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REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND

Ministry of Finance

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

Country: Republic of Somaliland

Name of the Project: Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Public Financial Capacity Strengthening Project

Project ID: P151492, TF#: TF-: A8217

Assignment Title: Website Developer for AOG

Reference: SO-MOF-SL-241532-CS-INDV

Place of Assignment: Hargeisa, Somaliland

Deadline: 26^th August 2021, at 4:00 PM (Hargeisa Time)

Background

The Government of Somaliland has received Additional Financing from the World Bank towards the implementation of the Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) and Public Financial Management (PFM) Capacity Strengthening Project. The overall project development objective (PDO) is to ‘strengthen systems of domestic revenue mobilization, expenditure control and accountability in Somaliland.

The GoSL therefore wishes to use part of the funds allocated under the Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) and Public Financial Management (PFM) Capacity Strengthening Project to pay for the services requested in the Terms of Reference.

Scope of Work and Responsibilities

The SAI Website Developer will develop an Auditor General Website and Citizen App/portal, in accordance with the Auditor General Strategy and Implementation Plan. This will entail creating an online information platform which effectively shares information related to Auditor General’s processes, laws, policies, programs, including audit opinions and etc. He/she will perform other tasks described in the ToR.

Selection Criteria

Selection shall be based on qualification and experience of the candidate and followed by an interview. The minimum qualification, experience and skills should include:

Knowledge

Must have Bachelor Degree of IT, with special certifications on Front-End Language: HTML5, CSS3, Java Script, jQuery, React.
Knowledge of Backend Language: Node Js, Python, PHP (web programming)
Good knowledge on Server Architecture
Good knowledge with database systems SQL, SQL Server, MYSQL, Mango-DB.;

Experience

The consultant shall have the following experience which is a requirement for the web developer:

Having at least three years’ work experienced in the field of IT as a website designer/developer;
Web Developer should demonstrate experience in the performance of similar services as follows:
Thorough functional knowledge and coding experience
Basic knowledge of Search Engine Optimization

Ability to multitask with strict time constraints, budgets and business goals

Strong communication skills
Management experience or examples that show ability to manage a team, should this role involve team management

Duration of the Assignment

The duration for the assignment is 6 months.

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing these services. Interested Individual Consultants must submit their Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services. The detailed TOR will be forwarded to the applicant upon submission of application in person or by e-mail to the address below.
The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16 and 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Financing Goods, Works, Non-Consulting and Consulting Services dated July 2016 and revised in November 2017 and August 2018, (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.
A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultants Selection method set out in the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations.
Mode of submission of Applications and deadline:

The detailed Terms of Reference (ToR) for the assignment can be found at the following website:  www.somalilandpfm.org or can be provided upon submission of application in person or by e-mail. The e-mail address is provided below from 8:30 to 16:00 pm Hargeisa time (Excluding public holidays).

Expressions of interest (EOI) and CV must be delivered (in person or by e-mail) in a written form in three (3) hard copies (if not by e-mail) to the address below by 26^th August 2021 at 4:00 pm (Hargeisa Time) – marked clearly as – Website Developer.

Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Public Financial Management Reform Coordination Unit,

Ministry of Finance, Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Republic of Somaliland, Opposite of Ministry of Higher Education and Science

Email: vacancies@somalilandpfm.org, and to: amira@somalilandpfm.org, hassan@somalilandpfm.org.

Government of Somaliland (GoSL)

Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project

(P151492)

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

Website Developer

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Term of Reference of SAI Technical Advisor

Post Title	Website Developer
Duty Station	Hargeisa, Somaliland
Institution	Office of the Auditor General
Duration of Assignment	6 Months
Started Date	Immediate

BACKGROUND

Somaliland public financial management reforms has been improving since the establishment of the contemporary Somaliland in 1991. In addition, significant improvements have been done for the current years mainly due to changes in various Legislations and Regulations. These legislation and regulation changes include the Constitution, Public Finance and Management Law No 75/2016, Somaliland Financial Regulation, and Comprehensive Operating, Accounting and Procedures Manual 2019 developed Pursuant to the Public Finance and Management Law No 75/2016. These new legislations, regulations, policies, and manuals provide the Budget process in line with international best practices.

Consistent with its National Development Plan II, the Government of Somaliland (GoSL) is in the process of reviewing its revenue laws, regulations and procedures and undertaking reforms and modernization efforts to ensure enhanced efficiency and optimal productivity. As part of its continuous improvement drive, the GoSL through the Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) and Public Financial Management (PFM) Capacity Strengthening Project, requires the services of a technical adviser Website Developer for the Auditor General Office. .

The Somaliland National Audit Office is also known as a ‘Supreme Audit Institution’ (SAI) is established to provide support to the Auditor-General in performing his duties as required by the Constitution and the National Audit Act 76/2016.

