One of the newest activities of SR-UNDP partnership project (as a part of ‘Public Finance for Development’ Programme – funded by the Ministry of Finance of the Slovak Republic and implemented by UNDP) is focused on the cooperation between various types of institutions, stakeholders, NGOs: NGO partnership.
I. Partnership with ZMOS, AKE SR and CALM: Strengthening capacities of the Congress of Local Authorities of Moldova in the area of public finance (since 2015)
The Project objective is to strengthen institutional capacities of CALM (The Congress of Local Public Authorities of Moldova ) in the area of local public finance, primarily through sharing experience with Slovak organizations: ZMOS (Association of Towns and Communities of Slovakia) and AKE SR (Association of Municipal Finance Officers of The Slovak Republic) and via on-the-job learning. Empowered CALM is expected to contribute to knowledge dissemination to local authorities of Moldova and to advocate for policies and reform initiatives in local public finance. The project objective will be achieved through implementation of the following specific activities: Defining CALM services in local public finance; Institutional strengthening of CALM secretariat; Advocacy and knowledge dissemination.
Project activities implemented in 2015-16: The needs of stakeholders in LPF and PBB were identified; the consulting needs of local governments in LPF were identified during two rounds of consultations with CALM members (from Administrative Council and specialized committees) held in Chisinau on 7 October 2015 (55 participants) and 8 October 2015 (39 participants). Needs Assessment report “Identification of the local governments’ needs for support in local public finance reform” was developed by CALM experts and sent for consultations to Slovak ZMOS and AKE SR. Two workshops on 19 October (13 participants) and on 20 October (23 participants) were organised in Chisinau as a part of sharing experience between Moldovan CALM and Slovak organizations (ZMOS / AKE SR) and capacity building in provision of services for the members. Two workshops on 19 October (13 participants) and on 20 October (23 participants) were organised in Chisinau as a part of sharing experience between Moldovan CALM and Slovak organizations (ZMOS / AKE SR) and capacity building in provision of services for the members. A set of documents for setting up piloting services for CALM members in local public finance was prepared in November-December 2015. The team of experts from CALM prepared strategic and operational documents for CALM Local Finance Service: “Strategic Paper on the organization, provision and regulation of the CALM services”; and “Regulation of local finance service of CALM”. The Roundtable with CALM members (36 participants) was held on 22 December 2015 in Chisinau to discuss CALM piloting services for members in local public finance. Training of Trainers for CALM experts (14 participants) on PBB was conducted by AKE SR and ZMOS experts.
Read more:
ZMOS and CALM cooperation in Moldova 2015-16;
About the cooperation of CALM and ZMOS (Romanian);
ZMOS-CALM / NGO partnership (Preparatory phase) (Progress Report 2015);
II. Partnership with Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF) to enhance capacity building in the field of public accounting (since 2015)
The partnership initiative between UNDP, MF SR and Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF) significantly contributes to strengthening capacities of government, civil society and professional community in public accounting practices in Montenegro. The internationally recognized, professional qualification program Public Accountants Certification Training (PACT) in Montenegro will be implemented by the Center of Excellence in Finance (CEF) in cooperation with CIPFA and supported by PFD programme. It is part of the Montenegrin government’s efforts to build and strengthen professional qualifications for public sector accountants.
Project activities implemented in 2015-16: The localization process through the pre-assessment study was launched. Preparatory activities in terms of application of students/candidates for the training were covered. The training materials developed by Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) were developed and translated to local language. The material of the National module – focused on local legislation and taxation was developed. A group of 11 local tutors was equipped with necessary knowledge and ready to be contracted for performing in‑class trainings for the first generation of Montenegrin students. Evaluation of current legislative status of public accountants, and establishment of public sector working group was prepared (it supports localization of the training program and its sustainability in Montenegro in 2016). In the second phase in 2016 CEF started with the delivery of training program for up to 40 public sector accountants. Training of students was conducted in 3 modules: two international modules (on financial accounting and management accounting – developed by the Chartered Institute for Public Finance and Accountancy: CIPFA) and the third national module (on local legislation and taxation – developed by experts from MF Montenegro). After the successful completion of trainings and passed exams: Graduation ceremony followed in December 2016.
Read more:
CEF & CIPFA Public Accountants Certification Training in Montenegro 2014-16;
UNDP-CEF / NGO partnership: PACT MNE 1 (Preparatory phase) (Final Report 2015);
UNDP-CEF / MVO partnerstvo: PACT MNE1 (Delivery phase) (Final Report 2016);
Montenegrin Internal Auditors and Accountants Awarded with International Certificates, 2016;