Terms of Reference – Analyzing Complex Agency Reports Submitted to Parliament for Effective Parliamentary Oversight and Legislative Functions

Consultancies

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TERMS OF REFERENCE

ANALYZING COMPLEX AGENCY REPORTS SUBMITTED TO PARLIAMENT FOR EFFECTIVE PARLIAMENTARY OVERSIGHT AND LEGISLATIVE FUNCTIONS.

PARLIAMENTARY SUPPORT PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION

Democracy Works Foundation (DWF) envisions a world with effective, strong, resilient democracies and responsive governance. DWF, under the Parliamentary Support Program (PSP) led by Democracy International, seeks to engage a consultant to undertake an individual comprehensive analysis of complex Agency Reports, as submitted by Oversight Institutions to Parliament, as it exercises oversight over the Government. The focus area of the reports will stem from the individual reports submitted from the Office of the Ombudsman (000), the Office of the Public Officers’ Declaration (ODPOD), and the Malawi Human Rights Commission (MHRC).

In 2023, DWF conducted a study tracing the use and utilization of the Oversight Agency Reports submitted in Parliament. From the insights, affirmations and motivations shared by the study, there has since been a growing need to systematically entrench a system of following up on the following critical elements:

  • Raising the profile of the rich Reports consolidated by Oversight Agencies in Malawi, for utilization by the Parliament of Malawi as it performs its functionalities and takes actions to follow-up with relevant authorities including the Ministers, MDAs, and Controlling officers
  • Building a system to help Parliament of Malawi and its stakeholders track the Reports submitted and laid on the table in the House, the commitments made, and undertakings taken by Government, in response to issues raised; and,
  • For Parliament of Malawi and its stakeholders to digitally track, at a click of a button, the commitments and assurances made by MDAs, alongside the Oversight Agencies, and civil society organizations.

This initiative is therefore a part of the Program’s broader aim of ‘enhancing the effectiveness and independence of Parliament of Malawi as it performs the parliamentary oversight and legislative functions,’ by strategically following through on the Oversight Agency Reports that are submitted to Parliament. This specific assignment is expected to support the Parliamentary Legal Affairs Committee, a committee that has the mandate over the targeted oversight agencies, and/or any other related Parliamentary Committee deemed relevant for the issues to be unpacked by the reports. This will all be in exercise of the Committees’ effective parliamentary oversight functions expected of them and the oversight agencies, in service to Malawians

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSIGNMENT

  1. Comprehensive Analysis for selected reports laid on the table in Parliament: Conduct a detailed and comprehensive analysis of reports from the Office of Ombudsman, ODPOD, and MHRC, to identity key findings, issues, trends, and recommendations.
  2. Support Parliamentary Oversight: Provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and any other related Committees, to enhance their oversight and legislative functions.
  3. Enhance Transparency and Accountability: Promote transparency and accountability through the effective utilization of oversight agency reports by Parliament.

SCOPE OF WORK

  1. Review of Reports: Examine and analyze reports from the Office of the Ombudsman and MHRC for the past three years.
  2. Identification of key issues: Identify key issues, trends, and recommendations highlighted in the reports
  3. Contextual Analysis: Provide a contextual analysis of the issues within the broader socio-political, economic, and legal framework of Malawi.
  4. Recommendations for Action: Develop clear and actionable recommendations for Parliamentary Committees and Parliament to address the identified issues.
  5. Support to the Parliamentary Committees: Facilitate workshops or briefings to present findings and recommendations to the Parliamentary Committee of Legal Affairs and other related Committees as deemed necessary, according to the emergent issues and priorities.

DELIVERABLES

  1. Inception Report: A detailed work plan outlining the methodology and timelines for the assignment.
  2. Comprehensive Analysis Report: A report detailing the findings, trends, and recommendations from the analysis of the three Oversight Agencies’ Reports submitted to Parliament in the past three years, i.e., from the Office of the Ombudsman, ODPOD, and the MHRC.
  3. Actionable Recommendations: Specific, practical recommendations for the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and any other related or relevant Parliamentary Committees for the necessary follow-up and reporting.
  4. Presentation Materials and Documentation: PowerPoint presentations or other materials to be used in briefings or workshops with Parliamentary Committees.
  5. Final Report: A final consolidated report incorporating feedback from the Committees and stakeholders.

QUALIFICATIONS

  1. Expertise in Legal, Good Governance and Human Rights Issues: Advanced knowledge experience in legal, good governance, and human rights issues in Malawi.
  2. Experience in Technical and Practical Parliamentary Support to the Parliament of Malawi and its structures: Proven experience in supporting Parliamentary Committees and enhancing legislative oversight in the Parliament of Malawi.
  3. Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize complex information and provide clear, actionable recommendations.
  4. Communication and Facilitation Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience in facilitating, and presenting findings and insights to diverse audiences.
  5. Understanding of Malawian Context: in depth understanding of the Malawian socio-political, economic, and legal context, particularly related to human rights, good governance, and public accountability.

DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The assignment is expected to be completed within a period of 10 man-days from the date of commencement.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested consultants are invited to submit their expressions of interest, including a technical proposal outlining their approach to the assignment, relevant qualifications and experience, and a financial proposal.

Applications should be addressed to: The Regional Director, Democracy Works Foundation (DWF), Parliamentary Support Program, P.O. Box 30691, capital City, Lilongwe 3, Malawi; and by email to: recruitment@democracyworksfoundation.org, by Friday, 20th September 2024, close of business.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information and submissions, please contact: Ms. Tamika Nyirenda-Banda on tnyirenda-banda@democracyworksfoundation.org.

Democracy Works Foundation appreciates your interest in contributing to this vital initiative to strengthen parliamentary oversight and legislative functions. Only shortlisted consultants shall be contacted.

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