The primary function of the Auditor-General is to conduct audits on all public entities in Somaliland and produce public reports on those audits. These reports are variously tabled in the Public Accounts Committee and the House of Representatives. These reports are also available for public scrutiny.

The Somaliland National Audit Office seeks consultant with competent skills and expertise to design and develop a website that offers a visible web presence for the National Audit Office.

The Website will be used as a mechanism to promote the works of the Auditor-General, by providing timely information and audit reports for the public. Additionally, the website will be used as an avenue to get public opinion on any audit reports published and as a tool to communicate and discuss audit findings with the audited entities.

Scope of Work

The consultant will develop an Auditor General Website and Citizen App/portal, in accordance with the Auditor General Strategy and Implementation Plan. This will entail creating an online information platform which effectively enables sharing of information related to Auditor General’s processes, laws, policies, programs, including audit opinions and etc.

Consultations with the Auditor General on website content, functionality and web architecture, design and graphics including:

Home: Landing page will include a slideshow banner of a number of images including internal and external users (Protected Areas), latest news, events and a register/login capacity for management access to the Restricted Areas, registration for external users and other Information available.
About Us- General information on the Auditor General office, such as mandate, organizational structure, and relationship to other institutions
Get Involved: Partnerships and Concessions, Vacancies, Contact.
Easily accessible content relating to Audit Information, such as Audit process and Audited financial statement and other relevant reports;
Public information regarding laws, procedures, regulations and process issues such as Constitution, PFM Act, Comprehensive operating, accounting and procedures manual [COAPACT] and etc.
Citizens EYE Portal – which will help citizens to interact with audit office and Report an Issue
Audit Reports Section
Links to important national and international partners’ websites, relevant social media mediums, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, etc., and other appropriate related sites as required.
Feedback section.
A powerful and smart internal search engine that present results in a user-friendly and structured way and strong meta-tags for search engine optimization
Simple design suitable for slow internet connections and access from mobiles
Update functions for regular maintenance
Tracking counter to enable staff to track and assess the number of visitors to the website and also determine which sections of the website are popular
Creation of ‘Restricted information’, accessed via private login with strong privacy settings and secured access, with the following features
- Registration and verification of Protected Areas management staff for access to the ‘Protected Area Information Unit
- Ticket collection control reporting and supervision.
- An online submission system allowing users to easily upload and update information, such as technical quarterly, annual reports etc., and contribute to the knowledge base

Design, development and launch of the website

Development of back-end databases
Development of templates
Development of live demo for consultation purposes
Development of final design and testing of design
Upload of source code information to servers
Advise the Auditor General on the necessary procedures and mechanisms for management of data on the website and training
Recommend procedures for website updating and content management
Recommend procedures for checking accuracy of links and uploaded documents, reviewing
content, and removing outdated announcements
Provide training on recommended procedures

The consultant will develop the Auditor General website in English in consultation with the government, and to work with translators from the Government of Somaliland to develop a mirror website into Somali language.

Generally the website will have the following main features which will be checked against the final deliverable.

Additional functionality: the website should have a user authenticated cite which will manage the Auditor General Project activities with the following features:

Dashboard
Insightful dashboard for stats

Based on Projects
Create and manage all your auditing projects in one place. Create, assign, and track

Project Tasks-
Each project will have tasks. And admin can assign tasks to one or multiple users

Auditor Performance:
Track Auditor performance

Client Portal
you can enable clients’ portals to let clients see the progress of their projects and upload required documents.

Tasks Timers
every agent can track his time spent on tasks and every task has a dedicated timesheet.

Tasks Timesheets
Every task has its own timesheet.

Project Milestones
Milestones will help you to group your tasks together.

Project Timer
this will help you to track the time you have spent on a project

Multi File Upload and File commenting
on all projects you can upload any kind of files.

Audit Files Templates
Create just fill out templates for daily tasks and projects, instead of using Word or PDF.

Projects forecasting
Document upcoming projects.

Calendar
Calendar to track events.

Reports
A detailed report per project, task, or user performance or

User Activity Widget
See who is online and what users are doing, the time the logged in or logged out

Email Notifications
Get email notifications on new messages, project assignments etc.

User Access Management
Control the access of your agents to the different modules. Super admin can control everything, each user will only see what they supposed to see only

Database backup
never lose any data again! The system will have backup routines.

Private Messaging
Send private messages to admins and clients.

Auditor ID Generation
ID generation system for users, auditors

Auditor Verification System
Public place to verify auditors.

Hotline
Public place to report corruption.

