Municipal Incentive Fund (MIF) Consultant (Kabul, Afghanistan)

Objectives of the Assignment:

The Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) is seeking the services of a qualified consultant for designing an institutionalized performance-based fiscal allocation from the central government to the municipalities.

Detailed Tasks:

Provide technical support to the CIP PIU in implementing component 2 of the Cities Investment Program:

In line with the Municipal Law, issued by Presidential Decree, this component will support GoIRA and 5 participating PCCs in building municipal capacity for improved own source revenue (OSR) collection and design of a system for performance-based fiscal allocations. The Component will be implemented by IDLG and would comprise technical assistance, systems development, and training aimed at: (i) developing custom-designed OSR Enhancement Strategies and Plans for 5 participating PCCs; (ii) supporting IDLG and MOF in designing an institutionalized performance-based fiscal allocation to municipalities; and (iii) designing and integrating a Municipal Finance Database. This assistance would be provided to IDLG, MOF and Five PCCs.

In particular, the consultant would be responsible for the Design of Performance-Based Fiscal Allocation to Municipalities based on international best practices adapted to the local context.

Evaluate the existing Incentive and Support (I & S) Program for rewarding performance of the target municipalities through fiscal allocations.
Appraise the role of different agencies involved, including MoF, the Provincial Mustufiat, IDLG/DMM, and respective municipalities in the administration of the I & S Program.
Help PIU in leading strategic dialogue and consultation with the stakeholders and bring consensus amongst stakeholders on the design of the municipal fund.
Assess the current mechanism of selection of municipalities and fiscal allocations to them and suggest improvements to enhance the effectiveness of the Program.
Develop a transparent, formula-based system of fiscal allocations to municipalities which provides key information to municipalities regarding the implicit incentives in the system. The formula design should provide incentives for prudent financial management and incentivize greater economic efficiency and good governance.
Build capacity of the municipalities for better understanding and informed participation in the Program to meet its objectives.
Develop the rules, regulations and SOPs for managing the municipal incentive fund.
Support the CIP-PIU director and DMM Revenue directorate as lead technical expert to move the municipal finance reforms under CIP.

About IDLG: The Independent Directorate of Local Governance (IDLG) was established in August 2007 pursuant to a decree by the President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, with the mandate of transferring civilian responsibilities of the then Ministry of Interior (MoI) to an independent entity. Furthermore, in accordance with the Presidential Decree, the responsibility of supporting the Provincial Councils was delegated to IDLG, which was then also designated as the only entity responsible in Afghanistan for local governance. IDLG was established for the purpose of strengthening good governance, provision of services, consolidating stability, accountability, and transparency at sub-national levels through strong and capable sub-national government administrations. The core mandate of the IDLG includes: • Improving local governance to ensure access to development, stability, and security; • Providing good governance at the local level; and • Supporting local administration and ensuring public participation in the decision-making process. The mandate of the IDLG has then been divided into 4 core areas: • Policymaking: developing sub-national governance policy and revision of laws, regulations, and bylaws in accordance with this policy; • Institutional development: supporting institutions, capacity building and supporting sub-national administrations; • Inclusive Governance: supporting the participation of stakeholders and citizens in the sub-national governance processes; • Supporting: facilitating the implementation of national programs through sub-national governance entities. The IDLG is headed by a General Director, of equivalent rank as a Minister. He/She is supported by Directorates of Staff, Information and Public Awareness, Monitoring and Evaluation, and Internal Audit. The IDLG is then divided into the 3 Deputy Ministries of Municipalities (DMM), Administration and Finance (DAF), and Policy (DMP). About CIP CIP, together with the ongoing KMDP and UDSP (and the anticipated EZ-Kar Project), would provide a well-integrated and sequenced program of institutional development, training, and investment financing that are vital in supporting Afghanistan’s urban development needs. The UDSP is strengthening the institutional foundation for strategic development planning at the city level and enabling the preparation of a pipeline of municipal investments at five PCCs. As a follow-on operation, the CIP would be designed in two phases using the SOP as follows: SOP I ($50m, 5 years) would provide financing for priority investments, while expanding SDF preparation to include four additional cities, and SOP II ($150m, 5 years) would provide financing for catalytic investments in nine cities. In SOP I, CIP would set-up and mobilize the mechanism for performance-based financing for critical municipal investments. SOP I would be implemented by IDLG over five years and would have four components.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Education

At least Master degree in finance, public or business administration or other social sciences relevant to this assignment.

Experience                                                         

A minimum of 10 years’ experience of working on designing/implementing intergovernmental fiscal transfer systems and municipal incentive fund.

Excellent knowledge of intergovernmental fiscal transfer systems and municipal incentive funds;

Track record of working with multi-lateral institutions and government;

Experience of working with municipalities in Afghanistan would be an added advantage;

Demonstrated analytical and writing skills;

Demonstrated ability to deliver high quality outputs while working under pressure and within tight time schedules.

The Consultant would be compensated in accordance with the National Technical Assistance (NTA- Grad B) GOA and World Bank/Donor pay scale, based on level of experience and performance. 

The Consultant would report directly to the Municipal Capacity building coordinator and CIP Project Director.

Language

Fluency in Pashto, Dari, and English is required for this assignment.

Qualified Afghan applicants are encouraged to submit their resumes with a detailed application letter including a contact number and email address. Females are highly encouraged to apply.

Please submit your applications electronically at:

aminzoy.cip@gmail.com 

Note: Please specify the vacancy number at the subject of your email. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the written test/interview.

The consultant will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 Revised November 2017 and August 2018 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.  The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to Section III, paragraphs, 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank’s “Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers” July 2016 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. 

Submission Email
aminzoy.cip@gmail.com