Global Best Practice Group’s experts have undertaken multisectoral and multidisciplinary projects in their individual capacities for international development agencies, governments and private sector clients. Together they bring their collective knowledge and experience to provide solution-focused interventions and policy recommendations that seek to alleviate poverty, enhance transparency and good governance and increase livelihood options and human well-being quotients. Global Best Practice Group’s strategic inputs are directed towards sustainable development outcomes that integrate environmental, social and economic aspects into all decision-making activities.
Procurement Advisory
Design and implementation of an Internal Control Framework
This assignment in Philippines was commissioned by the United Nations Development Programme and funded by the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office to ensure improved transparency, fairness, competition, as well as promoting integrity and accountability based on international best practice methodology and literature for public procurement, (such as MAPS methodology, SIGMA, OECD and COSO standards/principles). A comprehensive Internal Control Framework was designed and implemented to mitigate integrity risks in the Philippine public procurement ecosystem based on three pilot agencies, the Department of Health, Department of Education and Department of Local Government and the Interior.
E- Procurement systems for EBRD technical cooperation projects
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) funded assignment imparted legal and contractual systems expertise to state-owned and private sector enterprises for the enhancement of SME participation in public tenders for EBRD technical cooperation projects in Jordan and Tunisia. The primary objective was familiarization with and adoption of electronic procurement systems, processes, regulations and tools. Capacity building activities involved workshops and training sessions dedicated to presenting best practices to procuring entities and SMEs. The training program focused on women-led SMEs interested in electronic bidding, to increase awareness of gender responsive procurement, create visibility of women entrepreneurship for procuring entities and empower women in the public procurement process.
Capacity Strengthening of procurement operations
Expert advisory services were provided to implement a 50% increase in operational and programmatic surge in the Mines Advisory Group’s Sri Lanka country office. This involved the operationalization of a revised procurement strategic plan providing for alignment and development with key counterparts in Sri Lankan industry and Government and the creation of a consolidated procurement plan. Procurement capacity was reinforced and strengthened through modular instructional programs for key staff and delivering customized training.
Procurement Optimization
Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), an international humanitarian agency that supported as many as 20 million refugees in 2020, to optimize current procedures, improve procurement control systems and accountability of procurement function, and enhance oversight mechanisms for actions. Following a detailed situational analysis and review of all procurement rules and practices of the NRC’s Middle East region (8 regional offices) revised procedures were developed for optimizing operations to enable NRC to make strategic decisions that resulted in significant cost and impact improvements to its supply chain management.
Climate Change, Disaster Resilience and Natural Resources Management
GMS Core Environment Program
The Core Environment Program (CEP) is a flagship regional economic cooperation initiative of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to support the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) comprising Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam and Peoples Republic of China (Guangxi and Yunnan provinces). CEP’s output focuses on transboundary Environmental monitoring and safeguards, Biodiversity landscapes and livelihoods, Climate Change resilience, Institutional capacity building and financing. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained as the Lead Project Development and Environment Specialist tasked to identify, prioritize and develop a viable and bankable project pipeline of climate resilient environmental projects based on national priorities and commitments, capacity needs and multi-stakeholder workshops. Standardized project identification guidelines and templates were developed and detailed project concept briefs were prepared for evaluating potential projects for uptake. Significant contributions were made in the preparation of the CEP Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2018-22 aimed at mainstreaming environment management and climate resilience across priority development sectors and improving resource use efficiency. An integrated value chain approach was adopted to provide scale to the investment planning process whilst ensuring gender and social inclusivity and attracting private sector participation through projects that manage the risk reward expectations of the investors. The CEP Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2018-22 was approved by the Environment Ministers’ meeting of the 6 countries. This involved preparation of agenda, policy briefs, concept notes, presentations and included organizing a Green Technology exhibition and seminar that showcased innovative solutions to transition to a low carbon and sustainable economy.
GMS Core Agriculture Support Program (CASP)
The GMS CASP supported by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Nordic Development Fund and other development partners addressed the emerging challenges to agricultural development specifically those linked to expanding cross-border trade in agri-food products, promoting climate friendly agriculture through climate change adaptation practices and food and bioenergy security. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained as the Lead Strategic Planning specialist to develop a value chain based integrated approach to support agribusiness activities including a strategic framework to develop Agribusiness Development Centers. Financing initiatives were recommended to (a) support small farm holders to adopt climate friendly and sustainable agriculture practices for crop improvement and higher yields, thereby, reducing food and livelihood security risks, and (b) scale public and private investments to close the financing gap using industry best practices and verifiable country and business examples.
Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR)
Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank as an Adaptation Investment Specialist to develop a set of investment opportunities for financing under the Climate Investment Fund’s PPCR Competitive Private Sector Set Aside-funded activities. Our expert (i) Identified key agriculture sectors where the role of the private sector was relevant and/or required for the effective development of a value chain-based climate resilience project; (ii) Liaised with relevant stakeholders, local chambers of commerce, professional associations, potential private sector clients, and farmer communities through a combination of workshops and private meetings; (iii) Obtained responses regarding interest and involvement in specific climate adaptation project and program opportunities, and challenges and constraints experienced; and (iv) Developed a comprehensive Integrated Climate Resilient Rice Value Chain and Community development project as per PPCR guidelines. The project aimed to reduce the climate vulnerability of at least 50,000 smallholder farmers in the Battambang and Pursat provinces of Cambodia by increasing rice production and value, and improving access to extension services and affordable loans in addition to providing food and livelihood security. It covered all aspects of the rice value chain, from production to post-harvest and marketing, thus providing seamless support to SMEs whilst addressing climate risks, reducing wastage, increasing agricultural productivity and enhancing income.
Public Private Partnership Agreement for a Weather Indexed Climate Insurance (WICI) Scheme
The agriculture sector contributes nearly 23% to Cambodia’s GDP and is a source of livelihood and income for about 40% of its population. Poverty reduction, food security and productivity improvement remain the major objectives of the government and formed the basis for the Rice Sector Development Strategy. Cambodia is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of climate change leading to extreme weather events such as droughts and floods. An Asian Development Bank loan together with grants from the Global Agriculture and Food Security Program and the Strategic Climate Fund financed a Weather Indexed Climate Insurance (WICI) scheme to increase the resilience of rice farming households to climate and natural disaster risks. It is expected that through WICI, rice farm income losses caused by climate and natural disaster risk will be reduced and farmers will be able to replace seed without depleting their cash resources and procure better quality agricultural inputs. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained as a Public Private Partnership (PPP) specialist in a multidisciplinary team of consultants to evaluate previous crop insurance schemes, lessons learned, research successful international best practices for crop insurance and develop a comprehensive PPP agreement between insurance companies, farmers and the government. Tasks included: Obtained consensus on government subsidy, warranties, responsibilities of the parties and contract terms and conditions; Ensured transparent invitation processes and held detailed consultations with potential insurance PPP partners, legal advisors and related stakeholders; Guided national consultants to conduct training for officials and WICI awareness workshops for farmers; and Assisted in the selection of PPP partners, coordinated PPP implementation, and roll-out of the scheme.
Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF)
The CTI-CFF is funded by international donors and multilaterals and implemented by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). It is a regional cooperation partnership program comprising Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste, that focuses on poverty reduction through economic development, food security, sustainable livelihoods for coastal communities and biodiversity conservation. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by ADB as the Lead Project Manager to advance a suite of interventions, recommend program activities, develop project pipelines, assist with financing documentation and support private sector intervention modules. The project envisaged setting up a Business Development Unit to liaise and coordinate with consultants, development partners, government ministries, thematic working groups, CTI Regional Secretariat, national coordinators and stakeholders including potential private sector investors. A Financial Architecture study was coordinated with external consultants and several country specific knowledge publications were produced included the State of the Coral Triangle reports that provide a baseline documentation of the biophysical and socio-economic characteristics and environmental vulnerabilities of the coastal and marine ecosystems as well as the institutional framework for governing marine resource use. Assistance was provided in evaluating projects and in particular developing infrastructure investment pilot projects for execution including mobilizing financial resources. A Strategic Framework for an Integrated Fisheries Development Centre Value Chain investment concept together with a pilot demonstration project was prepared as a PPP investment for Philippines.
Cambodia: National Environment and Strategic Action Plan 2016-23 (NESAP)
The NESAP is Cambodia’s road map for Sustainable Development. It provides a detailed analysis of the state of the environment in Cambodia and outlines priority policy and governance improvements and financing mechanisms that can help it to achieve environmentally sustainable economic improvements. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank under the GMS Core Environment Program to help draft the NESAP and specifically to prepare comprehensive project profiles and a compendium of environmental projects being implemented, approved but not commissioned, under active consideration, and those that were in the planning stages. Based on this data a US$ 263 million pipeline of current and planned environmental projects and programs were included in the NESAP. Each project was evaluated and referenced in terms of its contribution to achieve the nationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals. A detailed analysis of available funding streams and the financing gaps and opportunities for bridging the same was identified. NESAP was approved by the Royal Government of Cambodia in December 2018.
Cambodia: Climate Resilient Rice Commercialization Sector Development Program
The services of Global Best Practice Group’s expert were retained by the Asian Development Bank as a Business focused Resource Efficiency specialist for developing an Agriculture Rice Commercialization Sector Development Plan for Cambodia to support its Strategy on Agriculture and Water and the Rice Strategy by creating an enabling investment and regulatory environment. Tasks undertaken included: (i) Assessed the status quo of resource utilization by rice-related households/entities, their production capacity, constraints, operational bottlenecks, regulatory issues, and potential for improvement in efficiency and output by developing robust rice value chain initiatives leading to poverty reduction, inclusivity, and achievement of Cambodia Rice Policy goals and objectives. (ii) Proposed business focused climate change adaptation initiatives with regard to irrigation water efficiency, post–harvesting facilities and marketing strategies. (iii) Recommended innovative, financially self-sustaining and environmentally friendly initiatives to be developed as pilot projects on a PPP basis. (iv) Proposed value chain–based resilient agribusiness project investments and capacity building activities for inclusion in the Sector Development Plan with cost estimates and investment phasing.
