiH will be a distinct advantage, 15% 15;
• Proven presentation skills, 15% 15;
• Proven analytical skills and ability to conceptualize and write concisely and clearly in English and in the languages of peoples of Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnian/Croatian/Serbian). To be assessed through assessing one sample report, and an essay in English, 10% 10.

Financial 30% 30

Shortlisting Criteria
Criteria Points

• Relevant Education (university degree in economics, financial management, public administration, development studies or a related field) max 10 points (7 points allocated for relevant BA/BSc degree; + 2 points for relevant MSc/MA; + 1 points for PhD).
• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience max 17 points
• Knowledge of English and languages of BiH people max 3 points

Please scan all above mentioned documents and upload as one attachment only online through this website.

Note:

• For an assignment requiring travel, consultants of 65 years or more require full medical examination and statement of fitness to work to engage in the consultancy.
• Due to large number of potential applicants, only competitively selected candidates will be contacted for remaining steps of the service procurement process.