Call for Expression of Interest (EOI) - Non-Key Expert for Public Financial Management Reforms PN 72.3038.6-001.06 TA to MEHE

1. Introduction:

About The Project:

As Lebanon sinks deeper into an economic and financial crisis, compounded by the ongoing war that has forced many families to evacuate their homes and seek refuge in schools, the education sector and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) are in urgent need of support. This support is critical to sustaining operations and ensuring that high-quality education can still be provided to all children residing in Lebanon, despite the increasingly difficult circumstances. The situation is becoming more complex, with a growing number of dropouts and out-of-school children, a significant migration of students from private to public schools due to unaffordable fees, declining teacher motivation, transportation challenges, and the lack of basic resources in schools, such as electricity. Schools have also been damaged or destroyed, further exacerbating the crisis. These challenges have collectively contributed to a significant decline in the quality of education.

Given these pressing issues, it is essential to provide support to MEHE, including the Directorate for General Education (DGE) and all other departments, to ensure learning continuity even amid war and other crises. The goal is to build a more resilient education system that delivers quality, inclusive, and safe education for all children. To address the current gaps, the Technical Assistance to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (TA to MEHE) focuses on "building an education system better equipped to deliver quality basic education" through the following three outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Enhance the governance capacities of the MEHE in the field of strategic and operational planning, monitoring, and reporting, budgeting and public finance management.
• Outcome 2: Enhance the capacities of the MEHE for the delivery of quality teaching and learning by management and educational staff empowered with 21st century skills development.
• Outcome 3: Enhance the performance of the public education system (MEHE) through improved management and business operating procedures.

2. Description of the assignment

This assignment focuses on the overall educational sector plan, resource management program, and financial accountability program in the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (central departments, REOs, schools). The TA-MEHE project supports providing technical assistance to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education regarding fiduciary systems and financial management to ensure sound financial execution and governance, with improved internal controls, robust budget templates, and reliable accounts.

We are seeking qualified individuals to express their interest in contributing to the Technical Assistance (TA) to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE). This initiative aims to support the educational ministry in various capacities, particularly focusing on Public Financial Management (PFM) reforms. The overarching goal is to enhance the financial operations and governance within the educational sector, ensuring better resource allocation, transparency, and sustainability of educational services.

The purpose of this Expression of Interest (EOI) is to identify potential candidates who can deliver specialized expertise as a Short-term Non-key Expert in PFM reforms. The selected experts will play a crucial role in advising, guiding, and implementing key financial management strategies that will assist the ministry in optimizing its budgetary processes, improving fiscal policies, and establishing stronger financial accountability mechanisms.

This opportunity offers a chance to collaborate with MEHE and contribute significantly to the advancement of Lebanon’s educational financial framework, fostering a more efficient and equitable education system.

3. Scope of Work:

The NKE will be responsible for supporting the implementation of key reforms, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and providing advisory support on best practices in PFM.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical input on PFM reforms.
• Facilitate training sessions with government personnel.
• Advice on budget management, financial planning, and forecasting processes.
• Conduct comprehensive analyses of funding flows and costs within the education sector.
• Review and modify existing educational budget templates to ensure alignment with Ministry of Finance requirements.
• Strengthen internal controls and ensure regular monitoring of inputs within MEHE.
• Update accounting procedures and develop comprehensive financial reporting for the education sector.
• Review procurement standards and practices to optimize resource allocation.

4. Qualifications and Requirements:

• Advanced Degree in Accountancy, Finance, or Related Field
• Professional Qualification in Accountancy Relevant certifications
• Knowledge of Finance, Procurement, and Audit Systems in Lebanon
• Ability to Stimulate Focused Dialogue at Senior Government Levels
• Experience in Constructing and Analyzing Complex Budgets
• Excellent Knowledge of Public Financial Management Procedures
• Fluency in Arabic and English
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Interpersonal Skills, Flexibility and Adaptability
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Time Management and Problem-Solving Skills