Front Page Management
Place to add, edit, create news, polls, images

Responsibilities

Working in close collaboration with the Auditor General and PFM Coordinator, the selected consultant will:

Task 1: Create Information Platform Outline

Prepare an outline of the functionality of the proposed platform, demonstration of search ability, and initial design ideas. This must take into account the budget allocated, making provisions for trade-offs, and prioritization of functionality and/or phased implementation. It should also take into consideration the findings of the need’s assessment conducted in Task 1.

Task 2: Prepare a Detailed Information Platform Specification

On approval of the information platform and based on a requirement analysis facilitated by the Auditor General Office and PFM Coordination office, develop a detailed specification for the information platform including:

Overall structure, field definition and design
Logical framework and user interface
List of hardware and software needs to enable development and implementation.

Task 3: Information Platform Development

On approval of the detailed specification by the Auditor General and PFM Coordinator, undertake the information platform architecture, functionality and user interface development.

Task 4: Beta Testing

Upload a beta-version of the information platform to facilitate input of real project data and facilitate specific users’ access to identify outstanding issues with the structure and “usability”. Where issues are identified, undertake bug fixes and system revisions. An incremental version of the beta system may be required depending on the degree of bug fixes and system revisions required

Task 5: Domain Registration

Work with the MOF IT team to ensure domain name registration and webhosting, including email and data storage. The available SLFMIS/PFM infrastructure will be used for hosting and storage. The bidder will be required to indicate the prerequisites necessary to achieve this.

Task 6: System Release

On acceptance by the Auditor General of the rectified beta version and working with the MOF IT team, upload the full working system to open access to allow access by external users.

Task 7: Training in use and maintenance of the system

Provide training in use and maintenance of the system to persons to be named by the Auditor General. This would follow the allocation of responsibilities related to maintenance of the website. The consultant would also prepare a manual, documenting procedures to be followed, for continued population and maintenance of the website.

Details

The website is considered to be divided into two parts. One for public users of the internet and the other is private for the exchange of information and cooperation between the management of different protectorates as follows.

Protected Areas Network public online website

It should act as an information site accessing everyone including citizens. It should be fully functional, user-friendly, visually appealing and informative. It should include the prescribed content and design layout be agreed upon with Auditor General Office.

‘Protected Area Information Unit’ private online interface

It should also act as a user-friendly management tool for Protected Areas management, accessed through private, allowing for data storage, exchange of information, cooperation and communication between the management of different locations. This includes but is not limited to: a. online submission system b. control reporting and supervision

Methodology

Phase A: Requirement Analysis and Specification

In consultation with the Auditor General’s team, establish hat the system should precisely do and its development constraints.
Surveys of previous and related work

Document the system requirements, from the analysis

Phase B: Data Collection and Content Preparation

Prepare content and concept draft for a bilingual, English and Somali, website in a detailed proposal to be provided in both soft and hard copies.
Collect the required high-resolution quality images

Conduct evaluation/validation meetings with Auditor General and PFM coordinator to receive suggestions and comments which should be incorporated by the Consultant without extra charge.

Prepare final content and concept for website in both soft and hard copies based on comments from Auditor General and PFM Coordinator

Phase C: Design and Implementation

Conceptual design using software management tools. The design should be flexible enough to be expanded for other functionalities in the future; especially for database manipulation and web mapping.
Modern implementation of the website using the most impressive web technologies. P.S. The Consultant will be encouraged to make use of his expertise and creativity to propose and implement relevant website enhancements. Include strong metatags to ensure search ability.

Phase D: Operation and Maintenance

Working with the MOF IT team, have domain name registration and webhosting including email and data storage on the available SLFMIS/PFM servers.
Successfully launch of the website in a bilingual way.

Conduct induction training for staff who will manage, maintain and update the website on the tasks necessary to properly and independently run the website.

Test and fix errors.
Test search ability of website and adjust meta-tags accordingly.
Maintain website functionality, systematically fixing errors and providing support for staff with questions.

Note: Some issues should be negotiated with the Auditor General like domain name, CMS etc

Deliverables

The consultant shall deliver the following in both soft and hard copy:

Output 1: Information Platform Outline.
Output 2: Detailed Information Platform Specification, including recommended hardware and software needs.
Output 3: Beta-version of full system (and any incremental beta versions required by the Auditor General).
Output 4: Fully deployed online version of the website and related functionality.
Output 5: The website application commented source code with any other related files that are used in the designing phase (e.g. flv flash file, psd adobe Photoshop, databases, UML Diagrams, DFD, Database schema, Database ERD, …etc).
Output 6: A complete user guide document or manual.
Output 7: A complete developer guide with all its related work (e.g. a complete list of all programs and software with their versions that are used in the designing and implementation phases, database design, flow diagrams,etc).
Output 8: Training for website maintenance and updating.

