Expression of Interest For Research Consultant/Firm To Lead Two Research Studies Under The Strengthening Civic Engagement And Oversight In Public Financial Management (Scope-Pfm) Project

Tenders are invited for Research Consultant/Firm to lead two research studies under the Strengthening Civic Engagement and Oversight in Public Financial Management (SCOPE-PFM) Project Consultant/Firm to lead two research studies under the Strengthening Civic Engagement and Oversight in Public Financial Management (SCOPE-PFM) Project. Research Areas: 1. Public Financial Management (PFM): Assessment of the implementation of existing PFM procedures at the sub-national level, including Circular No. 007. 2. Public Procurement: Assessment of accountability in public procurement implementation through Procurement Committees at the sub-national level. Assignment Duration: September to 30 November 2026 Location: Banteay Meanchey, Kampong Speu, Pursat, Kampong Thom, Kandal, and Phnom Penh Interested applicants should submit: Expression of Interest (EOI) Financial Proposal CV (for individual consultants) or Company Profile (for consulting firms) Please send applications to [email protected] with the subject line: "Application for Research Consultant" Application Deadline: 25 September 2026 by 5 PM. For detailed TOR, please visit: www.apiinstitute.org API is committed to equal opportunity, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Women and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply Project Objective The SCOPE-PFM contributes to strengthening good governance and democracy by enhancing transparency, democratic accountability, inclusive public participation, and oversight in public financial management through collective advocacy by civil society organizations and the active engagement of citizens. Outcome 1: To increase the capacity and coordination of CSOs and their networks in advocating for budget transparency, accountability, and oversight in education, social protection, public services, and natural resources, through joint initiatives and targeted capacity-building activities. Outcome 2: To improve citizen engagement in government policy formulation and enforcement through structured dialogues and by linking local challenges with national PFM policies and reforms. Outcome 3: To raise the awareness of citizens, particularly youth, women, and marginalised groups, to actively engage in and advocate for budget transparency, accountability, and oversight in public financial management. III. Assignment Objectives The objective of this reseach study is to contribute to the achievement of Project Target: under line 1.2.2.1: API - Conduct joint and individual research based on the identified needs, e.g., potential revenue streams, investment climate, tax justice, and public procurement for large-scale infrastructure projects to promote transparency. A2I, I-SAF The assignment is to assess whether Cambodias legal and institutional framework governing public procurement promotes the principles of good governance, transparency, efficiency, accountability, and public participation. The assessment will examine the extent to which the existing legal framework supports open, fair, and accountable procurement practices in line with national legislation and international good governance principles. IV. Scope of Work To lead and deliver two complementary research studies on public financial management and public procurement at the subnational level in Cambodia: 1. Public Financial Management (PFM): To assess the implementation of existing PFM procedures at the subnational level, including procedures stipulated under Circular No. 007, with particular attention to budget transparency, public participation, accountability, and responsiveness to citizens priorities 2. Public Procurement: To assess accountability in the implementation of public procurement through Procurement Committees at the subnational level, focusing on their roles, responsibilities, compliance with procedures, transparency, efficiency, and the accessibility and quality of procurement information throughout the procurement cycle. V. Expected Outputs - An inception report outlining the research methodology, work plan, data collection tools, sampling approach, and implementation schedule, approved by API. - Two final research report presenting the findings, analysis, conclusions, and practical recommendations on the assessment and monitoring of public procurement practices in Sub-National Administrations (SNAs), including a validation workshop to present and discuss the findings with key stakeholders. VI. Report Outline - Draft Research Report submitted to API for review and feedback, including the executive summary, methodology, findings, analysis, conclusions, and recommendations. - Two Final Research Report incorporating APIs comments and recommendations, together with all supporting annexes (research tools, list of respondents, references, and other relevant documents). Tender Link : https://www.bongthom.com/job_list.html?category_id=55&order_by=start_date&order_dir=desc