Technical Assistance for Support to Bangsamoro Transition

Technical Assistance for Support to Bangsamoro Transition (SUBATRA)

Consultant for formulation and preparation of the QA Improvement Program for the OCM IAO

Position: Non Key Expert

The Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH), with support from the European Union (EU), is implementing the “Support to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority” (SUBATRA). As specified in the terms of reference of this programme, the capacity of the BTA’s executive branch superstructure to impulse and coordinate key transitional policies and deliver basic services during the transition is among the most critical platforms of governance for the consolidation of peace in Mindanao.

The Internal Audit Office (IAO) of the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM) serves as a cornerstone in promoting moral governance, transparency, and accountability within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Recognizing the importance of aligning internal audit functions with national policies and global standards, the IAO seeks to institutionalize a Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) that adheres to the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing (IPPF) and relevant issuances from the Commission on Audit (COA) and Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

1. Consultancy Objectives
To enhance the Internal Audit Office’s capacity to provide independent, reasonable assurance and advisory services that foster the efficient and effective management of public resources in BARMM, in alignment with moral governance principles, COA and DBM issuances, and international standards. By establishing a robust QAIP, the IAO aims to:

• Ensure compliance with national and international standards, including COA-prescribed internal audit standards and IPPF.
• Strengthen the IAO’s role in advancing organizational accountability, risk management, and control processes.
• Institutionalize a culture of continuous learning and process improvement within the internal audit function.
• Provide assurance to stakeholders on the reliability and value of internal audit outputs in supporting the BTA’s governance objectives.

2. Expected Results
Following the completion of the QAIP, the following are the expected results:

• Alignment with Standards: The Internal Audit Office (IAO) achieves full compliance with the IPPF, COA Circular No. , and DBM guidelines.
• Institutionalization of QAIP: A sustainable Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) is established.
• Capacity Enhancement: Internal audit personnel are equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement and sustain the QAIP.
• Strengthened Governance Role: The IAO contributes significantly to the moral governance agenda of BARMM.
• Continuous Improvement Roadmap: A clear, actionable roadmap for ongoing quality assurance and process refinement is developed.

3. Scope of Work
The consultancy work required will cover the following key elements:

• Policy and Framework Review: Examine relevant COA and DBM guidelines, as well as the IPPF standards.
• Diagnostic Assessment: Analyze the IAO’s current quality assurance practices, tools, and methodologies.
• QAIP Framework Development: Design a QAIP tailored to the IAO’s operational realities.
• Capacity-Building: Conduct workshops or training sessions for IAO personnel.
• Stakeholder Validation: Present the QAIP draft to key stakeholders for review and feedback.
• Roadmap Development: Propose a phased implementation plan for the QAIP.

Requirements

General qualification and skills:

• Advanced degree, preferably in accounting, public administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated flexibility and adaptability in consultancy for development projects.
• Fluency in spoken and written English, including excellent communication skills.
• Fluency/Knowledge of at least one local language is desirable.

General professional experience:

• At least 10 years of experience with the BARMM government and/or national government in financial management, internal control, and internal audit.
• Experience working with development partners and multilateral agencies is desirable.
• Relevant experience in formulating financial management and internal audit standards.
• Experience in conducting needs assessments and developing internal control and audit guidelines.

Specific professional experience:

• Experience working with the BARMM/ARMM government in financial management and internal audit guidelines.
• Experience working with the OCM IAO is desirable.
• Understanding of development issues in Bangsamoro is an asset.
• Experience in working with EU projects is an asset.

Additional information

Duration: 10 workdays
Type: hybrid (remote + BARMM)
Expected start date: 15 Jan 2025

To apply please contact Francesca Ferrari by filling in the form below.

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