1.      Background

The Public Finance Management Act (2015) requires Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Local Governments (LGs) to have gender and equity responsive plans and budgets. The PFMA 2015 emphasizes the need for gender responsive policies and budget by requiring the Minister of Finance to issue Certificates of Gender and Equity to MDAs and LGs whose plans and budgets are responsive.   Gender and equity budgeting promotes inclusive and non-discriminative planning and budgeting which in return increases the participation of the people in economic activities, eliminates social inequalities and address income inequalities The results from an assessment of compliance to address gender and equity issues in Budget Framework Papers for three consecutive years (2017/18 to 20/18/19) showed that the national average score was 61% for the FY 2018/19, 60% in FY 2017/18, and 57% in 2016/17. These scores are just slightly above the 50% pass mark required for MDAs to qualify for the Gender and Equity Certificate to get their budgets approved by Parliament. Beyond the commitment to address gender and equity at planning and budgeting level, there is need to establish the extent to which these MDAs utilize the allocated budgets and implement the approved gender and equity interventions in three poverty reducing sectors of health, education and agriculture.

2.      Rationale for the study

In line with the 2030 global agenda centered on sustainable inclusive growth and development by promoting equal opportunities, the Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG)[1] with support from USAID/DRM4D would like to continue its advocacy work through tracking the level of implementation of gender and equity interventions in education, health, and agriculture sectors for -FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21 to generate evidence that will inform efforts to enhance gender accountability and efficiency. CSBAG would therefore like to assess how gender and equity gaps are addressed in the sectors of health, education, and agriculture. The overall objective of this analysis is to establish the extent to which gender and equity budgets are implemented in relation to the approved and assessed plans and budgets by the Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC). This study will establish the extent to which gender-based budgets effectively benefit the targeted beneficiaries i.e., the vulnerable groups of people.  Additionally, the study also seeks to document existing gaps that are affecting Local Governments ability to execute gender responsive plans and budgets in health and education sectors.

3.      The specific Terms of Reference

The consultant will undertake the assignment to establish the extent to which MDAs and Local Government implement the gender and equity commitments that are assessed by EOC every financial year to attain the Certificate of Gender and Equity. It shall specifically establish funds utilized on gender and equity as well as the gender and equity interventions implemented in the selected years. Below are the specific TORs:

1. Review budgets of selected 3 sectors over the last 2 years namely FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21 to determine budget allocations for gender and equity interventions
2. Review selected sector plans, and annual performance and EOC reports with aim of ascertaining the extent and nature of mainstreaming gender and equity interventions in their plans and budgets
3. Establish the level of budget performance and implementation of gender and equity interventions in health, education and agriculture.  
4. Conduct field visits to selected districts to assess implementation of Gender and Equity and Local Government level  

4.      Scope of the study

The study will focus on the implementation of Gender and Equity budget outputs for Agriculture, health, and education sectors. Geographically, the study will be focused at both national and selected Local Government levels. At the Local Government level, the assessment will be conducted in four selected District Local Governments of Arua, Gulu, Mbale and Mbarara.  

5.      Approach and Methodology

Both qualitative and quantitative research methods are need to successfully complete the assessment. A comprehensive desk review of the relevant budget documents for the respective financial years (FY 2019/20 and FY 2020/21) should be undertaken with a major focus on health, education and agriculture. The consultant will travel to the selected districts for key informant interviews with the respective Heads of Department for Production (District Production Officer), Education (District Education Officer) and Health (District Health Officer).

6.      Time Frame and Deliverables

It is estimated that this assignment should be complemented within a period of 15 days from the day of contract signing, not later than 25th January 2022. The consultants will be expected to submit:

1. An approach Memo detailing interpretation of these TORs, methodology and workplan
2. Draft Report for review/validation
3. Final approved report

7.      Reporting

The consultant will be reporting directly to the Executive Director on this assignment but will have a close working relationship with a Budget Policy Specialist.

8.      Qualifications

The consultant should have the following qualifications.

• Degree in Economics, gender studies or related from a recognized institution of higher learning
• Should have a deeper understanding of Gender and equity responsive budgeting.
• Possession of a post graduate qualification in Economics, Gender studies or related will be an added advantage.
• Qualified Females are encouraged to apply.
• Should have a clear understanding of local government policies and procedures.
• Should have a clear understanding Uganda`s budget process.

9.      Submission of proposals

Interested consultants/firms are requested to submit Technical and financial proposals (quoted in UGX). These should contain:

• Description of the understanding of the tasks, including comments on the TORs.
  • A brief critique or advice on, what the TOR ought to have included or considered, from your understanding of the task
  • A description of the methodology to be followed, to achieve the desired objectives.
  • A description of key planning and budgeting documents that will be reviewed  
  • Work plan and time scheduling of information gathering and other activities; and
  • CVs of the consultants/firms

10.      Application procedure

Interested candidates should submit their application letter, updated CVs, technical and financial proposals and references for similar work conducted previously, addressed to the Executive Director, Civil Society Budget Advocacy Group (CSBAG) on email: hr@csbag.org CC. rmugobera@csbag.org or hand delivered at Plot 11 Vubyabirenge Close Ntinda-stretcher road, P.O. Box 660, Ntinda Kampala, Uganda, 17^th December 2021 by 5:00pm.