Feasibility study for the design of an integrated human resources management system and the strengthening of the public finance system (digitalization of the procedures of the Directorate General of the Treasury, production of public finance statistical data; asset accounting, patrimony accounting and accounting for EPAs and public enterprises)

Context: Project objectives: This mission aims to cover the other areas of the overhaul of the Public Finance information system in order to produce reliable information within reasonable timeframes and at reasonable costs. It will strengthen transparency and efficiency in the management of public finances and human resources, notably in the following areas: State human resources management; Dematerialization of Treasury operations; Establishment of a centralized database for public finance statistics; State property and materials accounting; Accounting according to the budgetary nomenclature of public administrative establishments (EPAs) and public enterprises. The specific objectives are: To assess the progress achieved in human resources management within the Beninese administration over the past five years, identify the challenges for the reform to be implemented, and potentially design a State human resources information and management system. Depending on priorities, a tender dossier will be prepared. To enable Benin to have a reliable and consistent system for the regularization of salaries paid without prior authorization; to put in place procedures ensuring that updated data is taken into account without delay from a cleaned and secured payroll file capable of producing reliable wage bill forecasts for a given period; to propose an efficient human resources management system that will allow progress towards modern career management for civil servants; and to efficiently manage expense claims for official State missions. To carry out an audit of execution procedures, ongoing or planned dematerialization activities, notably at the level of the Public Treasury, formulate modernization solutions for the areas concerned and implementation strategies for the proposed solutions, and finally, draft a tender dossier according to government priorities. To carry out an inventory of existing databases with a view to the future design of a single public finance database, capable of providing the necessary resources for public finance information and management systems. Depending on priorities, a tender dossier will be prepared. To carry out an inventory of the implementation of a materials accounting system in State structures and local authorities in accordance with the main international standards and directives in the field of accounting, auditing and public finance control, and propose an organization that is compliant or very close to international principles of materials accounting. Depending on priorities, a tender dossier will be prepared. To carry out an inventory of the system for converting standard SYSCOHADA accounts to accounting following the State budgetary nomenclature. As in 2013, a conversion matrix between the chart of accounts of EPAs and that of the State budgetary nomenclature under the new decree on the General Rules of State Accounting may be considered, but such a solution would be provisional. The implementation of a computerized system for preparing accounts according to the State budgetary nomenclature may be considered. Activities: The experts shall hold working meetings with all human resources management stakeholders in order to take into account their observations and contributions regarding the improvement of the existing system. The experts shall hold working meetings with all stakeholders in the relevant areas, namely the executives of the General Directorate of the Treasury and Public Accounting, any other executive of the Ministry in charge of finance who produces inputs for Treasury operations, executives of the Central Bank and primary banks, executives of the DAFs and DCFs of Sectoral Ministries and/or any other structure that may be impacted, in order to take into account their observations and contributions regarding the improvement of existing systems. The experts shall meet the executives of all structures of the Ministry in charge of Finance that produce statistical and financial data necessary for the operation of public finance information and management systems, in order to take their needs into account. The experts shall meet the executives of the General Directorate of Equipment and Logistics, the Directorate of Public Accounting, the General Directorate of Budget, and the Directorates of Administration and Finance of State Ministries and institutions. The experts shall meet the executives of the National Accounting Training Center (CENAFOC), the Directorate of Public Accounting, the Audit Chamber of the Supreme Court, State-owned Companies and Public Establishments. Deliverables: The development and proposal of an overall assessment for each of the established areas of intervention (human resources and payroll and expense management, dematerialization of treasury operations, single Public Finance database, State property and materials accounting, and EPA and Public Enterprise accounting). Establish a list of international best practices and produce a cost/benefit comparison of existing solutions (acquisition of a solution or design/development of an information system) and provide arguments. The formulation of optimal technical solutions and implementation strategy for each area of intervention with an implementation schedule for the strategies accompanying each proposal. The preparation of an IT Master Plan for each area of intervention with a preliminary draft of specifications and its implementation plan, with a cost estimate for each new system accompanying the proposal. Support to the government in decision-making on priority areas to be taken into account within the framework of EU funding is provided. The preparation of a tender dossier (DAO) for the chosen areas.