Project Title: Local Authorities Citizen Engagement (LACE)
Organization: Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET)
Introduction
The Local Accountability and Citizen Engagement (LACE) project, spearheaded by the Vendors Initiative for Social and Economic Transformation (VISET), aims to empower citizens, particularly informal traders, in tracking public expenditure and promoting transparency and accountability in the delivery of health and education services at both national and local government levels. Broadly, the LACE project is designed to strengthen the capacity of informal workers and local communities to influence public finance management processes in Zimbabwe. The broad objective is to improve service delivery and reduce corruption at the local authority level. As part of this initiative, VISET is seeking the services of a consultant to develop Community Scorecard Tool that can be used to collect data for a Public Expenditure Survey that helps the LACE project to assess and monitor the quality of health and education service delivery in its targeted districts. Community Scorecards will serve as a participatory tool that allows citizens to assess the performance of public services and track how resources allocated to key sectors are being utilized. The scorecards will provide data for informed advocacy efforts to promote accountability in the delivery of health and education services for informal sector workers and residents in local authorities.
Consultancy Objectives
The objectives of the consultancy are as follows:
- Design and develop participatory Community Scorecard tool that will be used by members of the informal sector communities to assess the delivery of health and education services, including resource allocation and expenditure, in their localities.
- Induct project key staff and the project’s Community Action Group members on how to effectively administer the Scorecard tools and use the data to compile the expenditure survey.
Expected Deliverables
The consultant is expected to deliver the following:
1. Inception Report detailing the work plan and outlining the methodology, timelines, and data collection tools for the development of Community Scorecards.
2. Community Scorecards- fully developed and context-specific scorecards that allow for participatory evaluation of public health and education services by communities in the target areas.
3. Induction Workshops- facilitate an induction session for IEPFM-CAGs, local authorities, and CSOs in targeted areas on the use of the Scorecards and Survey tools.
Timeline
The consultancy is for 5 days, including the development, testing and revising the Scorecard.
Applicant Qualifications
The consultant must meet the following qualifications:
– A Bachelor’s degree or higher in Public Policy, Development, Social Sciences, Economics, or a related field. A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
– At least 5 years of experience in conducting public expenditure tracking, governance, or social accountability initiatives.
– Proven expertise in designing and implementing participatory tools such as Community Scorecards.
– Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
– Knowledge of Zimbabwe’s public finance management processes and local governance systems is highly desirable.
Application Procedures
Interested candidates are required to submit the following:
– Cover Letter detailing your understanding of the assignment and your approach to the consultancy.
– Technical Proposal outlining the methodology, timeline, and key deliverables for developing the Community Scorecards and Public Expenditure Survey.
– Financial Proposal detailing consultancy fees.
– CV(s) of Key Personnel highlighting relevant qualifications and past experience.
Applications should be submitted via email to info@visetonline.org cc. jabulanic5@gmail.com by Thursday the 17th of October 2024 before close of business. Late submissions will not be considered.
