ETHIOPIA: POST-ACCREDITATION UPGRADE FIDUCIARY CONSULTANT

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

The engagement of the GGGI in Ethiopia started in 2010 by supporting the Government of Ethiopia in developing its CRGE Strategy and advising on the implementation and integration of its concepts and objectives into the Country’s Development Plans. GGGI has supported the implementation of the CRGE Strategy through deployment of Senior Advisors funded by GGGI at key CRGE sector ministries (MoF, MoP, MoA, EDRI, MoWE). GGGI has significantly contributed to the establishment and operationalization of the CRGE Facility and the successful mobilization of climate finance from GCF and AF. GGGI closely works with Ethiopian Institutions in the development of the Updated NDC, LT-LEDS, National Adaptation Programme (NAP), National MRV Framework, and development of sector specific Climate Resilient Strategy documentaries. Furthermore, it has led the technical team, which oversaw the CRGE Implementation progress review work for the period 2011-2019^[1].

The ongoing GGGI Ethiopia Country Planning Framework (2023-2027) is well aligned to the GoE climate change strategies and has strong relevance to the FCDO’s priorities. Some of the key targets of the Government of Ethiopia (GoE’s) planning framework include:

• Assist the government to mobilize USD >150 million for climate change actions.
• Assist MOF’s accreditation upgrading to GCF from 50 to 250 million category.
• Create over 7,000 green jobs, benefit 80,000 people from improved climate adaptation.
• Restore and sustainably manage 20,000 ha of agricultural and 30,000 ha of forest landscapes.
• Mainstreaming gender equality and equity actions plans.
• Create modalities for Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) awareness for green finance access.

 

PROJECT INTRODUCTION

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a critical global initiative established to support developing countries in their efforts to respond to the challenges posed by climate change. The GCF provides financial resources to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change, promoting sustainable development and resilience. The fund provides financial support through various mechanisms, including grants, concessional loans, guarantees, and equity investments, to projects that mitigate or adapt to climate change. Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia has been actively engaged with the GCF to access these vital resources. A recent decision by the GCF to upgrade the accreditation status of the Ministry of Finance marks a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s climate finance journey. To access GCF funding, entities must go through an accreditation process that assesses their ability to manage GCF resources responsibly and effectively. The accreditation process evaluates the applicant’s fiduciary standards, environmental and social safeguards, and gender policies. Entities can be accredited for different fiduciary functions (such as project management and grant award) and sizes of projects (micro, small, medium, and large).

The Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia was accredited in 2017 as a national Direct Access Entity (DAE) for small size project of up to USD 50 million or activities within a program, which constrained its ability to access larger-scale funding for comprehensive climate initiatives. Recognizing the growing need for substantial climate finance to support Ethiopia's ambitious climate goals, the Ministry of Finance applied for an upgrade in its GCF accreditation. This upgrade aimed to enhance the Ministry’s capacity to manage larger and more complex projects, thereby facilitating increased financial flows from the GCF to Ethiopia. After a rigorous review process, the GCF Board approved the Ministry of Finance’s application for accreditation upgrade. This decision is a testament to the Ministry’s demonstrated ability to meet the high fiduciary, environmental, social, and gender standards required by the GCF. The upgraded accreditation status allows the Ministry of Finance to access larger funding envelopes of up to USD 250 million per project or activities within a program. After securing an upgraded accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Ministry of Finance of Ethiopia must undertake several key tasks to ensure effective management and implementation of GCF-funded projects. The post accreditation tasks span fiduciary responsibilities, program management, gender considerations, and environmental and social safeguards. To ensure effective management and implementation of these projects, the Ministry seeks to hire an individual consultant to support post-accreditation tasks related to fiduciary responsibilities and program management. In relation to this GGGI through the FCDO supported “Enhancing Climate Finance Access for Ethiopia” project would like to hire an individual consultant who will provide support to and closely collaborate with the CRGE Facility of the Ministry of Finance to enhance the fiduciary capabilities of BOFEDs and Executing Entities to manage GCF funding responsibly and effectively.

 

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The primary objective of this consultancy is to provide expert support to the Ministry of Finance in enhancing its fiduciary management systems and program management capacities to meet GCF standards and requirements.

