Project
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
Project description
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, 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 platform of governance for the consolidation of peace in Mindanao.. Mandated by the 1987 Philippine Constitution and firmly embedded within prevailing laws and administrative regulations, the Internal Control and Internal Audit systems are the bedrock of accountability and operational efficiency within the Philippine bureaucracy. Guided not only by national directives but also by a convergence of global standards and best practices, as articulated by esteemed bodies like the Commission on Audit (COA), the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI), the Philippines stands as a beacon of transparency and integrity in its administrative mechanisms.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). National issucances such as COA Circular No. 2009-006 (Prescribing the Internal Audit Standards for the Philippine Public Sector) and DBM’s updated guidelines on internal audit functions emphasize the need for quality assurance mechanisms to enhance the value and credibility of internal audit activities. The development of a QAIP will ensure that the IAO operates as an effective instrument of governance by upholding these standards and promoting a culture of continuous improvement to adopt to the political peculiarities of the BARMM.
Job description
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 ResultsFollowing 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. 2009-006, and DBM guidelines, ensuring adherence to national and international standards.
- Institutionalization of QAIP: A sustainable Quality Assurance and Improvement Program (QAIP) is established, enhancing the quality, consistency, and credibility of internal audit practices.
- Capacity Enhancement: Internal audit personnel are equipped with the skills and knowledge to implement and sustain the QAIP, fostering a culture of excellence.
- Strengthened Governance Role: The IAO contributes significantly to the moral governance agenda of BARMM, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical practices.
- Continuous Improvement Roadmap: A clear, actionable roadmap for ongoing quality assurance and process refinement is developed, ensuring adaptability to evolving standards and stakeholder expectations
3 Scope of WorkThe consultancy work required will cover the following key elements and operational
- Policy and Framework Review: Examine relevant COA and DBM guidelines, as well as The International Professional Practices Framework (IPPF) standards.
- Diagnostic Assessment: Analyse the IAO’s current quality assurance practices, tools, and methodologies.
- QAIP Framework Development: Design a QAIP tailored to the IAO’s operational realities and compliant with national and international requirements.
- Capacity-Building: Conduct workshops or training sessions for IAO personnel on QAIP implementation.
- Stakeholder Validation: Present the QAIP draft to key stakeholders for review and feedback.
- Roadmap Development: Propose a phased implementation plan for the QAIP, including periodic assessment and performance benchmarks.
Requirements
General qualification and skills
- Advanced degree, preferably in accounting, public administration and development studies or related field;
- Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability and understanding in taking on consultancy for development projects.
- Fluency in spoken and written English, including excellent communication skills, report writing, and presentations.
- Fluency/Knowledge of at least one local language is desirable but not required.
General professional experience - At least 10 years of combined experience with the BARMM government and/or national government in financial management, internal control and internal audit is required
- Experience of working with development partners and multilateral agencies is desirable.
- Relevant experience in the formulation of financial management and internal audit standards.
- Demonstrated experience in conducting needs assessments, stakeholder consultations, and developing internal control and audit guidelines.
Specific professional experience - Experience working with the BARMM/ARMM government, demonstrating strong competencies in financial management, government accounting, formulation of accounting and internal audit guidelines, delivering training, mentoring, and coaching
- Experience working with the OCM IAO is desirable.
- Understanding of development issues in Bangsamoro and familiary with BARMM Government practices is an asset.
- Experience in working with EU projects is an asset.
- Strong and vast experience and familiarity of the practice of other national government agencies related to internal control, internal audit and Quality Assurance Improvement Program is desirable
Additional information
Duration: 10 workdays
Type: hybrid (remote + BARMM)
Expected start date: 15 Jan 2025
Asia
Philippines
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