TA-10140 MLD: Strengthening Fiscal Management and Sustainability Program - Capacity Development Program for Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in the Maldives (55003-001)

TA-10140 MLD: Strengthening Fiscal Management and Sustainability Program - Capacity Development Program for Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in the Maldives (55003-001)

Date Published: 09-Apr-2025

Deadline of Submitting EOI: 30-Apr-2025 04:00 PM Manila local time

SELECTION PROFILE

Consultant Type: Firm

Selection Method: Simplified Consultants' Qualifications Selection (SCQS)

Selection Title: Strengthening Fiscal Management and Sustainability Program

Package Name: Capacity Development Program for Auditor General’s Office (AGO) in the Maldives

Engagement Period: 6MONTH

Consulting Services Budget: USD 334,000

Source: International

Technical Proposal: Single-Stage Proposal (SSP)

Approval Number: 10140

Approval Date: 31-Aug-2023

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country of assignment: Maldives

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Primary Expertise: government audit capacity building

TOR Keywords: fiscal policy reports, revenue audits, information system audits

Objective and Purpose of the Assignment

I. Background The Auditor General’s Office (AGO) of the Maldives is responsible for several key functions that ensure financial transparency and accountability. These include conducting audits of all government institutions, accounts, state-owned enterprises (SOEs), and government trading bodies, as well as joint venture companies where the state holds shares. Additionally, the AGO plays a vital role in promoting public accountability, good governance, and sound financial management across government institutions, SOEs, and state-affiliated entities. It also holds regulatory authority to establish rules, regulations, and standards governing audits within the Maldives. Furthermore, the AGO is tasked with executing any other functions assigned by the laws of the Maldives related to the Auditor General’s mandate.

In order to carry out its mandate effectively, (AGO) in the Maldives aims to enhance its capacity to assess fiscal policy reports, revenue audits, and Whole of Government Account (WGA) audits, ensuring compliance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) and the Public Finance Act (PFA). This program will develop frameworks, build staff capabilities, and improve methodologies for audits related to fiscal policy, debt sustainability, and government accounts, supporting fiscal transparency and accountability. Additionally, AGO aims for its information system audits conducted to align with international best practices, to enhance competency in managing IS risks, and ensure that they are supported by comprehensive IS audit guidelines.II. Scope of Work The project entails developing a comprehensive framework to enhance the audit of fiscal policy reports in line with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) and international standards. This frame- work will address key areas such as capacity building, macroeconomic analysis, legislative improvements, and audit quality.First, the framework will focus on auditing fiscal policy reports by aligning them with FRA requirements and global best practices. Second, targeted training and technical assistance will be provided to audit teams to strengthen their capabilities in fiscal audits, macroeconomic assessments, and revenue audits, ensuring they can effectively implement audits in real-world scenarios.Additionally, the project will equip audit teams with advanced tools to assess fiscal sustainability, public finance management, and macroeconomic assumptions, as well as support budget reviews and credibility assessments. Legislative and procedural enhancements will also be introduced, focusing on improvements to the Audit Act and related legislation, and enhancing procedures for Whole Government Accounts (WGA) to improve governance and financial ac-countability. The project further aims to provide technical support during pilot IS audit projects where guidance, supervision, and feedback will be provided to audit teams both on-site and remotely throughout the pilot audit process.Finally, the project aims to ensure high-quality and timely audits by improving audit methodologies and review procedures, while offering actionable recommendations for better financial management.III. Objectives The Auditor General's Office (AGO) is currently limited by capacity constraints in its ability to conduct comprehensive audits of fiscal policy reports in accordance with the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA). The primary objective is to enhance the AGO’s capacity to effectively audit fiscal policy reports, government revenues, and Whole of Government Accounts (WGA). This will involve improving the technical and analytical skills of the AGO in key areas, including fiscal policy evaluation, macroeconomic analysis, revenue audits, and overall audit practice. With this technical assistance program, the following objectives are aimed:1. Audit Framework Development: Create a robust audit framework for fiscal policy reports, aligning with international standards and incorporating best practices.2. Capacity Building and Skill Enhancement: Strengthen the analytical, technical, and staffing capacity of audit teams to assess the government's fiscal strategy, budget credibility, and public finance management. Equip them with advanced methodologies to evaluate macroeconomic assumptions and fiscal risks.3. Audit Methodology Improvement: Enhance the quality of audits by improving methodologies for reviewing accounting policies and assessing government expenditure, revenue and effectiveness of revenue ad-ministrations. Ensure high-quality audits of Whole Government Accounts (WGA) with actionable recommendations.4. Legislative and Procedural Strengthening: Improve audit-related legislation, particularly the Audit Act, and enhance procedures for auditing Whole Government Accounts, ensuring adherence to effective financial governance.5. Capacity Building in Information System (IS) Auditing: Conduct IS audits aligned with international best practices, supported by enhanced competencies and robust guidelines.6. Effective Risk Management: Assist in managing IS risks effectively through high-quality audits.7. Timeliness and Effectiveness of Audits: Ensure the timely delivery of comprehensive audits, contributing to better financial ac-countability and governance, with a focus on practical improvements in public financial management.