1. Introduction.

            Uzbekistan is actively working to align its fiscal and debt statistics with international standards, particularly the IMF’s GFSM 2014. To further harmonize its fiscal reporting with global practices, the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) is strongly committed to advancing the compilation and dissemination of integrated GFS, to support policy decision, analysis and promote transparency and accountability.

            Progress in compiling and disseminating a comprehensive and sectorized set of GFS tables in line with international standards has been limited. The IMF has provided technical support in recent years to promote fiscal transparency and align Uzbekistan’s GFS framework with the GFSM 2014. However, several recommendations — particularly those related to institutional units sectorization and the development of the full range of GFS tables remain partially implemented due to institutional and capacity constraints within the MEF.

            To address these challenges and accelerate progress, the MEF seeks the support of an international consultant with hands-on experience in implementing the GFSM-2014 framework, particularly in the compilation of complete GFS and PSBS datasets. This assignment is instrumental in strengthening fiscal transparency, enhancing the quality and consistency of fiscal and debt data, supporting macroeconomic stability, and fulfilling the country’s commitment to subscribe the IMF’s SDDS database by December, 2025.

1. Objectives.

            Enhance the MEF’s capacity to produce high-quality, comprehensive GFS in accordance with international standards, and improving fiscal analysis and evidence-based policy-making in Uzbekistan.

1. Tasks.

The following tasks should be carried out throughout the assignment:

Develop a sectorization tool, compile/ produce a master list of all public sector institutional units for Uzbekistan, classified following GFSM 2014 and System of National Accounts sectorization principles;

Set a long-term vision and benchmarks for public sector sectorization focusing on reporting GFS by sectors.

Prepare a technical manual or Standard Operating Procedures for sectorization and sector-based GFS reporting;

Establish mechanisms for regular updates and validation of the PSIT (Public Sector Institutional Table) to ensure ongoing accuracy;

Review the quality, coverage, classification, and timeliness of source data used in the preparation of reports in accordance with GFS 2014 for the General Government, and provide recommendations for improvement. Providing technical support for compiling annual, quarterly and monthly GFS tables for consolidated general government sector;

Produce the Public Sector Balance Sheet, with Integrated Statement of Flows and Stock Positions following the GFSM 2014 framework;

Provide hands-on training for GFS compilers on institutional sectorization and the use of templates/tools;

Produce a technical instructions GFS and PSDS (Public Sector Debt Statistics) compilation manual, focusing on practical aspects of sectorization, data compilation procedures, and revisions policy;

Review government supported policy lending programs, identifying priority beneficiaries for analysis and initiating the classification of non-recoverable lending as expenditure;

Review data request forms and reporting templates submitted by SOEs, extra-budgetary funds, and other entities to the Tax Committee. Propose improvements to existing administrative records, budget reporting, and financial statements to extract GFS-consistent data;

Review and propose enhancements for the automated GFS tables for general government level (including Table 1 “Revenue”, Table 2 “Expenditure”, Table 3 “Transactions in Assets and Liabilities”, and Table 7 “Functional Classification of Outlays”.

Ensure integration of the PSIT with national accounts and the business register for consistent data usage.

Deliver hands-on training sessions for State Budget Policy Department (SBPD), National Statistics Committee (NSC), and line ministries.

Review the prepared financial balance sheet covering all financial assets and liabilities of the public sector to be incorporated in the reports of GFS.

1. Implementation.

- The Consultant will be given access to information (reports, regulatory documents, source data in Russian or English). The MEF will assist the consultant with technical issues and procedures, coordinate with the National Statistical Committee, Tax Committee, State Assets Management Agency and other government authorities/ agencies, provide the venue and all necessary facilities for conducting workshops.

- The Consultant will work in the office of the SBPD and provide the office space, desk, computer and other supporting facilities for the work of the consultant.

- The SBPD will designate one staff on the legal work-stream and two staff on the technical work-stream to support the Consultant.

- The Consultant will report to the deputy minister /and the director of the SBPD and will work closely with the GFS Division.

- The project is expected to be completed within 12 months following the contract signing. Subject to the consultant’s performance, the evolving needs of the SBPD, and the availability of donor funding, an extension of the contract might be considered.

1. Qualifications.

- The candidate must have an advanced university degree (Masters’ or PhD) in economics, statistics, or related field.

- The candidate should have a minimum of 10 years of practical experience in compiling and disseminating GFS and demonstrate strong expertise in the GFSM-2014.

