A. BACKGROUND

Mongolia received a credit from the International Development Association (IDA) for the Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability (SFFS) Project. The objective of the SFFS Project is to contribute to the Government of Mongolia’s efforts to strengthen fiscal and financial stability and improve the quality of expenditure. The project is designed into five components: (A) Strengthening Macroeconomic and Fiscal Management; (B) Improving the Efficiency of Public Financial Management; (C) Enhancing Financial Sector Stability; (D) Strengthening the Social Protection System; (E) Project Management and Monitoring. For more details, please refer to the Project Appraisal Document Report No. PAD2269 .

Component B aims at improving fiscal discipline by strengthening the country’s Public Financial Management (PFM) and fostering activities aimed at increasing transparency and accountability.  

The Government of Mongolia has committed  to introducing and piloting the Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) in its PFM. In order to support the Government’s commitments, the Ministry of Finance (MOF) has been one of the front-runners of gender equality, adopted the Gender Strategy  of MOF. CEDAW recommendations and the Law on Gender Equality and Gender Policies aims to integrate a gender perspective in policy planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation, build capacity, and to introduce the GRB methodology in the budgetary process at the national and local levels. 

With the support of the European Union financed and World Bank managed/implemented Strengthening Governance in Mongolia (SGM) Project, the MOF started a process to gradually introduce GRB into PFM reform leading the process in close cooperation with the National Committee on Gender Equality (NCGE), National Statistics Office (NSO), and other related stakeholders. 

Since 2020, the MOF has been implementing a five-pillar  GRB Action plan and the Mongolian GRB Model was developed in 2021. The model consisted of nine steps in line with the budget calendar, and six steps were piloted in 2021. Decree No. A88 of the State Secretary of MOF established a technical working group to implement the GRB agenda in 2020. In 2021 the MOF initiated a GRB pilot for FY 2022/2023, and two ministries were selected as pilot ministries, the Ministry of Education and Science (MES) and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection (MLSP), to apply GRB tool in their selected programs and activities. The pilot phase conducted in 2021 and 2022 has confirmed that a gradual mandatory approach is the most realistic and feasible method to integrate GRB into the country's PFM system. This approach allows sufficient time for capacity building, awareness creation, and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the implementation process. In 2023 the GRB Road Maps for pilot ministries and the MOF were developed with a comprehensive approach towards enhancing GRB.

To institutionalize GRB and ensure its continuity, it is recommended that GRB be integrated into the national PFM system. The pilot phase has also highlighted the need for simultaneous actions to enhance gender policy planning, budgeting, and performance reporting capacities of Budget Governors. Introducing new tools, such as ex-ante and ex-post expenditure and revenue analysis, is essential for effective policy planning. Furthermore, improving the legal and institutional framework for policy planning is crucial to align adopted policies with the budget and contribute to overall improvements in service delivery to citizens. Additionally, the pilot phase has emphasized the importance of structured coordination between different departments and institutions to address development challenges and gender gaps across various policy fields. This coordination is necessary to ensure a comprehensive and holistic approach to GRB implementation.

In conclusion, the pilot phase has provided valuable insights and recommendations for integrating GRB into Mongolia's PFM system, emphasizing the need for gradual mandatory implementation, enhanced capacities, improved policy planning frameworks, and coordinated efforts among departments and institutions. 

Mongolia has recently initiated the implementation of a reform in the financing of basic social service sectors such as health and education. This reform aims to allocate budget based on the performance and results. As GRB is part of the results-based budgeting approach, the MoF is now prioritizing its efforts to support health financing reform in the next phase.

Therefore, in order to sustain the ongoing endeavors in implementing the GRB initiative and effectively track the performance and progress, the MOF intends to hire an experienced national consultant for a period of 6.5 months.

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The main objective of the assignment is to continue the support to the MOF in piloting a GRB and integrating gender responsiveness into PFM System by initiating the implementation of GRB Road Maps in MOF and Pilot ministries.

C. SCOPE OF WORK

Key responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following:

Task#1 - Provide further support to pilot Ministries in integrating gender responsiveness in policy and budget planning:

The objective is to assist pilot Ministries in effectively integrating gender responsiveness into their policy and budget planning processes. This support aims to enhance the Ministries' capacity to address gender-related issues and considerations in their decision-making, ensuring that policies and budgets are more inclusive and responsive to gender equality goals.

Specific subtasks include:

a) Enhance capacity for gender analysis of programs financed from the budget by transferring a know-how method to local gender experts and coordinating the capacity building;

b) Support pilot ministries in implementation of the previously developed GRB Road Map through updates of policy and budget planning protocols in the MLSP and MES; and

c) Pilot GRB reporting that includes preparing reporting template and guiding pilot ministries in preparing reports on GRB Budget Proposals submitted with the FY2022 and FY2023 budget proposals.

Task #2 – Initiate GRB piloting in the health sector:

The aim is to support uprading health financing reform to the next phase by introducing GRB and to enhance the capacity of the Ministry of Health (MOH) to address gender-related issues based on the knowledge and lessons gained through the pilot programs. 

a) Study the possibility of establishing a gender-classified statistical database by organizing meetings with respective organizations such as Health Development Center and National Statistical Committee and present a possible scenario;

b) Present at least one case study that addresses gender- issues along with a proposed solution and the necessary budget allocation; 

c) Provide support to define gender-specific outputs/outcomes and corresponding indicators to be included in Annex 1 of the 2024 budget proposal; and

d) Provide technical support in preparation of GRB budget proposal for selected programs of the health sector for FY 2024.

