***CLOSED*** Call for Expression of Interest for Consultancy Services to Develop a Financial Management Framework (FMF) for the Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF)
Background:
The Belize Social Investment Fund (BSIF) was established in 1996 and based on its governing act is mandated by the Government of Belize to provide financial and technical assistance to local government entities and community groups through development cooperation funds earmarked for poverty reduction interventions. Work under a previous Readiness grant (BLZ – RS – 002) identified gaps including the following in BSIF’s operation in line with the fiduciary criteria of the GCF: (i) the lack of a Strategic Plan to guide its long-term vision and work of the organization, (ii) The lack of a formal financial management system/framework (iii) the need for a grants award mechanism and (iv) the lack of Environmental, Social and Gender Management Frameworks for the operation of the organization and any projects under implementation. Building on the support provided under previous Readiness, this Readiness Grant seeks to strengthen internal capacities and function of the BSIF to attain GCF Accreditation by addressing the above gaps. In so doing, Belize will be able to access international climate finance via an entity engaged in the provision of basic climate resilient social infrastructure and related human development interventions across the Health, Education, Water and Sanitation sectors particularly in rural communities throughout the country. The BSIF serves a unique role in addressing the human developmental needs of men, women, and children in communities across the country, inclusive of climate adaptation needs, and the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Scope of Work
The consultant will execute the following activities that contribute towards enhancing the BSIF’s capacity to effectively mobilize, manage, and monitor climate finance in an effort to achieve the national sustainable goals and objectives outlined in national strategies and action plans. This consultancy will provide technical assistance for the development of BSIF’s FMF which will guide the operations of its finance department in line with international standards. In carrying out this assignment, the consultant is required to employ a collaborative approach and close engagement with BSIF and its stakeholders in ensuring that the completed assignment deliverables are consistent with national standards and protocols.
The consultant shall work in close consultation with BSIF’s Finance Unit Coordinator, staff from the Finance, Procurement and Administration units and the Executive Director of the BSIF.
This should enable the BSIF to have a systematic and disciplined approach to evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, internal financial control and related governance and management processes.
The particular organizational functions that will be assessed and improved include financial management and administration, procurement, human resources management and information technology. The specific areas to be examined include:
1. Governance mechanisms centrally linked to transparent and accountable financial management.
2. Internal control processes.
3. Financial management system.
4. Procurement management system.
5. Reliability and integrity of financial and operational information and data.
6. Information systems environment.
7. Efficiency and effectiveness of administrative and operation systems.
8. Compliance with national financial management policies and regulations.
9. Safeguarding of assets.
10. Effective, efficient, and economical use of resources.
11. Capacity gaps and areas that require improvement and
12. Appropriate work roles and corresponding job profiles required to optimally implement new/revised FMF.
Qualifications and Experience
The consultant must demonstrate the following:
• Minimum of an advanced degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in either, but not limited to, Economics, Finance, Business Management, or related fields from recognized and reputable academic institutions.
• Should have a professional qualification in finance like CPA/CA/ACCA or an equivalent qualification, and 10 years’ relevant experience in financial and/or budget management.
• Must have at least 10 years’ proven experience in the development of financial management frameworks for internationally recognized institutions. Experience in Financial Management, Finance Software, Procurement and Audit Function.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the current climate finance architecture of the Green Climate Fund.
• Must have competence in Project Management.
The full Terms of Reference is available at www.pactbelize.org. Interested candidates are asked to submit:
o Signed letter of interest.
o A detailed technical proposal for the deliverables. The technical proposal should include methodology, work schedule, quality control and quality assurance. The technical proposal should also describe the composition of the team and relevant years of experience.
o A financial proposal.
o The most recent Curriculum Vitae of all members of the consulting team.
Packages should be submitted no later than July 14, 2023, at 5:00pm (Central Standard Time) and addressed to:
Mr. Radin Santos
Procurement Officer
Protected Areas Conservation Trust
Re: Expression of Interest – Development of a Financial Management Framework for the Belize Social Investment Fund
Soft Copies should be sent via email to:
Procurementofficer@pactbelize.org and ProjectManager@pactbelize.org
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PACT is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against protected characteristics (gender, age, sexual orientation, race, nationality, ethnicity, religion, disability).
PACT is not liable for any costs incurred by applicants in submission of their application.