Budget Advisor

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Finance & Administration P.O Box PS158 Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) COUNTRY: FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA NAME OF PROJECT: Project For Strengthening Public Financial Management (P181237) GRANT NO.: IDA-E4120 ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Technical Advisor – Budget Division REFERENCE NO.: FM-DOFA-524383-CS-INDV The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), with support from the World Bank, is implementing the Strengthening Public Financial Management II (PFM II) Project (P181237) and intends to apply part of the project proceeds toward the engagement of an Individual Consultant to support the National Government’s Budget Division. The consulting services (“the Services”) involve providing specialized technical assistance to strengthen FSM’s budget formulation, budget execution monitoring, forecasting, reporting, and the integration of budget processes into the new FMIS. The Advisor will support multi-year budget reforms, improvements to budget classification and documentation, strengthening of internal procedures, and development of sustainable capacity within the Budget Division. The Consultant will also contribute to the review of budget-related legislation and regulations, enhance medium-term budgeting approaches, improve forecasting methodologies, and support the phased introduction of program budgeting in accordance with the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and Financing Agreement. In addition, the Advisor will work closely with the FMIS team to align the Chart of Accounts and budget structures with system configuration and reporting requirements. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this assignment can be found on the Department of Finance and Administration website at https://dofa.gov.fm, attached to this REOI, or may be obtained at the address below. The Department of Finance and Administration now invite eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants must submit:

• A Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience, including:
• experience in government budgeting;
• fiscal policy or PFM reform;
• budget formulation, execution monitoring, and reporting;
• forecasting and medium-term budgeting;
• development of budget guidelines, SOPs, or legislative/policy reviews;
• experience with FMIS budget modules (advantageous).
• Names and contact information for two professional references.

The criteria for selecting the Consultant are: Minimum Requirements

• Master’s degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of demonstrated experience in government budgeting, fiscal analysis, or public financial management.
• Proven experience in budget process reform, multi-year budgeting, or improving budget classification and documentation.
• Experience developing budgeting SOPs, guidelines, reporting tools, or capacity-building programs.
• Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with FMIS (particularly budget modules) and Chart of Accounts alignment.
• Experience in Pacific Island or small-state contexts.
• Strong understanding of international standards such as GFS/COFOG and PEFA indicators.
• Experience supporting program budgeting reforms or medium-term expenditure frameworks.
• Experience working on World Bank or other development partner–funded projects.

The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Fifth Edition, September 2023), which outline the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that would conflict with their prior or current obligations to other clients, or may place them in a position of being unable to carry out the assignment in the best interests of the Borrower. Further information may be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 17:00. Expressions of Interest must be submitted by email only to the following addresses: Peni Tikoisireli – peni.tikoisireli@dofa.gov.fm Arrio Abello – arrio.abello@dofa.gov.fm Submissions must be received no later than 5:00 PM (PNI time), December 19, 2025. Title: Technical Advisor – Budget Division (Individual Consultant) Location: Palikir, National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia - Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) Duration: Initial contract duration of 2 years (full time) with the potential to extend based on available finance and satisfactory performance Tentative Start Date: As soon as possible BACKGROUND The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), through the Department of Finance & Administration (DoFA), is implementing the Strengthening Public Financial Management II (PFM II) Project with financing support from the World Bank (IDA Grant). The objective of PFM II is to improve fiscal management practices and increase fiscal transparency at the National Government level. Under Component 1 – Improved Fiscal Management Practices and Controls, the Project provides technical assistance to strengthen budgeting, financial reporting, internal procedures, and fiscal oversight. This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the responsibilities and deliverables of a Technical Advisor to support the Budget Division in implementing multi-year budget reforms envisioned in the PAD and Financing Agreement. This engagement is financed under PFM II and procured as an Individual Consultant (INDV) assignment through Direct Selection if need be or on Open International competition, subject to Prior Review by the World Bank. The assignment is strictly technical assistance and capacity-building in nature and does not involve performing DOFA’s routine operational budgeting functions. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this assignment is to support DoFA to strengthen budget formulation, execution monitoring, reporting, forecasting, and integration with the FMIS; strengthen budget quality through improvements in budget classification and documentation; support the review of budget legislation, policies and procedures; and build sustainable capacity within the Budget Division to independently manage and improve FSM’s national budget process. SCOPE OF WORK