The Auditor General Office will be responsible for review of the outputs and for giving feedback in a timely manner.

Working Relationships

The Consultant will be based at the OAG, performing his/her duty in accordance with TOR and Contract. The work of this expert will be supervised by AG and to whom he delegates it. Expert will be working with Counterpart staff from OAG to ensure know-how transfer and sustainability.

Qualifications
Must have Bachelor Degree of IT, with special certifications on Front-End Language: HTML5, CSS3, Java Script, jQuery, react.
Knowledge of Backend Language: Node Js, Python, PHP (web programming)

Good knowledge on Server Architecture

Good knowledge with database systems SQL, SQL Server, MYSQL, Mango-DB.
- Experience:

The consultant shall have the following experience which is a requirement for the web developer:

Having at least three years’ work experienced in the field of IT as a website designer/developer;
Web Developer should demonstrate experience in the performance of similar services as follows:

Thorough functional knowledge and coding experience

Basic knowledge of Search Engine Optimization
Ability to multitask with strict time constraints, budgets and business goals
Strong communication skills

Management experience or examples that show ability to manage a team, should this role involve team management

General Skills/Other Requirements

Must have a solid understanding of user experience (UI/UX) design and Adaptive/Responsive Design for cross-platform/devices such as tablet and mobile phone.
Proven ability to build and refine graphic designs for websites. Must have strong skills in Photoshop, illustrator, Figma, Sketch or equivalent application(s).

Proven history of previously developed websites.

Proven ability to manage web development projects effectively and accurately on meeting project deliverables. Engage in outside-the-box thinking to provide higher value for money.
Must use code control like GitHub, Bit bucket (Recommended)
Must know how to automate deployment process and setup/configure VPS

Must have extensive experience on Linux and Linux commands to deploy and run the server.

Terms of Payment

30% upon submission & acceptance of the website data content according to specifications and web graphic design specifications and website interface design.
30% upon finalizing website Beta-version soft launch on the web, and providing the required training to Auditor General administrators on operating the site.
40%upon acceptance of the Auditor General and PFM Coordinator to the final launching of the website with all features fully operational according to specifications and after successful final launch and troubleshooting any bugs or errors that might occur during operation on the initial maintenance period.

Language

profession in English language
Knowledge of Somali language is required

Reporting and Other Deliverables

The Website Developer will directly report to Auditor General and will provide monthly progress status reports to the PFM Project Coordinator.

Location, Duration and Facilities
Starting period and duration of assignment:

Indicative start date is 1^st October 2021

The contract is expected to run for a period of six months.

Location of the assignment

The duty station is Hargeisa, Somaliland.

Facilities to be provided

The Office of Auditor General will provide the Consultant with office facilities, internet connectivity, essential utilities, office services, stationery and office supplies and use of a computer, printer, scanner and photocopying etc. In addition, the Office of Auditor General will make available to the consultant copies of all the documents the Consultant may need to discharge his functions; and will assist the Consultant in liaising with all agencies of government and sector ministries under the project and with other agencies of government on matters related to the project.

The project will also provide transport to the Consultant as required for their official duties.

Government of Somaliland (GoSL)

Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project

(P151492)

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

Macro-Economic Technical Advisor Economist – Economist

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Post Title	Macro-economic Technical Advisor – Economist
Duration of Assignment	12 Months
Started Date	Immediate
Type of Appointment	Individual
Duty Station	Ministry of Finance Development, Macroeconomics and Statistics Department (M&SD)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

1. Background

Somaliland public financial management reforms has been improving since the establishment of the contemporary Somaliland in 1991. In addition, significant improvements have been done for the current years mainly due to changes in various Legislations and Regulations. These legislation and regulation changes include the Constitution, Public Finance and Management Law No 75/2016, Somaliland Financial Regulation, and Comprehensive Operating, Accounting and Procedures Manual 2019 developed Pursuant to the Public Finance and Management Law No 75/2016. These new legislations, regulations, policies and manuals provide the Budget process in line with international best practices.

Consistent with its National Development Plan II, the Government of Somaliland (GoSL) is in the process of reviewing its revenue laws, regulations and procedures and undertaking reforms and modernization efforts to ensure enhanced efficiency and optimal productivity. As part of its continuous improvement drive, the GoSL through the Domestic Revenue Mobilization (DRM) and Public Financial Management (PFM) Capacity Strengthening Project, requires the services of a technical adviser in Macroeconomic and Statistical Department, Ministry of Finance.

The Country needs to develop a macroeconomic and fiscal framework. This is necessary for improving the predictability and reliability of revenue and expenditure forecasts based on government economic policies. In addition, macroeconomic and statistical capacity of the department must be improved to ensure a more efficient of resources use and management of public resources.,.