(1) Scope of the assignment

• Fidcuciary capacity assessment of the Federal Executing Entities as well as Regional Bureau of Finances
• Prepare training modules for key fiduciary standards on:
  •  Internal control systems to systems to safeguard funds, assets, and resources;
  • Accounting, budgeting, and financial reporting systems;
  • Internal and external audits; Policies for financial disclosure, conflicts of interest, and ethical behavior;
  • Mechanisms to prevent, detect, and address fraud and corruption;
  • Transparent and competitive procurement processes must be adhered to, ensuring value for money;
  • Systems for identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial risks
  • Capacity building:
    • provide TOT on GCF fiduciary related policies and procedures for finance and procurement officers at federal and regional levels

The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks:

 

(2) Fiduciary Responsibilities:

1. Financial Management and Accountability:

• Fiduciary capacity assessment of the Federal Executing Entities as well as Regional Bureau of Finances
• Develop and implement robust financial management systems for GCF projects.
• Ensure the implementing entities understand compliance requirements of the GCF financial policies and guidelines.
• Support implementing entities in their effort to Prepare accurate and timely financial reports for submission to the GCF within the project timeline of the consultancy assignment.
• Support implementing entities in preparing for and Conduct/management of regular financial audits and reviews to ensure accountability.

 

2. Procurement:

• Propose required changes to the existing procurement guidelines, if any, so that the system is compliant with the GCF standards
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with GCF standards.
• Review sample procurement documents to highlight gaps with the GCF standards and recommend changes needed for better compliance with the standards

 

3. Risk Management:

• Conduct risk assessments for GCF projects.
• Develop risk mitigation strategies and plans on the basis of GCF standards.
• Establish a risk management framework and oversee its implementation.

 

(3) Capacity Building

1.  Conduct training programs on fiduciary management.
2.  Provide ongoing technical support to Ministry staff and stakeholders.
3.  Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices within the project teams.

 

DELIVERABLES

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

1. Inception Report: Detailed work plan and methodology within two weeks of contract commencement.
2. Capacity gap and need assessment report: The consultant should conduct comprehensive fiduciary capacity assessment as per the GCF fiduciary standards tailored to those to which MOF is accredited to;
3. Training Modules tailored to the GCF requirements and identified capacity gaps
4. Training of Trainers
5. A fiduciary guideline including risk management framework tailored to the GCF requirements
6. Training Reports: Reports on training programs conducted, including participant feedback and outcomes.

[Duration of the Assignment]

The assignment shall be conducted for 130 days starting from the date of contract award until April 30/ 2025. Unless and otherwise agreed by the two parties, extension of contract is not expected. Extension might be allowed if the consultant presents compelling reasons to do so.

 

Deliverable/Output	Duration (Man Day)
Inception report including methodology	10
Capacity need assessment report	35
Tailored Training module	30
Fiduciary and compliance guideline	30
TOT	15
Report	10

 

[Reporting]

The contract will report the Climate Finance Lead in GGGI Ethiopia Office and directly work with the Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) facility team members in the Ministry of Finance.

• The consultant will be given access to relevant information necessary for execution of the tasks under this assignment,
• The CRGE Facility in MOF will be responsible for providing working station for the consultant.
• The GGGI will organize transportation and DSA when the consultant travels to the selected regions.

 

[Payment Milestones]

The consultant shall be paid the lump sum contract amount upon certification of the completed tasks satisfactorily, as per the following payment schedule:

 

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

The Individual consultant is expected to meet the following minimum requirements:

• Master’s degree or above in Accounting and Finance, Business Administration or related fields with extensive experience in financial and procurement management and related fields;
• A minimum of 8 years (preferably 10 years) of professional experience in , financial analysis,  financial management/audit;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to efficiently manage a large number of activities simultaneously;
• A good knowledge of Ethiopia’s Financial and Accounting System;
• Familiarity with the CRGE Strategy, the Growth and Transformation Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals;
• Familiarly with the GCF, Adaptation Fund and other climate finance institutions Accreditation procedures;
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written in English;
• Proven capability to meet deadlines and work under pressure;
• Prior knowledge and working experience with the GCF on accreditation and program development is relevant.

 

OTHER INFORMATION

1. Logistical Support

The GGGI shall provide transportation and pay DSA for the consultant during authorized travels to the regional states for data gathering.

 

2. Confidentiality and Proprietary Interests

The consultant shall not either during the term or after termination of the assignment, disclose any proprietary or confidential information related to the consultancy or the Government without prior written consent. Proprietary interests on all materials and documents prepared by the consultants under the assignment shall become and remain properties of the MOF. This assignment will be administrated by GGGI, and all relevant GGGI rules, policies and procedures will apply.

 

3. Evaluation Criteria

Upon the advertisement of the Procurement Notice, qualified Individual consultant is expected to submit both the Technical and Financial Proposals. Accordingly, the consultant will be evaluated based on Cumulative Analysis as per the following conditions:

• Responsive/compliant/acceptable as per the Instruction to Bidders (ITB) of the Standard Bid Document (SBD), and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation. In this regard, the respective weight of the proposals are:

1. Technical Criteria weight is 70%
2. Financial Criteria weight is 30%

 

 

Child protection – GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI’s Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child.