• Strengthen Budget Formulation Processes
• Review current budget preparation procedures, guidelines, ceilings, and timelines.
• Recommend improvements aligned with international good practices.
• Update annual budget guidelines and instructions to departments.
• Improve the integration of national priorities, donor financing, and multi‑year budget considerations.
• Ensure that budget formulation, execution, and reporting is based on administrative, economic, and functional/sub functional classification, using GFS/COFOG standards (as measured against PEFA indicator PI-4).
• Improve the comprehensiveness of information provided in the annual budget documentation (as measured against PEFA indicator PI-5).
• Support other improvements in budget documentation and transparency.
• Improve Budget Execution Monitoring & Reporting
• Review expenditure tracking, monitoring, and variance analysis processes.
• Develop enhanced monthly and quarterly reporting templates.
• Strengthen procedures for allotments, releases, virements, and execution controls.
• Improve timeliness and accuracy of expenditure and commitment reporting.
• Strengthen Medium‑Term Budgeting & Forecasting
• Review and improve revenue and expenditure forecasting methodologies.
• Support development of a simplified, sustainable medium‑term budgeting framework.
• Strengthen alignment between fiscal forecasts, budget ceilings, and annual appropriations.
• Strengthen Legislative and Policy Framework for Budgeting
• Conduct a review of the Budget Procedures Act 1981 and National Government Financial Management Regulations and provide recommendations for revisions to strengthen planning and budgeting.
• The review should include a consideration of how to address challenges in forecasting highly variable domestic revenues and “carry over” budgets (considering the current high number of budget amendments that are made)
• Support the Introduction of Program Budgeting
• Prepare concept paper for the introduction of program budgeting in National Government that will strengthen linkages with policy priorities.
• Work with the FMIS/Treasury adviser to ensure that the chart of accounts can accommodate programmatic budgeting in budget formulation, execution, and reporting.
• Support a phased introduction of program budgeting through a pilot in three or four key service delivery ministries.
• Support Integration with FMIS (Component 2)
• Align budget structures and the Chart of Accounts with FMIS requirements.
• Provide technical input to configuration of FMIS budget modules.
• Assist in developing budget upload templates, control mechanisms, and automated reporting.
• Strengthen Internal Procedures & Compliance
• Map and update SOPs for the full budget cycle.
• Ensure SOPs align with the PFM Act, Financial Regulations, and Component 1 reforms.
• Strengthen internal controls, transparency, record‑keeping, and audit readiness.
• Capacity Building
• Deliver structured and on‑the‑job training throughout the budget cycle.
• Develop manuals, templates, and job aids to support sustainability.
• Mentor Budget Division staff in analysis, preparation, and reporting functions.

DELIVERABLES

• Inception Report and diagnostic assessment.
• Updated budgeting guidelines, procedures, SOPs, and templates.
• Review of the Budget Procedures Act 1981 and National Government Financial Management Regulations.
• Concept note on the introduction of Program Budgeting.
• Report on implementation of program-based budgeting that should involve development of guidelines and its piloting in 3-4 service delivery ministries.
• Improved reporting tools for monitoring and variance analysis.
• Capacity‑building materials and documented trainings.
• Periodic progress reports (monthly or quarterly).
• Final report with sustainability plan and recommendations.

DURATION & CONTRACT TYPE The Advisor will be engaged for an initial period of twenty‑four (24) months under a time‑based Individual Consultant (INDV) contract. The contract may be renewed annually thereafter for the remaining project period (up to March 29, 2030), subject to:

• satisfactory performance,
• continued technical assistance needs, and
• availability of funds under Component 1.1.

This duration reflects the multi‑year nature of budgeting, forecasting, FMIS integration, and SOP reform activities as defined in the PAD and Financing Agreement. REPORTING & SUPERVISION The Consultant will report to the Assistant Secretary for Budget & Economic Management. Coordination will be maintained with the PFM Project Management, Treasury Working Group (TWG), and relevant DOFA divisions. QUALIFICATIONS

• Master’s degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in government budgeting, fiscal policy, or PFM systems.
• Demonstrated experience in budget process reform and capacity‑building.
• Experience with FMIS budget modules is an asset.
• Experience in Pacific or small‑state contexts is desirable.