Finally, to complete the primary strategy of PFM Policy as well as PFM acts, Somaliland needs to;

Establish a macroeconomic model to provide both short-term and medium-term forecasts
Improve the current macroeconomic database and core economic indicators/data.

Establishment of macroeconomic model and source of economic indicators will provide reliable preparation of a 3-year fiscal framework of aggregate macroeconomic projections consistence with vision of 2030. In addition, a macro fiscal framework is important for the successful implementation of the National Development Plan II and in pursuing medium term fiscal and monetary policies that ensure stability and induce strong private sector growth.

2. Objective (s) of the Assignment

The main objective of this consultancy is to hire an expert to articulate and formulate and, a macroeconomic and fiscal model for Somaliland for forecasting and decision purposes. The specific objectives of this assignment are;

To articulate, formulate and structure, a macro-fiscal forecasting model. The model needs to integrate all the segments of the national economy (real economy, fiscal, financial and external sector).
To provide all macroeconomic modelling information for development of the macroeconomic database.
To build the technical capabilities and capacities of the Macroeconomic and Statistics Department staff

3. General Scope of the Assignment/Work

The technical macro-economic advisor will be working with the Macroeconomic and Statistical Department in the Somaliland Ministry of Finance Development. The scope of the consultancy assignments includes:

Designing and constructed the macro-fiscal forecasting model for the Somaliland economy.
Assisting national data assessment and analysis by; providing data gaps within the national economy and sectors.
Identifying the data input and the database that would be used to solve various model’s equations
identifying the uses of different deflators for different type of variables, within the overall model’s framework.
Obtaining, organizing and cleaning and structuring data to complete macroeconomic database development, with a substantive and statistically viable size of observations (number of time series/historical years), as well as handling higher degree of statistical reliability and efficiency.
Providing technical training of the macroeconomic modelling and macroeconomic framework including forecasting and scenario analysis.
Building technical capacity of the Macroeconomic and statistical department staff.

4. Key Deliverable

Following are the expected outputs in developing the economic models:

Inception Report (hard copy for each study with electronic copy), which includes, among others, lie work plan that identifies in detail the theoretical framework, possible set of indicators, approaches and methodologies to be utilized in the development of the model, detailing the data requirements, anticipated bottlenecks and proposed solutions)
Consultative Meetings, which includes consultative discussion with M&SD staff.
Interim Report, containing the result of the preliminary set of indicators and preliminary outputs/runs.
Draft Final Report, which integrates the final inputs, comments and recommendations from M&SD, and contains the detailed specifications of the short term and medium-term macroeconomic model including the operations manual) (With Final Model}
Presentation (hard copy for each of the study with electronic copy and the economic models), to the Minister, Directors and M&SD official and staff for evaluation, and comments.
Capacity Building for at least 12 M&SD Staff, which includes presentation of theory, estimation processes, trouble shooting and updating of the model, if necessary, preparation of lecture materials, and initial operations manual).
Revised Final Report, which takes into account the final comments from M&SD , and includes the technical description of the final model, limitations of the model, assumptions and parameters used, lessons learned during the training, revised final user’s manual on data gathering and processing, step- by-step procedure for running each of the models with illustrative examples showing the results of the simulations).
Technical Advisor for each project is expected to provide orientation/briefing on each of the output reports mentioned above to the concerned personnel of the M&SD, as needed.
Assign M&SD technical staff counterpart who will work closely with the consultant;

5. Qualification Requirements.

The consult should have the following qualifications and experience to carry out the assignment.

MA in Economics; PhD in Economics is preferred
At least 10 years’ experience in macroeconomic analysis and public financial management;
Demonstrated experience developing Excel-based macroeconomic projection tools for governments;
Training and facilitation experience in macroeconomic projection;
Experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa;
Fluency in English and communication skills;
Ability to proactively seek and recommend sound policy initiatives;
Demonstrated ability to transfer skills and knowledge to others.

6. TA Required Deliverable

No	Deliverables	Percent of payment
1	· Inception Report which includes, among others, work plan that identifies in detail the theoretical framework, possible set of indicators, approaches and methodologies to be utilized in the development of the model, detailing the data requirements, anticipated bottlenecks and proposed solutions.	15%
2	· Consultative Meetings, which includes consultative discussion with M&SD staff and other relevant staff from the other MDAs. · Desk review of all available literature and drafting of the skeleton report;	15%
3	· Interim Report, containing the result of the preliminary set of indicators and preliminary outputs/runs. · Draft Final Report, which integrates the final inputs, comments and recommendations from M&SD, and contains the detailed specifications of the short term and medium-term macroeconomic model including the operations manual) (With Final Model).	15%
4	· Presentation of the economic models, to the minister, Directors and M&SD officials and staff for evaluation, and comments.	20%
5	· Capacity Building for at least 12 M&SD Staff, which includes presentation of theory, estimation processes, trouble shooting and updating of the model, if necessary, preparation of lecture materials, and initial operations manual).	15%
6	· Technical Advisor for each project is expected to provide orientation/briefing on each of the output reports mentioned above to the concerned personnel of the M&SD, as needed. · Assign M&SD technical staff counterpart who will work closely with the consultant; · Final Report, which takes into account the final comments from M&SD , and includes the technical description of the final model, limitations of the model, assumptions and parameters used, lessons learned during the training, revised final user’s manual on data gathering and processing, step- by-step procedure for running each of the models with illustrative examples showing the results of the simulations).	20%