- The candidate should have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and be fluent in oral and written Russian and English.

- The candidate’s background in macro-fiscal policy and/or public sector accounting and familiarity with the synergies between GFS, IPSAS, SNA, MFS, PFMS and other international standards is highly desirable.

- Experience in and knowledge of GFS compilation and dissemination practices in the post-Soviet countries, understanding of the legal and regulatory framework for public finance and statistics in Uzbekistan will be an advantage.

1. Accountability and assessment of the effectiveness of activities and achievement (fulfillment) of target tasks of the consultant.

The Consultant will coordinate its activities with the deputy minister and staff of the ministry. The Consultant will be given access to information (reports, regulatory documents, source data in Russian or English). In turn, the Ministry will assist with technical issues and procedures.

Based on the results of the work, the Consultant will provide quarterly reports to the deputy minister, reflecting the main works performed in accordance with the assigned tasks.

The Consultant will implement the assignment mainly in Russian using English when necessary. All reports must be submitted in Russian, in editable electronic version.

The final report must be submitted not later than 20 calendar days after completion of the assignment.

In turn, the Ministry shall provide formal approvals or comments on the reports and results submitted by the Consultant within 10 working days.

1. Duration and operating mode.

The duration of the Consultant’s work is expected to be 12 months.

The organization of activities will consist of the following schedule:

The Consultant will be directly in the city of Tashkent for at least 5 months and work remotely for the rest of the assignment.

1. Results.

1. Deliverable 1 (25% of the Contract price): First Quarterly Report, including the outputs for the following tasks:

Develop a sectorization tool, compile/ produce a master list of all public sector institutional units, classified following GFSM 2014 and System of National Accounts sectorization principles;

Providing technical support for compiling annual, quarterly and monthly GFS tables for consolidated general government sector;

Establish mechanisms for regular updates and validation of the PSIT to ensure ongoing accuracy;

Set a long-term vision and benchmarks for public sector sectorization focusing on reporting GFS by sectors.

2. Deliverable 2 (25% of the Contract price): Second Quarterly Report, including the outputs for the following tasks:

Produce a technical instructions GFS and PSDS compilation manual, focusing on practical aspects of sectorization, data compilation procedures, and revisions policy;

Review data request forms and reporting templates submitted by SOEs, extra-budgetary funds, and other entities to the Tax Committee. Propose improvements to existing administrative records, budget reporting, and financial statements to extract GFS-consistent data;

Prepare a technical manual or Standard Operating Procedures for sectorization and sector-based GFS reporting;

Review government supported policy lending programs, identifying priority beneficiaries for analysis and initiating the classification of non-recoverable lending as expenditure.

3. Deliverable 3 (25% of the Contract price): Third Quarterly Report, including the outputs for the following tasks:

Identify bottlenecks and key issues related to the quality, coverage, and timeliness of source data to be used in preparing reports in accordance with GFS 2014 for the General Government. Provide recommendations for improvement.

Produce the Public Sector Balance Sheet, with Integrated Statement of Flows and Stock Positions following the GFSM 2014 framework;

Provide hands-on training for GFS compilers on institutional sectorization and the use of templates/tools;

Ensure integration of the PSIT with national accounts and the business register for consistent data usage.

4. Deliverable 4 (25% of the Contract price): Fourth Quarterly Report, including the outputs for the following tasks:

Review and propose enhancements for the automated GFS tables for general government level (including Table 1 “Revenue”, Table 2 “Expenditure”, Table 3 “Transactions in Assets and Liabilities”, and Table 7 “Functional Classification of Outlays”;

Deliver hands-on training sessions for State Budget Policy Department (SBPD), National Statistics Committee (NSC), and line ministries;

Review the prepared financial balance sheet covering all financial assets and liabilities of the public sector to be incorporated in the reports of GFS.

1. Organizational matters.

            The customer is the MEF, as well as the “Project Implementation Group” (PIU) of the MEF. The Ministry is responsible for accepting the work performed by the Consultant within the framework of this assignment, as well as for signing the Work Acceptance Certificate.

            The PIU under the MEF is responsible for making payments based on the Work/Service Acceptance Certificate signed by the MEF (based on the protocol and official letter of the MEF on acceptance of work) and the Consultant’s initial request for payment.

            All expenses, including local and international taxes, are borne by the Consultant.