It is expected that the Consultant will deliver the following Output and Activities

• A fully detailed map of the Public Financial Management system and processes in Liberia outlining fund flow, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting, is co-designed with the Ministry of Health
• Complete a comprehensive data analysis and process review that identifies specific enhancing factors and bottlenecks to highlight key barriers within the PFM system that promote or hinder optimal budget releases for health programs conduct sessions to disseminate and share results
• Develop country specific recommendations to address identified PFM bottlenecks, including actionable steps, which are identified and highlighted  in the final report
• A comprehensive analysis of the Community Health Program spending is conducted with focus on areas of efficiency/correctness, inefficiency, duplication, or misallocation of resources
• Findings and proposed PFM implementation approach are co-designed and validated with the MOH and stakeholders for the implementation of PFM mechanism across the country

• A roadmap for implementation, including capacity-building initiatives and ongoing monitoring mechanisms, is co-designed with the MOH and stakeholders

• A robust monitoring and evaluation framework is co-developed with the MOH and stakeholders to track the progress of implementation .

Activity 1: Comprehensive Mapping of PFM Systems and Processes

• Conduct an in-depth analysis to create a fully detailed map of the Public Financial Management (PFM) system and processes in Liberia, outlining the flow of funds, budgeting, accounting, and financial reporting within the health sector.

Activity 2: PFM Bottleneck Identification for Optimal NCHP Fund Releases (Special focus on the G-to-G Activity constraints)

• Identify and assess specific bottlenecks within the PFM system that hinder optimal budget releases for health programs. Conduct stakeholder consultations, data analysis, and process reviews to pinpoint these barriers.

Activity 3: Recommendations for Mitigating Bottlenecks

• Formulate targeted recommendations to address the identified PFM bottlenecks. These recommendations should include actionable steps to streamline budget disbursements, enhance transparency, and improve overall efficiency in health fund allocation.

Activity 4: Inefficiency Identification in Health Spending (CHW Program)

• Perform a comprehensive analysis of health spending, with a focus on the Community Health Worker (CHW) program. Identify areas of efficiency/correctness, inefficiency, duplication, or misallocation of resources within the program’s budget utilization.

Activity 5: Recommendations for Efficiency Improvement in CHW Program

• Propose specific interventions and mechanisms to enhance efficiency in the CHW program’s spending. This could involve restructuring workflows, optimizing resource allocation and disbursement, and introducing technology solutions to monitor and manage program expenses.

Activity 6: Stakeholder Engagement and Validation

• Engage relevant stakeholders, including government officials, health authorities, and financial experts, to validate the findings, recommendations, and proposed interventions. Incorporate their input to ensure a holistic and well-informed approach.

Activity 7: Pilot Implementation of Recommendations

• Work with MoH to select a pilot region or district Monitor.

Activity 8:  Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building

• Organize workshops, training sessions, and at least one knowledge-sharing event to disseminate best practices for PFM, health financing, and policy.

Activity 9: Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation Plan

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of implemented interventions. Regularly assess the impact on budget releases, health program efficiency, and overall health outcomes.

DELIVERABLES:

• Technical brief summarizing opportunities and recommendations to avail funds at the central level for MOH to fill emergency funding gaps for community health programs during the transition of the program to government ownership
• Dissemination materials relating to the results and recommendations from the assessment.

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE, EXPECTED LEVEL OF EFFORT (LOE), REPORTING,

AND  TRAVEL

Reporting: The consultant will report to the Last Mile Health Liberia Country Director through the Director of NCHS and is expected to lead the work described above and be responsible for the final deliverables.

Location: The consultancy will be based in Liberia and is  open only to people with relevant experience living and authorized to work in Liberia .

Period of Performance: The consultant’s period of performance begins on December 1, 2023, for a total LOE of up to 90 working days.

What you’ll bring

• Master’s Degree (minimum) in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Public Financial Management, or another relevant field.
• Extensive years of relevant professional experience in managing progressively complex public financial management programs, preferably in the health sector, and preferably in improving government budget processes.
• Experience working with USAID, or other bilateral or multilateral  programs is preferred (but not required).
• Recognized expertise in domestic resource mobilization and public financial management, preferably in the health sector and in Liberia or other Low- and Middle-Income countries in Africa.
• Proven track record of working effectively with government counterparts at various levels in Liberia.