Recruitment of a Short-Term International Consultant to Support the Implementation of IPSAS Accounting Reforms Throughout the FGS and FMS

EQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (REOI)

COUNTRY: Federal Republic of Somalia (FRS)

PROJECT ID: P177298

Grant No.: IDA-E1360

Project Name: Somalia Enhancing Public Resource Management (SERP)

Project Number: SERP-P177298

Post Title: International Consultant to Support the Implementation of IPSAS Accounting Reforms Throughout the FGS and FMS.

Reference No.: SO-MOF-489359-CS-INDV

Duty Station: Mogadishu with travel to Federal Member States

Background:

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMSs) have been actively engaged in strengthening and transforming various components of their Public Financial Management (PFM) systems. As part of these ongoing reforms, the transition to an accrual-based accounting framework—aligned with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)—has been identified as a critical step toward improving compliance with PFM rules and procedures, and ensuring the effective and transparent use of public resources.

In recent years, both the FGS and FMSs have made notable progress in enhancing the preparation and quality of their annual financial statements, moving closer to full compliance with the Cash Basis IPSAS framework. While this progress provides a strong foundation, further efforts are required to fully meet IPSAS requirements.

To advance this agenda, the Office of the Accountant General, under the Somalia Enhancing Public Resource Management Project (SERP), is seeking to recruit an international consultant. The consultant will provide technical assistance to support both the FGS and FMSs in two primary areas: (i) developing actionable roadmaps for enhancing disclosures to fully comply with IPSAS Cash Basis; and (ii) preparing for a phased transition to accrual-based IPSAS.

Selection Criteria: Selection shall be based on the qualification and experience of the candidate and followed by an interview. The qualifications, experience and skills should include:

• At least Master’s degree in Accounting; Finance; public finance, business administration or economics from a recognized university;

• At least 10 years’ experience in the area of public financial management;

• Being a qualified professional accountant;

• Membership to a professional accountancy body, which is a full member of the International Federation of Accountants [IFAC];

• Strong track record of accomplishment of similar assignments in supporting accounting reforms in Government demonstrated by at least 3 similar assignments in the last 7 years;

• Sound knowledge of relevant ICT applications for PFM is required;

• Should be fluent in spoken and written English;

• Experience working in Somalia will be of utmost advantage.

Duration

The deliverables under this assignment are expected to be achieved over a period not exceeding nine (9) calendar months. This includes all key activities such as assessments, roadmap development, capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and submission of final reports, in close coordination with the FGS and FMSs.

Reporting Obligations

The consultant shall report to the Accountant General. Contractual arrangements will be facilitated through the FGS Accountant General’s Office and the SERP Project which will also provide office space and relevant office facilities accordingly

The Ministry of Finance now invites eligible Individual Consultants to indicate their interest in providing the above-mentioned services. Interested consultants must provide the following: (i) Curriculum Vitae (CV) with 3 references; (ii) copies of certificates of academic qualifications; and (iii) cover letter indicating that they are qualified to perform the services.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS; The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to section III, para 3.14,3.16 & 3.17 of the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers: Procurement in Investment Projects Financing Goods, Works, Non -Consulting and Consulting Services, July 2016, revised November 2017, August 2018, November 2020 and September 2023 (“Procurement Regulations”), setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Individual Consultant method set out in the World Bank Procurement Regulations.

The detailed Terms of Reference is attached in Annex A.

Deadline: Expressions of interest and CV must be delivered to these emails: [email protected] on or before 16:00 hours May 31 , 2025, with email subject marked clearly as “ International Consultant to Support the Implementation of IPSAS Accounting Reforms Throughout the FGS and FMS".-REF: SO-MOF-489359-CS-INDV.

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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ANNEX A

TERMS OF REFERENCE

International Consultant to Support the Implementation of IPSAS Accounting Reforms Throughout THE FGS and FMS.

• Background

The Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and the Federal Member States (FMSs) have been actively engaged in strengthening and transforming various components of their Public Financial Management (PFM) systems. As part of these ongoing reforms, the transition to an accrual-based accounting framework—aligned with International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS)—has been identified as a critical step toward improving compliance with PFM rules and procedures, and ensuring the effective and transparent use of public resources.

In recent years, both the FGS and FMSs have made notable progress in enhancing the preparation and quality of their annual financial statements, moving closer to full compliance with the Cash Basis IPSAS framework. While this progress provides a strong foundation, further efforts are required to fully meet IPSAS requirements.

The next phase of the reform agenda focuses on improving financial reporting by enhancing disclosures to achieve full compliance with the IPSAS Cash Basis, while also laying the groundwork for a gradual transition to accrual-based IPSAS. Strengthening these disclosures is key to increasing transparency, improving accountability, and supporting more informed fiscal decision-making across all levels of government. To achieve this goal, there is a recognized need to strengthen institutional and human resource capacities—particularly in technical accounting and financial reporting.

To advance this agenda, the Office of the Accountant General, under the Somalia Enhancing Public Resource Management Project (SERP), is seeking to recruit an international consultant. The consultant will provide technical assistance to support both the FGS and FMSs in two primary areas: (i) developing actionable roadmaps for enhancing disclosures to fully comply with IPSAS Cash Basis; and (ii) preparing for a phased transition to accrual-based IPSAS.

In accordance with Article 97 of the Public Financial Management Regulations (PFMR) 2022, the Acountant General is mandated to prescribe accounting standards for financial statements and to issue related guidance in line with applicable standards. The recruitment of an international consultant to support improved disclosures and to develop a strategic transition roadmap is therefore aligned with this mandate and is essential to ensure the legitimacy, credibility, and sustainability of Somalia’s ongoing PFM reforms.

• Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of this assignment is to initiate the recruitment process for a qualified international consultant who will be responsible for providing specialized technical assistance to the FGS and the FMS in the ongoing implementation of public sector accounting reforms. Specifically, the consultant will support enhancing compliance with IPSAS through the improvement of financial disclosures under the Cash Basis IPSAS and in developing a practical roadmap for transitioning to accrual-based IPSAS.

Specifically, the consultant will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current accounting practices and disclosure requirements, and develop phased implementation strategies that are contextually appropriate for Somalia. The consultant will also support capacity building of relevant institutions, facilitate coordination among key stakeholders, and ensure that all reform efforts are aligned with international standards while responding to national priorities. This transition is a critical step in improving transparency, accountability, and the quality of financial reporting across all levels of government.

• Tasks /Responsibilities/Job Descriptions

The individual consultant will undertake all activities identified in these ToRs and these will be sequenced in accordance with an agreed implementation roadmap/schedule/milestone. The consultant shall work with both the FGS Director of Reporting and FMS reporting teams spearheading the various accounting reforms under the overall supervision from the FGS - Accountant General.

The selected individual consultant will perform the following activities:

• Review and assess existing financial disclosure practices under the IPSAS Cash Basis framework, identifying gaps and proposing enhancements required to achieve full compliance;

• Prepare a comprehensive and context-specific roadmap covering both FGS and FMS to guide the transition from cash-based to accrual-based IPSAS. The roadmap should include clear phases, timelines, sequencing of activities, institutional responsibilities, and key enablers required for the transition;

• Provide technical support to implement activities relating to designing and implementation of IPSAS sub reforms e.g., assets reforms, inventories reforms, liabilities reform; taxation;

• Develop and implement a structured stakeholder engagement framework that ensures inclusive participation and coordination among FGS, FMSs, and other relevant entities including regular monthly coordination meetings to maintain alignment and momentum