Public Financial Management Programme
The Public Finance Management Programme is one of a number of DFID funded programmes in Lesotho, aimed at supporting poverty reduction and growth. The programme is also funded by Irish Aid (€5 million) and the European Commission (€7.5 million) in addition to DFIDs £4.6 million contribution for the technical assistance that Harewelle provides along with their consortium partners. The main aim of the project is to increase capacity in key ministries and strengthen public finance systems and processes in Lesotho. This includes integrated financial planning and budgeting; accounting and expenditure management; economic analysis and forecasting; strategic planning for the Government Cabinet and the Auditor General's Office; oversight role of the Public Accounts Committee and the introduction of effective and transparent procurement. The programme is part of a larger multi-donor funded Public Sector Improvement Reform Programme (PSIRP), which aims to improve the capacity and capabilities of public sector and to meet the targets set out in the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper.
Harewelle International, in conjunction with its consortium partners, is responsible for providing overall programme management and implementation oversight. A comprehensive management team has been established in country, with additional support and project direction provided from the UK. The management team is responsible for liaising with and reporting to government and donor representatives; writing terms of references and contracting; managing local and international consultants; designing training and capacity building programmes, including arranging and managing study trips; and designing training material and workshops. The programme management and co-ordination unit has been designed to co-ordinate with PSIRP.
The management team is currently responsible for managing two new major education programmes with the UK’s Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) that have recently been introduced. These programmes currently have over 450 Government students, studying on part time basis and at 2 local institutes, for post graduate diploma qualifications in accounting and procurement. (2005 – 2010)
