PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ADVISER BUDGET SUPPORT (Short-term) Position: Public Finance Management Adviser Budget Support (Shortterm) Duration: 120 days, with a combination of incountry and home-based inputs ARF Classification: C3 Supervisor: Head of Program, Governance Counterparts: Various DFAT Program Managers and key officers in SIG agencies Location: Honiara, Solomon Islands and home based Performance Management and Reporting Framework: DFAT Adviser Performance Assessment and relevant program reporting framework Australian Aid to Solomon Islands Australia has an enduring interest in a stable Solomon Islands, underpinned by economic growth and viable institutions. Under the Solomon Islands Aid Investment Plan, Australia s aid program in Solomon Islands focuses on three strategic objectives: 1. Supporting stability; 2. Enabling economic growth; 3. Enhancing human development. Solomon Islands Governance Program The Governance Program (1 July 2017 to 30 June 2021) works with the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) central agencies such as the Ministry of Finance & Treasury (MoFT) and the Ministry of Public Service (MPS) to implement reforms in key areas such as public financial management and human resource management. The Governance Program is cross-cutting in that it also works closely with Australia s programs in health, education, transport, growth, justice and policing to create an enabling environment for effective service delivery in those sectors. Working through Partner Government Systems The Governance Program also supports Australia s development assistance delivered through the government systems. This assistance is provided through targeted budget support to the Solomon Islands Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS), Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development (MEHRD), Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs (MJLA) and Ministry of Infrastructure (MID) through the National Transport Fund. When the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) considers using partner government systems to deliver Australian aid in Solomon Islands, an analysis of the risks and benefits of the system is required. DFAT s analysis is based on a two-tier assessment process, starting with an Assessment of National Systems (ANS), which the Governance Program has responsibility for. The ANS provides an overview of key strengths and weaknesses of national-level partner government systems for public financial management (PFM) and an assessment of the fiduciary risks of using them. If the ANS recommends that DFAT should further consider using a partner government s systems as the funding mechanism for an Australian aid investment, this leads to a detailed assessment of PFM and procurement systems of the entities that will be responsible for managing Australian funds. These sector-based assessments conclude whether, and to what extent, an aid investment should use the partner www.cardno.com 1
government s systems. Both tiers of assessment may recommend implementing risk mitigation and capacity development strategies. Public Financial Management Adviser Budget Support (STA) This position will work primarily with DFAT to support its staff in the implementation of the ANS recommendations and sector-based PFM assessments to minimise fiduciary risks associated with the use of the SIG public financial management (PFM) systems for the expenditure of Australian budget support. Key counterparts will be DFAT program managers and sectoral advisers. The sectoral finance advisers work in a range of ministries (Finance, Education, Health, Infrastructure and Justice) to support systems strengthening and the implementation of risk mitigation measures for budget support, including confirming expenditure of donor funds being compliant with SIG s procurement and financial management processes. The position will also work collaboratively with other advisers including the senior procurement adviser. Where appropriate, and as agreed with DFAT, this position will maintain relationships and support capacity building with key SIG finance officers who perform key financial roles in the Ministry of Finance and Treasury (MoFT), line ministries, state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and other stakeholders. This position will be remunerated in line with the Australian Government s Adviser Remuneration Framework (http://dfat.gov.au/aboutus/publications/documents/adviser-remuneration-framework-2016.pdf) and will fall within Discipline Group C, Job Level 3. Expected outcomes: Recommendations from DFAT s ANS (and related reviews and assessments) are understood by DFAT program managers and implemented by DFAT programs using SIG PFM systems. Improved capacity and understanding of DFAT program managers in relation to the SIG PFM framework Improved capacity and understanding of DFAT program managers in relation to identifying, managing and monitoring the risks associated with expenditure via budget support. Improved SIG capacity to administer its PFM framework and systems, as agreed jointly by DFAT and SIG. Roles and Responsibilities In accordance with priorities identified in an agreed work plan, under the direction of the Head of Program, Governance, the Adviser will: www.cardno.com 2