Task#3 - Provide further technical support and assistance to the MOF to strengthen GRB implementation: 

The aim is to support the MOF in implementing GRB Road Map as a follow-up to activities performed since 2020, when the work on GRB introduction started.

Specific subtasks include:

e) Support preparation of GRB Budget Circular for FY2024, including data collection and  consolidation of inputs received from General Budget Governors;

f) Support the renewed GRB working group in the MOF that will include representatives from all departments and facilitate the work with MOF GRB working group on the integration of proposed gender-responsive elements from GRB Road Map in the PFM  system, and upcoming PFM Action Plan;

g) Support the MOF in effectively communicating with key donor and government stakeholders on all matters relating to the GRB; 

h) Any other tasks as reasonably requested by the Client as they pertain to the GRB; and 

i) Translate GRB related documents as necessary. 

D. DELIVERABLES 

The Consultant shall provide the following deliverables:

Task #1

1. GRB report template and GRB reports for MLSP and MES;
2. Proposed updates of planning and budgeting protocols in MLSP and MES;

Task #2

1. A proposal on possible scenario on establishment of gender-classified statistical database for health sector along with the minutes of the meetings;
2. A case study presented addressing gender-issues in the health sector along with a proposed solution and the necessary budget; and
3. A proposal on gender-specific outputs/outcomes and corresponding indicators to be included in Annex 1 of the 2024 budget proposal.

Task #3

1. Report on GRB activities (workshops and meetings) provided to MOF and other key stakeholders;
2. GRB Budget Circular FY2024 and Consolidated GRB Budget Proposals; and
3. A brief report on completion of tasks related to activities in the section C. 

E. CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA

Education: A suitable candidate should have an advanced degree in public and financial management, sustainable development, economics or any other relevant field is required; 

Experience: 

• Candidate should have at least 3-5 years of experience in PFM-related fields such as budget process, budget cycle, policy-based budgeting, overall budget cycle, program budgeting, program costing, budget presentation documents, monitoring and evaluating expenditure linked to results, or reporting of budget performance (including non-financial performance);
• Good knowledge on gender gaps and related policy priorities in Mongolia;
• Good understanding of policy and budget cycle process in Mongolia at both national and local levels; and
• Experience with the local CSOs and with various Mongolian stakeholders in a common policy informed budget process is desired. 

Language skills: Fluent written and spoken skills in English is required;

Other skills:

• Excellent analytical, organizational, communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment;
• Ability to multi-task and meet tight deadlines;
• Proven ability to work both autonomously and cooperatively as part of a team;
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and institutions;
• Responsible and flexible attitude and capacity to manage a variety of tasks with minimal supervision;
• Be able to work overtime if required.

F. SUPERVISION AND REPORTING

• The consultant will primarily work with the designated staff of the Budget Expenditure and Budget Consolidation Divisions of the Fiscal Policy and Planning Department (FPPD). The Director General of the FPPD, MOF and Director General of the Financial and Fiscal Research Department, MOF in the capacity of Deputy Head of the Gender Council of MOF will communicate regularly with the consultant to review progress of the relevant tasks, respectively, to resolve any outstanding issues;   
• The consultant will work closely with respective officials of central budget entities;
• The consultant will be required to carry out his/her tasks in line with the approved workplan which will serve as a basis for measuring progress on desired outcomes and goals for the entire consultancy service;
• The consultant will prepare monthly progress reports detailing the achievements and impediments in executing the entire workplan effectively;  and
• All information provided to the consultant will be regarded as confidential and information will not be shared with any outside individuals or organizations without prior agreement by the Client. 

G. CONTRACT DURATION AND PAYMENT CONDITION 

The assignment is expected to commence in July 2023. The total duration of the consultancy service rendered is estimated to be 6 (six) months. 

The consultant will be required to carry out his/her tasks in line with the approved Work Plan, which will serve as a basis for measuring progress on desired outcomes, goals and monthly payments for the entire consultancy service. 

H. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

The FPPD, MOF will provide an office space and will work with the consultant on a day-to-day basis. The consultant shall be provided with all necessary data and information to perform the tasks detailed in Section C.  

If you possess the above qualifications, please submit the following documents via email to procurement@sffs.mn:

1. Cover letter indicating why she/he considers her/himself suitable for the position.

2. Detailed CV highlighting relevant skills/experience.

3. Copy of diplomas or certificates; and,

4. Two (2) reference letters from previous last two employers no later than 15:00 PM, July 17, 2023.

The consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016).

The submitted documents will not be returned to the applicants. Please be noted that incomplete applications would not be considered for evaluation. Only selected candidate will be contacted. Address for submission of Expression of Interest: Ms.Zolzaya.B, Procurement Specialist, Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project, Room #205, Negdsen undestnii 8/2, 4th khoroo, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Tel: 70120582 or via email to: procurement@sffs.mn

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