FACILITIES DoFA will provide office space, access to relevant information and systems, and counterpart staff to support the assignment. Agency: Department of Finance and Administration Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 210000.0 USD

Government of the Federated States of Micronesia Department of Finance & Administration P.O Box PS158 Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941 REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST (INDIVIDUAL CONSULTING SERVICES) COUNTRY: FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA NAME OF PROJECT: Project For Strengthening Public Financial Management (P181237) GRANT NO.: IDA-E4120 ASSIGNMENT TITLE: Technical Advisor – Budget Division REFERENCE NO .: FM-DOFA-524383-CS-INDV The Government of the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), with support from the World Bank, is implementing the Strengthening Public Financial Management II (PFM II) Project (P181237) and intends to apply part of the project proceeds toward the engagement of an Individual Consultant to support the National Government’s Budget Division. The consulting services (“the Services”) involve providing specialized technical assistance to strengthen FSM’s budget formulation, budget execution monitoring, forecasting, reporting, and the integration of budget processes into the new FMIS . The Advisor will support multi-year budget reforms, improvements to budget classification and documentation, strengthening of internal procedures, and development of sustainable capacity within the Budget Division. The Consultant will also contribute to the review of budget-related legislation and regulations, enhance medium-term budgeting approaches, improve forecasting methodologies, and support the phased introduction of program budgeting in accordance with the Project Appraisal Document (PAD) and Financing Agreement. In addition, the Advisor will work closely with the FMIS team to align the Chart of Accounts and budget structures with system configuration and reporting requirements. The detailed Terms of Reference (TOR) for this assignment can be found on the Department of Finance and Administration website at https://dofa.gov.fm , attached to this REOI, or may be obtained at the address below. The Department of Finance and Administration now invite eligible individual consultants (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants must submit: A Curriculum Vitae (CV) and cover letter demonstrating relevant qualifications and experience, including: experience in government budgeting; fiscal policy or PFM reform; budget formulation, execution monitoring, and reporting; forecasting and medium-term budgeting; development of budget guidelines, SOPs, or legislative/policy reviews; experience with FMIS budget modules (advantageous). Names and contact information for two professional references. The criteria for selecting the Consultant are: Minimum Requirements Master’s degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, or a related field. Minimum 10 years of demonstrated experience in government budgeting, fiscal analysis, or public financial management. Proven experience in budget process reform, multi-year budgeting, or improving budget classification and documentation. Experience developing budgeting SOPs, guidelines, reporting tools, or capacity-building programs. Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills. Desired Qualifications Experience with FMIS (particularly budget modules) and Chart of Accounts alignment. Experience in Pacific Island or small-state contexts. Strong understanding of international standards such as GFS/COFOG and PEFA indicators. Experience supporting program budgeting reforms or medium-term expenditure frameworks. Experience working on World Bank or other development partner–funded projects. The attention of interested consultants is drawn to paragraphs 3.14, 3.16, and 3.17 of the World Bank Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (Fifth Edition, September 2023) , which outline the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest. Consultants shall not be hired for any assignment that would conflict with their prior or current obligations to other clients, or may place them in a position of being unable to carry out the assignment in the best interests of the Borrower. Further information may be obtained at the address below during office hours from 08:00 to 17:00 . Expressions of Interest must be submitted by email only to the following addresses: Peni Tikoisireli – peni.tikoisireli@dofa.gov.fm Arrio Abello – arrio.abello@dofa.gov.fm Submissions must be received no later than 5:00 PM (PNI time), December 19, 2025 . Title: Technical Advisor – Budget Division (Individual Consultant) Location: Palikir, National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia - Department of Finance and Administration (DoFA) Duration: Initial contract duration of 2 years (full time) with the potential to extend based on available finance and satisfactory performance Tentative Start Date: As soon as possible BACKGROUND The Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), through the Department of Finance & Administration (DoFA), is implementing the Strengthening Public Financial Management II (PFM II) Project with financing support from the World Bank (IDA Grant). The objective of PFM II is to improve fiscal management practices and increase fiscal transparency at the National Government level. Under Component 1 – Improved Fiscal Management Practices and Controls, the Project provides technical assistance to strengthen budgeting, financial reporting, internal procedures, and fiscal oversight. This Terms of Reference (TOR) outlines the responsibilities and deliverables of a Technical Advisor to support the Budget Division in implementing multi-year budget reforms envisioned in the PAD and Financing Agreement. This engagement is financed under PFM II and procured as an Individual Consultant (INDV) assignment through Direct Selection if need be or on Open International competition, subject to Prior Review by the World Bank. The assignment is strictly technical assistance and capacity-building in nature and does not involve performing DOFA’s routine operational budgeting functions. