А. 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: (i) Strengthening Macroeconomic and Fiscal Management; (ii) Improving the Efficiency of Public Financial Management; (iii) Enhancing Financial Sector Stability; (iv) Strengthening the Social Protection System; (v) Project Management and Monitoring. The objectives are to strengthen fiscal responsibility and implement relevant policy measures, improve fiscal discipline, strengthen the resiliency of the banking system, improve public expenditure quality in social protection, and provide support for Project implementation, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, including, inter alia, audit arrangements, reporting requirements, procurement and financial management activities respectively. For more details, please refer to the Project Appraisal Document Report No. PAD2269 . 

Under the objectives of Component B of the project on improving the efficiency of Public Financial Management, there is a sub-component on improving budget credibility, predictability and execution for better delivery of services that, among other things, aims to enhance the government’s budget control, internal audit and risk management functions. 

The Ministry of Finance (MOF) used the Leader Monitoring system (www.lm.mof.gov.mn), developed with twelve modules and a dashboard in 2014–2016, that aimed to facilitate execution of the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) function of the Ministry. However, following amendments to the Civil Service Law of Mongolia in 2017 (which entered into force from January 1, 2019), the MOF has faced the need to update and improve the Leader Monitoring system, particularly for it to be in compliance with the law and the related Government Resolutions No. 206, 216, 217 and 218, approved in 2020, respectively. 

Accordingly, the MOF has aimed to develop an M&E system, along with a mobile application, that would cover a wider scope and usage than before; beyond the MOF to other government organizations. The MOF has hence decided to engage the Center for Information Technology in Customs, Tax and Finance under the Mongolian Tax Authority (the Contractor) for the system development. In light of this arrangement, there is an emerging need for the Financial Control and Risk Management Department (FCRMD) of the MOF to engage a consultant to provide functional and technical support from the client’s side in development and customization of the system to ensure a smooth process towards successful completion of the system development and its rollout and operationalization until the system is fully handed over to the MOF as planned by November 2021.   

B. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The objective of this assignment is to provide functional and technical support to the Contractor on behalf of and in consultation with the FCRMD of the MOF (“the Client”) throughout the development and customization process of the Leader Monitoring system until its full delivery for use by the MOF and other government organizations. Successful rollout and operationalization of the system will contribute to strengthening monitoring and performance of public institutions; thus, to improving the execution for better delivery of government services. 

C. SCOPE OF WORK 

During this assignment, the consultant will provide functional and technical advice and support to the MOF and the Contractor on matters concerning the Leader Monitoring system.

The envisioned consultancy service would entail, but not be limited to, the following detailed tasks:

Task 1. Preparation, system development and customization:

1.1. Develop a detailed work plan to be followed for the assignment taking into account the Contractor’s work plan for the system development, customization, piloting, rollout and handover;

1.2. Review and analyze the system’s overall functions and its operations to identify areas for improvement and customization for compliance with the Government Resolution № 206, 216, 217 and 218, approved in 2020, and other related rules and regulations that make up the current regulatory framework for M&E of the MOF, its affiliated agencies and other government organizations;

1.3. Identify specific needs of the MOF for the system customization and propose recommendations on system improvement and customization;

1.4. Review and identify the needs of other government organizations for the system development and customization and propose recommendations on system customization and improvement. 

1.5. Identify the functional requirements of a mobile application for the Leader Monitoring system and propose recommendation on the development of the application; and

1.6. Review and further define the user interface and design requirements of Leader Monitoring system. 

Task 2. System piloting and finalization of the system development: 

2.1. Verify testing and pilot-runs for implementation of the Leader Monitoring system prior to the actual delivery;

2.2. Verify testing and pilot-runs for implementation of the mobile application of the system prior to the actual delivery;

2.3. Identify and report system bugs and errors in the system, and

2.4. Develop an implementation and roll-out plan for the Leader Monitoring system and its mobile application.

Task 3. Training and development of end-user manuals:

3.1. Develop the system administrator’s manual in collaboration with the contractor;

3.2. Develop the end-user manual for the MOF and other organizations taking into account the various user profiles;

3.3. Assess the training needs of the system users and accordingly develop a training plan for system administrators and end-users of the system; and

3.4. Prepare and conduct end-users’ training for the pilot entities in accordance with the approved training plan.

Task 4. Coordination and reporting:

