Open Call for Local experts – Four positions

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Title: (Local experts – four positions)

Project: Parliamentary Champions for Public Finance for Children

Duty station: Home-based, Belgrade

Background

Public finance plays a crucial role in safeguarding children’s well-being. Government budgets directly impact the quality and availability of vital public services for children, such as education, healthcare, and social protection. Effective public finance management can enhance these sectors, leading to improved developmental outcomes for children. On the other hand, a lack of transparency and accountability in managing public finances can result in the underinvestment or misallocation of resources, negatively affecting childrens lives. At the heart of Serbia’s financial oversight is its Parliament, whose role is critical in shaping the country’s economic policies. Empowering Members of Parliament (MPs) with a thorough understanding of public finance, especially regarding children’s needs, is essential for promoting their rights and welfare. However, there is a recognized gap in MPs’ expertise in public finance management, particularly in sectors impacting children’s lives. As a partner on the project Parliamentary Champions for Public Finance for Children, BFPE is organizing a transparent process to select four local experts who will support MPs in the field of public finance management on child rights protection. The trainers will be additionally trained in specific methodological requirements and then asked to deliver training to relevant MPs in public finance management with highlights on the child rights sensitized budget.

Specific Tasks

The main purpose of the training would be to ponder the knowledge of MPs and staff from the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia (NARS) on their role in the budget process with highlights on the child rights sensitized budget, to enable them to practically contribute to each phase of the budget process – budget planning, adoption, analysis, oversight and follow up of the audit reports. The selected trainers (previously trained on the subject of child rights sensitized budget by CEF) will be responsible for:

• Designing and delivering engaging and participatory training sessions on Public Finance Management on the child rights sensitized budget.
• Creating tailored training materials and resources for the target audience.
• Facilitating group discussions, activities, and practical exercises.
• Monitoring participant progress and providing support during and after sessions.
• Submitting detailed training reports with key insights, outcomes, and recommendations.

Time Frame

Application Deadline: 20^th December 2024

Training for trainers by CEF: April 2025

1^st Training Delivery for MPs: May 2025

2^nd and 3^rd Training Delivery: May – July 2025

Report Submission: The end of August 2025

Expected Deliverables:

Comprehensive training materials (slides, handouts, exercises, etc.).

Successfully delivered training sessions as outlined in the project plan.

A post-training report, including participant feedback, outcomes, and suggestions for improvement.

Expected Background, Experience and Core Competencies

Applicants should have:

• Bachelor’s degree preferably in Economics or similar field is required. A Master’s degree will be considered a strong asset.
• Proven expertise in public finance management, including knowledge of budgeting processes and fiscal policies.
• Demonstrated ability to apply public finance principles in practical, real-world contexts.
• Proven experience in delivering trainings.
• Knowledge of Parliament and local context and challenges is asset.
• Experience in developing and writing reports with key conclusions and recommendations is an asset.
• Expertise in facilitation, adult learning methodologies, and participatory approaches.
• Excellent communication skills in English.

Core Competencies:

• Treats all individuals with respect and recognition of their existing knowledge; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organizational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
• Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
• Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behaviour. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
• Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Evaluation Criteria Candidates will be assessed based on:

• Relevance of prior experience and expertise.
• Quality and originality of proposed training approaches.
• Alignment with the project’s goals and understanding of the local context.
• References and past performance in similar roles.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit the following documents to [[email protected]] by [20^th December]:

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience.
• A cover letter outlining your motivation and approach to the role.
• Examples of previous training materials or work (if applicable).
• Please use the subject line: Expression of Interest – Local Trainer.

Submission deadline

The required documents should be submitted electronically by 20^th December.