7. Reporting and other Deliverables

The Technical Advisor will report to the Director General Ministry of Finance and the Director of Macroeconomic and Statistics as well as PFM coordinator.

8. Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to take 12 months with possibility of extension, depending on the performance evaluation of the TA.

9. Location of the Assignment

The duty station is Hargeisa, Somaliland, the Ministry of Finance shall provide the technical Assistant with a suitable office space and internet services.

10. Facilities to be Provided

The Ministry of Finance will provide the technical advisor with office facilities, internet connectivity, essential utilities, office services, stationery and office supplies and use of a computer, printer, scanner and photocopying etc. In addition, Ministry of Finance will make available to the Technical Advisor copies of all the documents the Technical Advisor may need to discharge his functions; and will assist the Technical Advisor in liaising with all agencies of government and sector ministries under the project and with other agencies of government on matters related to the project. The project will also provide transport to the Technical Advisor as required for their official duties.

11. Procedures Applicable for Selection/Methodology

The Individual Technical Advisor will be hired on the basis of the World Bank’s Guidelines for Selection and Employment of Consultants (January 2011). The contracted Technical Advisor will take a position at the Ministry of Finance.
A Technical Advisor will be selected in accordance with the Individual Selection method set out in the Technical Advisor Guidelines.
Applications letters must be delivered in a written form to the address below or by e-mail by or in a written form in three (3) hard copies. Application letters received later than specified date shall not be considered. Electronic applications must be copied to all shown email addresses and must clearly specify the name of the assignment being applied for.

Government of Somaliland (GoSL)

Domestic Revenue Mobilization and Public Financial Management Capacity Strengthening Project

(P151492)

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANTS)

Treasury Single Account Technical Adviser

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Post/Title	Treasury Single Account Technical Adviser
Duty Station	Hargeisa, Somaliland
Institution	Ministry of Finance
Duration of Assignment	12 Months
Started Date	Immediate

A. Background

Government of Somaliland recognized a need for a PFM reform strategy to utilize public funds towards meeting the NDP goals, and ultimately those of Vision 2030. Therefore, in 2013, the MoF formulated a five-year Somaliland Public Financial Management (PFM) Reform Strategy (2013-2017), to improve the government’s capacity and systems to utilize public funds, towards meeting the NDP goals and those of Vision 2030.

The Somaliland-led PFM Reform Strategy and Action Plan identifies the priorities for reform, provides a structured and sequenced framework to carry out specific reform activities, guide the mobilization of resources, and improve coordination as well as sustainability of the reforms aimed at strengthening PFM systems. The vision is to “achieve the highest possible efficiency, transparency and accountability in the allocation, management and use of public finances to meet the GoSL’s development and economic growth priorities”.

The broad objectives of PFM are to achieve overall fiscal discipline in the allocation of resources to priority needs and efficient and effective delivery of public services. A solid and strong PFM system is a tool to minimize fiscal waste and support the effective and efficient use of taxpayers’ money. Strengthening core fiscal systems has been a long-standing priority of the World Bank and other international development partners. GoSL has therefore received funding from the World Bank to strengthen its public financial management capacity.

The World Bank through the Multi-Partner Fund PFM Capacity Strengthening Project has committed to compliment the GoSL in its PFM reform agenda. The project development objective is to establish and strengthen institutional capacity for the management of public funds in the central finance agencies and targeted sectors. The PFM Capacity Strengthening Project comprises of the following four components:

Component 1: Strengthening Tax Policy and Inland Revenue Administration System;

Component 2: Strengthening Capacity for PFM Control and Accountability;

Component 3: Rapid Response Facility;

Component 4: PFM reform Oversight, Coordination and Management;

Consistent with its National Development Plan II, the Government of Somaliland (GoSL) is in the process of reviewing its revenue laws, regulations and procedures and undertaking reforms and modernization efforts to ensure enhanced efficiency and optimal productivity. As part of its continuous improvement drive, the GoSL requires the services of a technical adviser in the implementation of cash management policy and treasury single account.

