Local Government Capacity Support Project (LGCSP) – P122692
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.
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.
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
How to Apply
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 (January 2011).
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.
Expression of interest clearly marked "Local Government Capacity Support Project (LGCSP)” and the name of the position should be received by cob September 4, 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>
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