About CPDI

Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is an independent, non-partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization, which has been working on the issues of peace and development since 2005. It is registered under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), which was later substituted by the Companies Act 2017. CPDI seeks to inform and influence public policies and civil society initiatives through research-based advocacy and capacity building to promote active citizenship, build peace and achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Areas of special sectoral focus include promotion of peace and tolerance; rule of law; local governance; transparency and access to information; budget watch; media development; electoral reforms; legislative strengthening, democratic development, climate change mitigation and adaptation; and public health.

About the Assignment

1. Background

The budget process in Pakistan faces significant challenges, often leading to hastily passed budgets with limited discussion and consultation among parliamentarians and elected representatives. Many legislators lack the necessary technical knowledge to effectively analyze and engage in budgetary discussions, which undermines the quality of decision-making at both national and provincial levels.

Recognizing the crucial role of parliamentarians in the budgetary process, the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) aims to enhance their capacity through targeted interventions. To this end, CPDI plans to develop a comprehensive manual that will provide legislators with critical knowledge on budget-related subjects, outline their roles in the budget process, and incorporate international best practices.

In addition to the manual, CPDI will organize capacity-building workshops to engage parliamentarians and elected representatives, equipping them with the skills needed to contribute effectively to budget discussions and decisions. These initiatives are designed to promote transparent and inclusive budgeting practices in Pakistan, ultimately improving governance and accountability.

2. Purpose and Scope of the Assignment:

The primary purpose of this assignment is to develop a comprehensive manual aimed at enhancing the capacity of parliamentarians and elected representatives in Pakistan regarding budget-related subjects. The manual will serve as a vital resource, providing legislators with essential knowledge and insights to engage effectively in the budget-making process. By equipping parliamentarians with the necessary tools, the consultancy aims to promote transparency, inclusivity, and informed decision-making in budgetary discussions.

Scope of the Assignment:

The scope of the assignment includes the following key components:

1. Needs Assessment:

Conduct a thorough needs assessment to identify specific knowledge gaps among parliamentarians related to budget concepts and the budget-making process. This may involve interviews, surveys, and consultations with relevant stakeholders.

2. Manual Development:

Research and compile critical information on:

• Fundamental budget concepts.
• The roles and responsibilities of parliamentarians and assemblies in the budget process especially in the context of Pakistan as per the assemblies rules and procedures including recommendations to enhance role of legislators in Budget making and approval processes
• Case studies from Other countries regarding the role of Parliament in Budget Making

Draft a comprehensive manual that is clear, accessible, and tailored to the needs of parliamentarians in Pakistan

3. Stakeholder Engagement:

Collaborate with CPDI and other relevant stakeholders throughout the manual development process to ensure the content meets the needs of parliamentarians and is aligned with CPDI’s goals.

4. Review and Feedback:

Present the draft manual to CPDI and relevant stakeholders for feedback and incorporate their suggestions to improve the final product.

5. Finalization:

Deliver a finalized manual that is formatted for ease of use and includes an executive summary for quick reference by legislators.

6. Presentation:

Provide a presentation summarizing the manual's key sections and objectives to CPDI staff and stakeholders during a review meeting.

The consultant is expected to deliver all components of the assignment within the agreed-upon timeline, ensuring high quality and relevance to the target audience.

3. Deliverables and Payments: 

The consultant will be responsible for the following deliverables related to the development of the manual for capacity building of parliamentarians and elected representatives:

• Draft Manual
• Final Manual
• Power Point Presentation

Payments:

Payments will be structured based on the completion and approval of the deliverables

Required Qualification/Specifications: 

• Master’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Economics, Finance, or a related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in developing training materials or manuals related to public finance or legislative processes for Parliamentarian
• Experience working with parliamentarians and comprehensive understanding of working of Assemblies and role of legislators in Pakistan
• Proficiency in research methodologies and clear content synthesis.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Urdu proficiency is a plus.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.