B. Treasury Single Account (TSA)

Treasury Single Account (TSA) is a financial policy to consolidate all inflows and outflows of government accounts into one single account that makes possible efficient management and control of government cash resources in banking arrangements

Legally, requires the General Revenue Fund to be maintained at the Central Bank of Somaliland (CBSL), and shall act as the Treasury Single Account (TSA) for the Government. Financial regulations underpinning Somaliland PFM Law clearly prescribes usage of TSA arrangement for all national government agencies.

The objective is to progressively improve the technical capacity to handle PFM processes in an efficient manner.

Current Status: The Accountant General Office (AGO) has conceptualized and designed a TSA framework that will be operationalized alongside the Cash Management Policy. A TSA is a prerequisite for modern cash management. It involves the consolidation of all government cash balances into a single account at the Bank of Somaliland. This consolidation allows the Ministry of Finance (MoF) to minimize the volume of idle balances in the banking system, with consequent cost savings.

For this assignment, PWC which worked in sub component 1.1 and 1.2 of pillar 3 of PFM had developed a number of deliverables. This consultancy engagement developed a number of manuals that are to be implemented, among these are Standard Chart of Accounts (SCOA), Comprehensive Operations and Accounting Procedures Manual (COAPM), Treasury Single Account (TSA) Conceptual Design, Cash Management Policy, Financial Regulations etc.

The company developed a Treasury Single Account (TSA) Conceptual Design which graphically shows current and future (when the TSA is implemented) banking arrangement, and follow charts about funds transfer and payment processes. All these processes in the flow charts are online that is to be supported by the SL-FMIS and the Core Banking System deployed at Somaliland Central Bank.

Operationalizing TSA, envisaged TSA bank account or set of linked bank accounts, the Government will make all transactions of receipts and payments and gets a consolidated view of its cash position at any given time. Along with the TSA, the purpose of the Cash Management Policy is to ensure the use of the most economical and effective cash flow techniques in financing Government programs and operations.

C. Objectives of the Assignment

The overall objective of this assignment is to provide technical support and advisory services to the implementation of TSA under the PFM Capacity Strengthening Project with specific focus on having a unified operational and automated structure of government bank accounts under TSA as well as the compliance with the PFM Law (Law No.75/2016) and related financial regulations.

A unified TSA enables a consolidation and optimal utilization of government cash resources, to have a better cash flow planning and cash management technique by the Ministry of Finance, Office of Accountant General and Central Bank of Somaliland. This will also enable to make easy and simplify fund releases and payment process of budgetary allocations to MDAs timely and efficiently.

D. Scope of Work

TSA Technical Advisor’s key activities relating above objectives will include the following:

Implementation:

Provide technical assistance to the Office of Account General (OAG), Department of Budgeting and Planning-MoF and Bank of Somaliland on the implementation of TSA and cash management systems.
Rigorously study current system of government cash management and government bank account arrangements and then design better cash management methods.
With the concept of TSA, develop action plan to start and implement active cash management.
Review developed TSA Conceptual design and cash management policy and develop a comprehensive road-map and attendant action plans for implementation.
After study, recommend most appropriate design.
Prescribes business processes, user and technical requirements in making virtual accounts as described in the TSA conceptual design.
Work with the Bank of Somaliland and AGO; advice on the establishment of and capacitate cash management unit and assist them enable efficient use of modern TSA for robust cash planning and forecasting.
Work with system developers (SL-FMIS and Core Banking System) and advice technically in the deployment, installation, and automation of TSA and Cash Management operations.
Review legal and regulatory frameworks and chart of accounts in the establishment of TSA operations and its various accounts under this TSA in the Central Bank.
Closely work with implementation committees (steering and technical committees) in their subsequent implementation activities.
Support Government develop the formation documents to support the establishment Cash Management Committee (CMC) and Cash Management Technical Committees (CMTC). The formation documents will include Cash Management Committee Ministerial Order (outlining objectives, membership and mandate) and TORs (composition, roles and responsibilities)

Monitoring:

The Advisor will draw-up a monitoring framework and periodically monitor and assess the state of implementation particularly focusing on qualitative improvements;
The Advisor will review improvements in institutional capacity and training, overall adaptation, improvements in TSA and Cash management processes and systems, controls and reporting, and improvements in all aspects of the TSA necessary to meet the overall objectives.
Resulting from this process, the Advisor will determine areas that may lag or new areas that require attention, make recommendations for improvements and raise issues (technical or otherwise) that may impede progress.

