Terms of Reference

Services required for briefing paper on evaluating trends in health budget allocation in Pakistan

About CPDI

Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) is an independent, non-partisan and a not-for-profit civil society organization, which has been working on the issues of peace and development since 2005. It is registered under Section 42 of the Companies Ordinance, 1984 (XLVII of 1984), which was later substituted by the Companies Act 2017. CPDI seeks to inform and influence public policies and civil society initiatives through research-based advocacy and capacity building to promote active citizenship, build peace and achieve inclusive and sustainable development. Areas of special sectoral focus include promotion of peace and tolerance; rule of law; local governance; transparency and access to information; budget watch; media development; electoral reforms; legislative strengthening, democratic development, climate change mitigation and adaptation; and public health.

About the Assignment

1.        Background

Health services represent a critical yet overlooked aspect of infrastructure in Pakistan. CPDI intends to evaluate the government's budgetary allocation for healthcare in recent years and the upcoming fiscal year 2024-2025. Through this briefing paper, our objective is to examine the patterns of health budget allocations for the years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and the 2024-2025, emphasizing the necessity for appropriate budgeting aligned with the requirements of the healthcare sector in Pakistan.

The primary goal of this briefing paper is to develop a coherent, evidence-based analysis demonstrating the alignment of budget allocations with the healthcare sector's needs. This paper will be disseminated widely among policymakers and stakeholders, aiming to inform and advocate for pragmatic, citizen-centric, transparent, and justified budgetary allocations in health sector. Serving as potent advocacy tool to improve the quality of public service delivery in Pakistan.

2.        Purpose and Scope of the Assignment:

The briefing paper will assess Pakistan's healthcare sector budget allocations from recent years to the projected fiscal year 2024-2025, aiming to advocate for informed, citizen-centric budgetary decisions aligned with healthcare needs.  Following key tasks will be carried out by the expert for the development of briefing paper on health budget.

1. Carry out a review of the government's healthcare budget allocations for the fiscal years 2022-2023, 2023-2024, and 2024-2025.
2. Analyze the trends in budget allocation for healthcare services over the specified period and assess the effectiveness of budget allocations in addressing the healthcare sector's needs and challenges.
3. Identify any disparities between allocated budgets and the actual requirements of the healthcare sector in Pakistan.
4. Compile a briefing paper presenting the findings of the budget analysis, including evidence-based insights and recommendations for future budgetary allocations.
5. Ensure the briefing paper is written with clarity, accuracy, and objectivity, supported by robust data with references.
6. Use pictorial depictions to show yearly trends of budget allocations.
7. Develop at least 10 short messages (English and Urdu) that can be shared on social media platforms for advocacy purposes.

3.        Deliverables and Payments: 

First draft of the briefing paper leading to the final version after incorporation of any feedback or suggestions of the management. The expert shall develop at least 10 short messages (English and Urdu) that can shared on social media platforms for advocacy purposes. Upon the completion of briefing paper, consultant will be paid a lump sum amount.

4.        Required Qualification/Specifications: 

• At least master’s degree in relevant discipline with more than 9-10 years of experience of health budget analysis.
• Health sector subject expert or at least a good understanding of the health sector and its needs in Pakistan will be a plus point.
• Established budget expert with excellent understanding of budget documents and data analysis.
• Excellent in writing and presentation skills
• Ability to complete the briefing paper within given time.

5.        How to Apply:

Interested individuals are required to share detailed CV accompanied by a one-page cover/motivation letter. The CV and cover letter will carry a weightage of 70% in the evaluation process. Additionally, we request the submission of sealed quotations and signed financial proposals, which will hold a weightage of 30% in the evaluation process.

Please ensure that the financial proposal is in PKR and encompasses all applicable taxes and logistical expenses related to the assignment, such as travel, lodging, incidentals, etc., required for activities and meetings at CPDI offices. It is imperative that no expense claims will be entertained or paid by CPDI.

All submissions must be addressed to CPDI Islamabad Head Office at House 13, Street 788, G.13/4.

*Late submissions will not be entertained.