A. BACKGROUND

Mongolia received credit from the International Development Association (IDA) for the Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project (SFFSP). 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 .

Sub-Component B.1 aims at improving budget credibility, predictability, and execution for better delivery of services by strengthening the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTFF) preparation process, and its management and compliance; improving budget preparation and planning functions including regulations and processes to ensure preparation of realistic expenditure plans; supporting the adequate implementation of the MTFF; improving budget execution processes; as well as enhancing budget control, internal audit, and risk management functions. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) is responsible for the implementation of the Sub-Component B.1 of the SFFS Project.

With the approval of the Fiscal Stability Law (FSL) in 2010 and the Integrated Budget Law (IBL) in 2011, respectively, the second phase of the Public Finance Management reform was initiated in Mongolia. The IBL establishes the principles, systems, composition, and classification of the budget defines the roles and responsibilities of bodies that participate in the budget process and regulates relations that arise in connection with budget preparation, budget approval, spending, as well as accounting, reporting, and auditing. Specifically, The IBL (Article 26) requires budget entities in Mongolia to prepare financial statements on the full accrual basis of accounting while the chart of accounts is not fully consistent with Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and is different from the classification used for budget preparation. The current fiscal statistics in Mongolia are compiled largely in accordance with the Government Finance Statistics Manual (GFSM 1986) methodology. 

In recent years, however, the MOF has embarked on a series of initiatives to align the compilation and dissemination of fiscal statistics in accordance with the guidelines of the GSM 2001 and its update (GFSM 2014). Specifically, with the support of the SFFS project, the MOF has performed an assessment of the current statistical reporting system in Mongolia within the context of budget planning and identified further reform needs and next steps for introducing the GFS 2014. Currently, the Fiscal Policy and Planning Department (FPPD) of the MOF has been working on necessary adjustments in the institutional as well as in the program classifications required prior to the introduction of the GFS2014 model in the budget planning phase. However, in order to make further progress in introducing the GFS 2014, budget data classifications need to be modified and certain amendments in the legal framework should also be made. 

Against the above background, as the next immediate steps, the MOF wishes to identify the key priority actions for the GFS2014 implementation in Mongolia including developing the appropriate legal and institutional framework to further inform the rollout process. 

B. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective of this assignment is to support the MOF by identifying and undertaking the key priority actions for the GFS2014 implementation in Mongolia, including developing the legal and institutional framework to further inform the rollout process.

C. SCOPE OF WORK

In close cooperation and consultation with the Fiscal Policy and Planning Department, Treasury Department, the Accounting Policy Department, and the other relevant departments of the MOF, the Consultant will undertake this assignment with the tasks including, but not be limited to, the following:

Task 1. Development of the legal and institutional framework for the GFS2014 implementation in Mongolia:

a. Review previously prepared reports and assessments on the current status of GFS implementation in Mongolia and develop a technical note outlining the key findings on the current state of the consolidated annual financial statement and budget planning structures of the Government of Mongolia as well as the key priority actions recommended to be undertaken for the implementation of the GFS in Mongolia; 

b. Conduct a review of the current legal and institutional framework in Mongolia for the GFS implementation; 

c. Based on the above review, analysis, and recommended priority actions for the GFS 2014 implementation, formulate proposed amendments to the relevant legislation and/or regulatory documents for the Client’s consideration and feedback. 

Task 2. Update the budget classifications in line with the GFS framework and facilitate the approval processes for the revised classifications. 

a. Review all prior work done by the MOF towards aligning the current budget classification structure with the GFS 2014 principles in close cooperation with the Senior Consultant of the Budget Expenditure Division;

b. Determine the necessary adjustments to the institutional classifications taking into consideration previously raised issues in this regard in order to ensure their alignment with the GFS framework through reaching a unified solution among the Treasury Department and the FPPD;

c. Revise and finalize budget revenue and expenditure classifications (economic, activity and program classifications) and financing source classifications to align with the GFS framework and present the proposal for the needed amendments to the Client and other related stakeholders for feedback;

d. Upon completing and agreeing on the update of the budget classifications with the respective authorities at the MOF, develop a reference guide for updated budget classifications, which would provide definition and description of transactions under each classification to avoid misclassification; 

e. Provide support to the FPPD in the approval process of the updated budget classifications and the manual towards an issuance of an order of the Finance Minister; and

f. Respond to ad hoc consultations pertaining to the assignment to be carried out by the FPPD, and perform any other relevant tasks as reasonably assigned by the Director-General of the FPPD and the Head of the Budget Consolidation Division, FPPD, MOF.

D. DELIVERABLES 

Based on the contracted assignment and a detailed contract implementation plan to be approved by the Client, the consultant’s deliverables will be as follows:

1. A technical note on the current state as well as recommendations on key priority actions and amendments necessary to the existing legal framework for GFS implementation in Mongolia;

2. Proposed amendments formulated and drafted in the relevant legislation and/or regulation for implementation of the GFS 2014 that addresses the legal requirements as consulted with and agreed by the Client;

3. Institutional classifications amended and approved along with a guideline on the adjusted institutional classifications;

4. Budget revenue and expenditure classifications (economic, activity and program classifications) and financing source classifications aligned with GFS framework and approved by a Finance Minister’s order;

5. A reference guide for the updated budget classifications, budget revenue and expenditure classifications (economic, activity and program classifications) and financing source classifications, developed and approved as part of the Finance Minister’s order in the above deliverable;

6. Just-in-time technical notes/briefs on related ad hoc consultations carried out by the FPPD, MOF and other tasks performed as reasonably assigned by the Director-General of the FPPD, MOF; and

7. A brief report on completion of tasks related to the activities described in Section C.

E. CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS/SELECTION CRITERIA

• Education: A suitable candidate should have a postgraduate degree in a relevant field: accounting, statistics, economics, public finance and/or other related field;

• Experience: The incumbent should have at least five (5) years of relevant professional experience including in the public sector. Knowledge of technical terms and issues in Public Financial Management would be an advantage. Proven knowledge of the GFS principles will be desirable. 

• Language skills: Fluent written and spoken skills in Mongolian and English.

• Other skills: 

a. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment and high integrity and accountability;

b. Be proficient in PC-based applications such as Word, Excel and data management, and have excellent web research and navigation skills; and

c. Be able to work overtime if required.

The consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant Selection method set out in the Procurement Regulations: The following is the link to the World Bank’s website: https://policies.worldbank.org/sites/ppf3/PPFDocuments/Forms/DispPage.aspx?docid=083b3f94-a932-4395-a410-834f8bc14f8c

F. CONTRACT DURATION AND PAYMENT CONDITION 

The assignment is expected to commence in March 2021. The expected duration of the consultancy service to carry out the different tasks in these TOR will be eleven (11) months. 

The consultant’s approved work plan will serve as the basis for measuring progress on desired outcomes, goals and payments for the entire consultancy service. The Client will review the performance of the consultant in delivering the work and can make changes to the TOR, if deemed necessary, based on mutual discussion and agreement. 

If you possess the above qualifications, please submit 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 17:00, March 23, 2021.

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: Attention to Ms. Ariunaa G, Procurement Specialist, Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project, Address: Room #204, Negdsen undestnii 8/2, 4th khoroo, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Tel: 70120582 or via email to: procurement@sffs.mn

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