Post Implementation:

The Advisor will develop a plan by which the GoSL will gradually take over full support of its PFM Systems to reduce the GoSL dependency on external consultants, increase ownership and allow GoSL to manage with the limited resources. Suitable officers / employees should be identified and trained to make this happen. This plan shall be discussed with the Ministry of Finance and Bank of Somaliland and approved by the Minister of Finance for implementation.
In drawing up this plan, the Advisor will among others:
- Assess the state of readiness of institutions to take over in terms of staff capacity, process weakness, etc.
- Determine actions and time required to cover the gaps for example in terms of training, staff recruitment, etc.
- Determine work plans and milestones to implement these actions.
Perform such other duties as may be assigned from time to time with the context of the GoSL PFM reform program.

E. Expected Result and Key Deliverables

It is expected that, by working closely with his/her counterparts and ensuring that the counterpart is exposed to international financial management practices, that the technical assistant transfers his/her skills, and ultimately ensures that the counterpart is fully capacitated to perform the his/her day-to-day directorate responsibilities.

Performance will be specifically measured against the following key deliverables:

A comprehensive baseline report (Inception Report) and work plan
TSA implementation action plans
Updated TSA user manual
Periodic monitoring reports and their implementation.
Appropriate TSA and CMP training skills/knowledge transfer and capacity development for Bank of Somaliland and Account General Office staff
Technical coherence and harmony of the TSA under the MoF, AGO and Bank of Somaliland.
Appropriate procedures that commercial banks and the Bank of Somaliland feed themselves e.g. migration of cash, payments, receipts, charges etc.
Templates that report to the Bank and the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General’s Office.
Procedures solving difficulties during migration to a full adoption.
Quarterly progress report and
End of assignment report.

F. Qualifications, Experience and Competencies

Competencies

The GoSL requires a qualified individual consultant with experience in implementation of Treasury Single Account and Cash Management Systems and extensive and previous hands on experience in the implementation of TSA.

TA must have good communication and writing skills, fluent in English, high level of interpersonal and relationship-building skills and using practical techniques for change management in a fragile state environment.

Knowledge

Be knowledgeable in Public Financial Management and Banking Arrangement particularly TSA and Cash Management Systems with a university degree in finance/Accounting/banking.
Must be chartered accountant, CPA, ACCA or equivalent certifications.
A postgraduate degree in relevant field of study will be an advantage.

Experience

At least 7 years’ experience in the area of public financial management, including experience with PFM reform processes at a senior level.
Must have extensive experience in carrying out similar assignments particularly banking arrangements, treasury single account arrangements and cash management systems.
Must have accomplished similar assignment (Implementation of TSA and Cash management) in comparable socioeconomic country.
Experience in training and capacity building in modern use of TSA and Cash Management.

G. Required Deliverable

No	Deliverable	Percent of payment
1	· Inception Report which includes, among others, work plan that identifies in detail the theoretical framework. · A comprehensive baseline report (Inception Report) and work plan · TSA implementation action plans · Updated TSA user manual;	30%
2	· Periodic monitoring reports and their implementation. · Appropriate TSA and CMP training skills/knowledge transfer and capacity development for Bank of Somaliland and Account General Office staff · Technical coherence and harmony of the TSA under the MoF, AGO and Bank of Somaliland	20%
3	· Appropriate procedures that commercial banks and the Bank of Somaliland feed themselves e.g. migration of cash, payments, receipts, charges etc. · Templates that report to the Bank and the Ministry of Finance and Accountant General’s Office. · Procedures solving difficulties during migration to a full adoption. · Quarterly progress report.	20%
4	· Final Report, which takes into account the final comments stakeholders, and includes lessons learn, recommendations, way forward, and revised final user’s manual.	30%

H. Experience Contract and Reporting Arrangements

The TSA Technical Assistant will be full-time and hired against a time-based contract for 12 months and thereafter renewable, upon satisfactory performance. The TA will report to the Accountant General as Component Implementation Team lead accountable for TSA deliverables under the project and will provide continues updates to Bank of Somaliland and PFM Coordination unit -MoF.

The TA will closely work the assigned counterpart from Bank of Somaliland, Accountant General Office and Department of Planning and Budget of Ministry of Finance, and provide skill transfer for sustainability.

The TA shall submit the reports summarized below, for the respective period. All documents/reports will be issued in English, submitted in both hard and electronic copies.

Monthly Progress Reports: The TSA and CMP Technical Assistant shall prepare monthly concise reports with the relevant information on progress, and emerging challenges.
Annual Progress Reports: The TSA and CMP Technical Assistant shall prepare annual concise reports with the relevant information on progress, highlighting achievements, emerging challenges and recommendations to ensure a successful TSA and CMP implementation.
Final Report: Before the end of the assignment, the TSA and CMP Technical Assistant shall submit a final report detailing all the activities undertaken. The report will outline achievements and challenges and lessons learnt.