TERMS OF REFERENCE

REVIEW OF ALIGNMENT BETWEEN PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT (PFM) FRAMEWORKS IN MALAWI, MOZAMBIQUE, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE AND THE SADC MODEL LAW ON PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT

1. BACKGROUND

Similar Jobs in Zambia
Learn more about Oxfam
Oxfam jobs in Zambia

The Southern African Development Community (SADC) has developed a Model Law on Public Finance Management (PFM) to promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in member states. It is essential to assess the extent to which the public finance management legal and policy frameworks in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe align with the provisions of the SADC Model Law.

2. OBJECTIVES

The Objective of this consultancy is to conduct a comprehensive review and analysis of the alignment between the public finance management legal and policy frameworks in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe and the SADC Model Law. The review (the physical part will be undertaken from any of the four the countries where the successful consultant(s) will be based and virtual from the other countries) aims to identify consistencies, gaps, inconsistencies, and areas for improvement to enhance PFM practices in these countries.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

The consultancy will include, but not be limited to, the following tasks:

Review of Legal and Policy Frameworks

1. Analyze the existing PFM legal and policy frameworks in Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
2. Assess the alignment of these frameworks with the provisions of the SADC Model Law.
3. Identify consistencies, gaps, inconsistencies, and areas of non-compliance with the Model Law.

Comparative Analysis

1. Conduct a comparative analysis of the legal and policy frameworks across the four countries.
2. Highlight similarities, differences, and best practices in PFM regulations and policies.
3. Identify potential areas for harmonization and collaboration among the countries.

Gap Analysis and Recommendations

1. Identify strengths, gaps and deficiencies in the current PFM frameworks concerning the SADC Model Law.
2. Provide recommendations for aligning the legal and policy frameworks with the Model Law.
3. Suggest strategies and action plans for addressing identified gaps and enhancing PFM practices.

Reporting

1. Prepare a comprehensive report presenting the findings, analysis, and recommendations.
2. Present the report presenting the findings, analysis, and recommendations for validation.
3. Present the report to relevant stakeholders, highlighting key areas of improvement and suggested actions.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant(s) will be responsible for delivering the following outputs:

Inception report

1. Submit an inception report within 2 days of assignment commencement, outlining the proposed methodology, work plan…e.tc

Draft report

1. Present a draft report for review and feedback.
2. Incorporate comments and suggestions into the final report.

Final report

1. Submit a final report (of no more than 30 pages) within 3 days after receiving feedback, incorporating all necessary revisions and recommendations.
2. Summary of substantive findings of the report in form of a policy brief (no more than 6 pages)
3. PowerPoint presentation summarizing the findings of the analysis and review

5. DURATION AND TIMELINE

The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 30 working days. The detailed timeline for each task will be agreed upon during the inception phase.

6. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

The ideal consultant(s) should possess the following qualifications and experience:

1. Post graduate degree in Economics, Public Finance Management, Law or any other related field.
2. Knowledge of policy development and analysis.
3. Extensive knowledge of and familiarity with public finance management principles, practices, and legal frameworks in the SADC region (especially in the four countries).
4. Familiarity with the SADC Model Law on Public Finance Management.
5. Experience in conducting similar work and comparative legal and policy analyses.
6. Strong analytical skills and the ability to identify gaps and provide practical recommendations.
7. Excellent written and oral communication skills.
8. Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
9. Working knowledge of Portuguese Language will be an added advantage.

7. REPORTING

The consultant(s) will report directly to Justice Economies Program and Policy Manager who will serve as the primary point of contact throughout the consultancy period.

8. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

All intellectual property rights, including the final report and any related materials, will be transferred to Oxfam upon completion of the consultancy.

9. CONFIDENTIALITY

The consultant(s) shall maintain the confidentiality of all data, information, and discussions related to the consultancy and ensure the security of any data collected during the review.

10. ETHICS AND SAFEGUARDING

Oxfam has a zero-tolerance policy towards inaction against sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse.  Oxfam’s ethics for safeguarding will be emphasized and remain mandatory throughout the process of the undertaking of the study. Engagements and support will aim to create and maintain safe, equitable, and inclusive culture where all those who work for and with Oxfam as well as those in the communities where Oxfam operates are treated with dignity and their rights and voices are heard and respected.

Selected consultants will be expected to read, sign, and adhere to the Oxfam Code of Conduct for no Oxfam staff and follow Oxfam’s Ethical Content Guidelines.

11. EVALUATION AND SELECTION

The selection of the consultant(s) will be based on their qualifications, relevant experience, proposed methodology, and budget.

12. SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS

Interested consultant (s) should submit technical and financial proposal (not more than 20 pages excluding annexes. Failure to adhere to this may lead to disqualification), detailing how they will undertake the assignment. Attach up-to-date CVs of the core team as annexes. Proposals should be submitted to the address below in electronic form ONLY and must be clearly indicated “REVIEW OF ALIGNMENT BETWEEN PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORKS IN MALAWI, MOZAMBIQUE, ZAMBIA AND ZIMBABWE AND THE SADC MODEL LAW ON PUBLIC FINANCE MANAGEMENT” by 17:00 hours CAT time on 11 August, 2023.

All correspondence for the consultancy should be addressed to:

Just Economies Program and Policy Manager

OXFAM in Malawi

Green Heritage Building (2^nd Floor), Area 13, City Centre.

P/Bag B331

Lilongwe

Malawi

Email: procurement.malawi@oxfam.org.uk