Assist DFAT to implement the management response to the recommendations from the ANS and sector level PFM assessments. Support DFAT program managers and finance advisers to implement the PFM and compliance requirements of Direct Funding Arrangements between SIG and Australia. At the request of DFAT, undertake PFM assessments for Australian budget support at the sector or central level. Monitor and advise DFAT in relation to any fiduciary risks that may emerge. Support DFAT to design, commission and manage financial and compliance audits, and assist financial advisers with implementation of audit recommendations. Build DFAT s capacity to review financial reporting provided by SIG and identify any issues that DFAT should be raised with the implementing ministry or MOFT. Support DFAT to ensure that budget support is clearly appropriated in budget to enable effective monitoring and reporting on budget support expenditure and outcomes. As required, support DFAT to develop and update program financial management manuals in collaboration with other finance and procurement advisers (should include budget preparation, funding flows, procurement and payment processing, reporting and auditing requirements). Support the design, development and delivery of PFM training for DFAT staff, and where appropriate, SIG officials. Support the Head of Program, Governance to develop a plan for backfilling arrangements for Australian-funded financial advisers during periods of absence. Support the Head of Program, Governance to coordinate and facilitate sectoral meetings of finance advisers as required. As requested, provide technical input and support to SIG and other relevant stakeholders to make improvements to the SIG PFM & framework and systems. Key Deliverables: 1. A review and implementation plan for strengthening current monitoring arrangements for implementation of ANS recommendations; 2. A review and implementation plan for strengthening current monitoring arrangements for Sectoral PFM Assessments; www.cardno.com 3
3. Quarterly Risk Assessment Reports to Head of Program, Governance and DFAT should identify, monitor and report on the status of fiduciary risks; 4. Technical advice to DFAT on a range of PFM related issues; 5. New and/or updated financial management manuals for health budget support, education budget support and accountable cash grants (and others if required). 6. P lan for backfilling arrangements for Australian-funded financial advisers during periods of absence. 7. Training Programs/Information Sessions for Sectoral Finance Advisers as part of the risk management approach; 8. Training Programs/Information Sessions for DFAT officers could be small discrete programs which cover a range of PFM related topics; 9. Exception reports, as required. 10. Exit report within one week prior to completion of contract: Outlining an assessment of progress against expected outcomes and work plan. This will be forwarded to SIGP program management. Reporting Lines and Performance Management The Public Financial Management Adviser Budget Support (STA) will report to the Head of Program, Governance. Monitoring and evaluating performance will be undertaken by the Head of Program, Governance in collaboration with DFAT and other key stakeholders. The Adviser will be expected to work across SIG as necessary to fulfil their terms of reference (TOR). They will also coordinate with other Advisers and development partners as necessary. The Adviser will also have direct engagement with the DFAT Governance team in relation to issues that may have implications for the Governance, or other, programs and the Australian Aid program in general. The Adviser will report on contractual and administrative matters to the SIRF Facility Manager. SELECTION CRITERIA Qualifications Tertiary qualification in accounting or public financial administration. Essential Experience and Knowledge Minimum 10 15 years experience in implementation and management of budget support operations (preferably across different sectors). Demonstrated experience in working with public financial management systems in a high risk developing country context. www.cardno.com 4
Strong communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to build effective relationships, convey complicated/sensitive feedback, and work with multiple stakeholders in a cross-cultural context. Demonstrated ability to share knowledge, build relationships, mentor and coach people to transfer skills, preferably in an international development context. Excellent organisational skills and a practical approach to problem solving and risk management. Desired Experience and Knowledge Professional Membership such as Chartered Accountant or Certified Practising Accountant. Experience working in a Pacific Islands country. Solomon Islands Resource Facility (SIRF) Cardno has been engaged to provide a facility management team to manage the Solomon Islands Resource Facility operations to ensure effective service delivery, including: Conducts procurement and contract management of technical assistance and supports performance management Provides support services for Australian Government s deployees and technical advisers; and Financial management and reporting including monitoring and evaluation of the Facility The Facility is a critical source of operational support to DFAT, deployees and Technical Advisers (TA) as they attempt to navigate a shifting operating context, consolidate previous achievements while also prioritising new ways of working to ensure Australia s assistance better achieves service delivery impact. The Solomon Islands Governance Program is supported by SIRF and the successful candidate will be recruited through SIRF. Other Information: Amendments to the position s Terms of Reference may be made during the period of the engagement as required. All personnel must abide by Cardno s Code of Conduct, DFAT s policies in relation to Child Protection; Environmental and Resettlement safeguards; Gender Equality; and Disability. www.cardno.com 5