Finance and Procurement Capacity Development Consultancy

NOTE: Any questions or requests for clarification regarding this Terms of Reference should be submitted to procurement-desk@pactbelize.org and projectcoordinator@pactbelize.org

                                                                                        TERMS OF REFERENCE

PROJECT: Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, BNPAS and the Government of Belize to access climate finance.

OUTCOME: Develop practical tools and capacity development materials to strengthen institutional performance and support effective implementation of climate finance projects.

CONTRACT TITLE: Finance and Procurement Capacity Development Consultancy

EXPECTED START AND END DATE: July 2026 - October 2026 

DURATION: Over 3-month period

VALUE: $8,000.00

1. Background

The Green Climate Fund (GCF) is a multilateral financing mechanism established to support climate action in the Caribbean and by extension in developing countries. The GCF, in fulfilling its mandate, responds to climate change through strategic investments in actions that will result in low-emission and climate resilient development. These strategic investments will limit or reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in developing countries and help vulnerable societies adapt to the unavoidable impacts of climate change. The GCF has made available several windows for financing and technical support for a programmatic approach to engage the GCF for the implementation of climate actions.  This includes funding windows for mitigation and adaptation, the Private Sector Facility, the Readiness and Preparatory Support Program, a REDD+ results-based payment program; and an Enhanced Direct Access Program designed to enhance funding access by sub-national, national, and regional, public, and private entities. 

PACT received accreditation in October 2018 by the GCF as a national Direct Access Entity. This role requires PACT to take on several responsibilities associated with the delivery of impactful projects within the priorities of the Fund, of PACT, and of Belize’s National Climate Change Policy & Plan and related frameworks. In collaboration with the Ministry of Economic Development (MED) as National Designated Authority (NDA) of Belize to the GCF, PACT has received approval for financing from the GCF under a Readiness and Preparatory Support Project titled “Strengthening technical and institutional capacities of Galen University, BLPA, PACT, PACT and the Government of Belize to access Climate Finance”.  

 This project is to be executed over an eighteen-month implementation period. This project will contribute to reduce the vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in Belize, by facilitating the coherent integration of climate change adaptation into the public sector, programs, and projects within the country. Belize will create partnerships with the public sector to build resilient livelihoods and minimize climate vulnerabilities of communities, conserve and increase the resilience of the agriculture sector, academia, NGO’s, GOB and within Belize in general.

The objective of this consultancy is to assess the financial management and procurement systems of targeted PACT stakeholders against PACT’s fiduciary requirements and applicable climate finance standards, identify key gaps and risks, and develop practical tools and capacity development materials to strengthen institutional performance and support effective implementation of climate finance projects. 

2. Scope of Work

The consultant will undertake the following tasks over the duration of the consultancy:

1 Inception and Methodology Design and Workplan 

• Develop an inception report:
  • Methodology for assessing financial management and procurement systems of targeted PACT stakeholders against PACT fiduciary requirements, with a focus on practical application.
  • Workplan and timeline.
• Work closely with PACT to:
  • Define stakeholder selection criteria.

2. Data Collection and Assessment of Current Practices

• In collaboration with PACT, support the targeted selection of stakeholders including refining and applying previously defined selection criteria and providing recommendations to inform the final selection of targeted PACT stakeholders for assessment and training.
• Conduct data collection during information session with selected targeted PACT stakeholders to:
  • Review existing financial management and procurement systems.
  • Identify functional gaps, risks, and capacity needs.
• Assess the current financial management and procurement practices, focusing on:
  • Budgeting, financial reporting, and internal controls.
  • Procurement policies and procedures.

3. Standards Benchmarking and Guide Development

• Develop a Financial Management and Procurement Standards Guide, aligned with PACT fiduciary requirements and climate finance expectations, outlining:
  • Financial management requirements and minimum standards that PACT Stakeholders should have.
  • Procurement requirements and minimum standards that PACT partners should have.