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The objective of this assignment is to support DoFA to strengthen budget formulation, execution monitoring, reporting, forecasting, and integration with the FMIS; strengthen budget quality through improvements in budget classification and documentation; support the review of budget legislation, policies and procedures; and build sustainable capacity within the Budget Division to independently manage and improve FSM’s national budget process. SCOPE OF WORK Strengthen Budget Formulation Processes Review current budget preparation procedures, guidelines, ceilings, and timelines. Recommend improvements aligned with international good practices. Update annual budget guidelines and instructions to departments. Improve the integration of national priorities, donor financing, and multi‑year budget considerations. Ensure that budget formulation, execution, and reporting is based on administrative, economic, and functional/sub functional classification, using GFS/COFOG standards (as measured against PEFA indicator PI-4). Improve the comprehensiveness of information provided in the annual budget documentation (as measured against PEFA indicator PI-5). Support other improvements in budget documentation and transparency. Improve Budget Execution Monitoring & Reporting Review expenditure tracking, monitoring, and variance analysis processes. Develop enhanced monthly and quarterly reporting templates. Strengthen procedures for allotments, releases, virements, and execution controls. Improve timeliness and accuracy of expenditure and commitment reporting. Strengthen Medium‑Term Budgeting & Forecasting Review and improve revenue and expenditure forecasting methodologies. Support development of a simplified, sustainable medium‑term budgeting framework. Strengthen alignment between fiscal forecasts, budget ceilings, and annual appropriations. Strengthen Legislative and Policy Framework for Budgeting Conduct a review of the Budget Procedures Act 1981 and National Government Financial Management Regulations and provide recommendations for revisions to strengthen planning and budgeting. The review should include a consideration of how to address challenges in forecasting highly variable domestic revenues and “carry over” budgets (considering the current high number of budget amendments that are made) Support the Introduction of Program Budgeting Prepare concept paper for the introduction of program budgeting in National Government that will strengthen linkages with policy priorities. Work with the FMIS/Treasury adviser to ensure that the chart of accounts can accommodate programmatic budgeting in budget formulation, execution, and reporting. Support a phased introduction of program budgeting through a pilot in three or four key service delivery ministries. Support Integration with FMIS (Component 2) Align budget structures and the Chart of Accounts with FMIS requirements. Provide technical input to configuration of FMIS budget modules. Assist in developing budget upload templates, control mechanisms, and automated reporting. Strengthen Internal Procedures & Compliance Map and update SOPs for the full budget cycle. Ensure SOPs align with the PFM Act, Financial Regulations, and Component 1 reforms. Strengthen internal controls, transparency, record‑keeping, and audit readiness. Capacity Building Deliver structured and on‑the‑job training throughout the budget cycle. Develop manuals, templates, and job aids to support sustainability. Mentor Budget Division staff in analysis, preparation, and reporting functions. DELIVERABLES Inception Report and diagnostic assessment. Updated budgeting guidelines, procedures, SOPs, and templates. Review of the Budget Procedures Act 1981 and National Government Financial Management Regulations. Concept note on the introduction of Program Budgeting. Report on implementation of program-based budgeting that should involve development of guidelines and its piloting in 3-4 service delivery ministries. Improved reporting tools for monitoring and variance analysis. Capacity‑building materials and documented trainings. Periodic progress reports (monthly or quarterly). Final report with sustainability plan and recommendations. DURATION & CONTRACT TYPE The Advisor will be engaged for an initial period of twenty‑four (24) months under a time‑based Individual Consultant (INDV) contract. The contract may be renewed annually thereafter for the remaining project period (up to March 29, 2030), subject to: satisfactory performance, continued technical assistance needs, and availability of funds under Component 1.1. This duration reflects the multi‑year nature of budgeting, forecasting, FMIS integration, and SOP reform activities as defined in the PAD and Financing Agreement. REPORTING & SUPERVISION The Consultant will report to the Assistant Secretary for Budget & Economic Management. Coordination will be maintained with the PFM Project Management, Treasury Working Group (TWG), and relevant DOFA divisions. QUALIFICATIONS Master’s degree in Public Financial Management, Economics, Public Administration, Accounting, or related field. Minimum 10 years of experience in government budgeting, fiscal policy, or PFM systems. Demonstrated experience in budget process reform and capacity‑building. Experience with FMIS budget modules is an asset. Experience in Pacific or small‑state contexts is desirable. FACILITIES DoFA will provide office space, access to relevant information and systems, and counterpart staff to support the assignment. Agency: Department of Finance and Administration Procurement method: Individual Consultant Selection Notice type: Request for Expression of Interest Status: Published Value: 210000.0 USD