4.1. Act as a key person of the Client to interact with the Contractor in terms of the system operations, customization and improvement;

4.2. Act as a key functional and technical resource person to interact with system administrators and end-users;

  4.3. Report on a monthly basis and when required on the status and issues of the system to the Director General of FCRMD, Director of IAMED and the officer of IAMED in charge of the project;

4.4. Undertake such other tasks related with the system as reasonably requested and/or assigned by the Director General of FCRMD, Director of IAMED and the officer of IAMED in charge of the project; and

4.5. Compile, maintain  and archive project documents related to the system.

D. DELIVERABLES

Based on the tasks specified under the assignment and the detailed contract implementation plan to be approved by the Client, the consultancy’s deliverables will include:

Task 1. Preparation and system development and customization:

1.1. Detailed work plan for the assignment;

1.2. Review report of the system’s overall functions and its operations for identifying functions to be improved and customized for compliance with the Government Resolution №206, 216, 217 and 218, approved in 2020, and other related rules and regulations; and

1.3. Monthly progress reports on the overall project activities related with the Leader Monitoring system and recommendations on how to customize and improve the implementation along with the evidence of the detailed deliverables and other relevant supporting documents.

Task 2. System piloting and finalization of the system:

2.1. Reports on testing and pilot-runs of the Leader Monitoring system and its mobile application implementation prior to the actual delivery; and

2.2. Work plan for the roll-out of the Leader Monitoring system and its mobile application.

Task 3. Training and development of end-user manuals:

3.1. User manuals for system administrators and end-users; and

3.2. Training materials for system administrators and end-users including the assessment for training needs and the training plan.

Task 4. Coordination and reporting tasks:

4.1. Progress and other assignment related reports and presentations;

  4.2. Final report of the assignment;

4.3. Documents on the system, compiled, archived, and handed over to the FCRMD.

E. CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS/ SELECTION CRITERIA

The consultant shall meet the following qualification criteria:

• Education: The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree in business administration, public administration, ICT or in other fields related to this assignment; Candidates with knowledge of software development and database would be an advantage;

• Experience: Incumbent should have at least 5 (five) years’ of professional work experience. Candidates with prior similar experience in Monitoring and Evaluation and with system development projects would be highly desirable;

• Language skills: Good written and spoken skills in English and fluent written and spoken skills in Mongolian.

• Computer literacy: Be proficient in PC-based applications such as Word, Excel, and have excellent web research, collect information and process, summarize and prepare reports and navigation skills; 

• Other skills:

o Excellent interpersonal, communication and teamwork skills;

o Time management skills;

o Initiative and research skills;

o Be able to work overtime if required. 

F. SUPERVISION AND REPORTING 

The Consultant will report directly to the Director of the Internal Auditing, Monitoring and Evaluation Division (IAMED) and the Director-General of the FCRMD and the PIU; and work on a daily basis with other officials assigned including the system developer. The consultant will work based on the approved work plan during the period of the contract. 

The FCRMD (MOF) and the PIU (SFFS Project) shall evaluate the consultant’s performance and approve invoices on the basis of the monthly progress reports with details including performance on the specific outputs as indicated in Section IV and evidence of other relevant supporting documents. 

All monthly progress reports shall be prepared in English and if required by the Client, also in Mongolian. Main deliverables under the assignment must be prepared/submitted in electronic and hard copies.

G. INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

If required, the Client will provide office space and assign the officials to accept deliverables stated in the contract. The consultant will have access to all necessary data and information. The consultancy work shall implement the above tasks under the oversight and guidance and in consultation with officers of the IAMED and in line with the MOF's vision, mission, mandate, functions and operational framework and implementation policy.

The Client shall provide its comments on reports and other project related deliverables within 7 workdays of receiving these documents from the Consultant. All information provided to the consultant will be regarded as confidential and information shall not be shared with any outside individuals or organizations. 

H. CONTRACT DURATION 

The consultancy is expected to commence in September 2021 with a total estimated duration of six (6) months, with a possible extension based on business needs and satisfactory performance. 

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. 2 reference letters from previous last two employers no later than 15:00 PM, August 23, 2021.

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: Attention to Ms.Ariunaa.G, Procurement Specialist, Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project, Address: 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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