4. Development of Training Materials

• Based on the Financial Management and Procurement Standards Guide and findings from the Assessment, develop capacity development training material, including:
  • Financial management tools (e.g., reporting templates, internal control checklists).
  • Procurement tools (e.g., procurement process checklist, bid evaluation templates).
  • Compliance and audit readiness reference guides.

5. Capacity Building Workshops

• Facilitate training workshops targeting approximately 50 participants from targeted PACT stakeholders.
• Deliver practical, application-focused sessions that:
  • Train participants on the Financial Management and Procurement Standards Guide.

 6. Consultancy Closure Report 

• Prepare a final closure report that:
  • Summarizes the Financial Management and Procurement Standards Guide and key assessment findings.
  • Confirms priority capacity gaps identified across targeted PACT stakeholders.
  • Documents recommended actions for strengthening financial management and procurement systems.
  • Revise and finalize tools and training materials based on feedback received during capacity building workshops.

3. Deliverables

The consultant shall provide the following deliverables, ensuring that each is completed within the specified timeline for the assignment:

1. Deliverable 1: Inception Report and Workplan
   • Timeline: Week 1
   • Payment: 10% upon receipt and acceptance of deliverable.
2. Deliverable 2: Stakeholder Gap Assessment and Financial Management and Procurement Standards Guide
   • Timeline: Week 3
   • Payment: 30% upon receipt and acceptance of deliverable.
3. Deliverable 3: Training Materials
   • Timeline: Week 9
   • Payment: 15% upon receipt and acceptance of deliverable.
4. Deliverable 4: Delivery of Capacity Building Workshops
   • Timeline: Week 11
   • Payment: 30% upon receipt and acceptance of deliverable.
5. Deliverable 5: Final Consultancy Report
   • Timeline: Week 13
   • Payment: 15% upon receipt and acceptance of deliverable.
     

4. Qualifications and Experience Requirements

Educational Background: 

• Advanced degree in finance, economics, public administration, environmental management, or related field. 

Professional Experience: 

• Minimum of 7 years of experience in financial management, procurement, and capacity development. 
• Demonstrated experience working with protected area systems, government agencies, or international organizations. 
• Demonstrated experience conducting institutional assessments and developing and training practical capacity-building tools.
• Familiarity with GCF, Adaptation Fund, and other climate finance mechanisms is an asset. 

5. Skills Requirements

Technical Skills: 

• Strong analytical skills for reviewing policies and procedures. 
• Proven ability to develop practical tools and training materials.
• Experience facilitating workshops and stakeholder engagements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English. 

Local Knowledge: 

• Prior experience working in Belize or the Caribbean region is advantageous. 

6. Expected Outcome

By the end of this consultancy:

• Targeted PACT stakeholders will have improved understanding of financial management and procurement expectations aligned with climate finance requirements.
• Key gaps in stakeholder systems and practices will be identified and prioritized.
• Practical tools and templates will be available to support improved financial management and procurement practices.
• Stakeholders will be better equipped to plan, manage, and implement climate finance projects.

7. Conclusion

This Terms of Reference outlines a structured approach to assessing financial management and procurement practices among targeted PACT stakeholders and strengthening their capacity through the development of practical tools and targeted training. The consultancy will support improved alignment with PACT fiduciary requirements and enhance stakeholders’ ability to effectively plan, manage, and implement climate finance projects.

8. Application Process

Interested consultants are required to submit the following documents:

1. A cover letter expressing interest and availability.
2. An updated CV highlighting relevant experience and qualifications.
3. A technical proposal (maximum 5 pages) outlining the approach, methodology, and timeline for completing the tasks.
4. Financial proposal detailing the daily rate and total cost for the consultancy.
5. References: Contact details of at least two professional references. (names and contact information only)
6. The successful firm or team engaged under this consultancy will be subject to applicable taxes payable to the Belize Tax Service Department in accordance with the laws of Belize.

For the purposes of this engagement:

• Local consultants will be subject to a 6% withholding tax.
• CARICOM consultants will be subject to a 15% withholding tax.
• International consultants will be subject to a 25% withholding tax.

                                                             **Application deadline is 29th May 2026. **