Green Freight Initiative - Design of low-carbon freight sector pilot projects
The freight sector in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS comprising of Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) is dominated by road transport that ferries about 80% of all freight tonnage. Aging vehicles, poor fuel efficiency, inefficient fleet management and high operational costs contributed to increased Greenhouse Gas emissions. There was a need to develop an institutional framework in the road freight sector by bundling access to finance and fuel-efficient technologies and building driver and management capacity in an enabling policy environment. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank as a member of a multidisciplinary team to develop pragmatic and implementable pilot projects that have the approval, participation and support of the national governments as well as the freight operator associations and the SME operators. Following a review of the road sector freight scenario and an understanding of the areas of concern specific interventions were proposed for (i) Low Carbon technologies pilot; (ii) Vehicle Upgrade or low-cost loans pilot; (iii) Eco-driving training pilot for freight companies; and (iv) Logistics management pilot to reduce backhaul and increase fleet efficiency.
Innovative Financial Mechanisms
Innovative Financing options for a COVID-19 Fund for Philippines
The Covid 19 pandemic reduced an emerging Philippines economy to a standstill and reversed most of the economic gains achieved over the last few years. In 2020 GDP declined by 9.5%, foreign direct investments reduced by nearly 25%, revenue collection fell by 9% and the national debt increased by 26.7% leading to increased inflation and unemployment. The Asian Development Bank implemented a Rapid Emergency Supplies Provision program to address the immediate adverse impact of the pandemic – loss of income and food security. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained to design a longer term innovative and sustainable financing solution for the Government of Philippines to consider as a funding mechanism for pandemics and related disaster related emergencies. A review of the socio-economic impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic, assessment of the government response and a comparison of its recovery strategy with international recovery actions provided a clear understanding of the areas for intervention. Clear objectives for a Covid-19 Fund with a focus on financing SMEs by providing climate smart solutions and green transformation investments were developed to seek financial support from climate and other international funding agencies. Innovative financing options including bond and fund mechanisms were evaluated for kickstarting the economy and building resilience. A Trust Fund architecture was recommended as the next step to strengthen financial preparedness against socio-economic crises and build resilience to impacts of climate change.
Justification and Valuation of Natural Capital investments
Agriculture and natural resources (ANR) are an integral component of a nation’s wealth. They provide the foundation for human sustenance, livelihood and economic development activity. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank to undertake a study to provide justification for agriculture and natural capital investments made by multilateral development banks. The sustainability of ANR ecosystems can be achieved through a perpetual stream of investments that restore, revive, replenish and replace expended and utilized resources. The study reviewed empirical evidence of returns in the context of poverty reduction potential of ANR investments and creation of infrastructure for sustainability and social protection concerns. The relevance of natural capital valuation methodologies and quantification of ecosystem services was examined. Existing ground realities, approaches, and actions taken by policy makers and developmental agencies, including Multilateral Development Banks, towards investments in natural capital were reviewed in the context of the role of ANR ministries and the influence that they exerted on development agendas of government. Developed a framework for making ANR investments justifiable in terms of returns, tangible results, benefits, and positive impacts, that are acceptable to policymakers and investors. An ecosystems approach to integrated management and planning was suggested for natural resource utilization and conservation. Existing financing mechanisms for ANR projects and services were evaluated in terms of the investment strategy and expectations of the investors and new funding sources for the sector were proposed through an investment framework for specific investor groups.
Financing options for Climate Friendly Agribusinesses in the GMS
Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank to evaluate financing options for climate – friendly agribusinesses in the GMS, determine needs, gaps, and key challenges for financing options for green infrastructure and technologies. Priorities were identified for action over the next five years on a regional basis. A comprehensive paper was presented at the GMS Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability Program and GMS Sustainable Agriculture & Food Security Program Consultative Workshops with GMS country partners to provide innovative financial mechanisms and resource mobilization initiatives for funding projects.
Innovative Finance for Sustainable Infrastructure
Infrastructure investment is key to economic growth and yet the world is facing a widening infrastructure deficit. The existing pace of infrastructure development has been unable to meet the demands of a growing population. On the one hand it is positively influenced by globalization, higher literacy levels, digital transformation and economic and social initiatives to raise living standards; but, on the other hand, it is adversely impacted by climate change and the increased threat of natural and weather-related disasters. Investments in infrastructure will require a paradigm shift both in the mind-set and in the conception of developmental initiatives so that they are not viewed as the sole responsibility of the public sector but as a viable opportunity for the private sector to partner and share in its financial and social benefits. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained to research and develop a Green Finance Innovative Finance knowledge publication for the Asian Development Bank as a publicly available resource for leveraging public resources to catalyze private capital for climate resilient sustainable infrastructure. The knowledge product provides an overview of the infrastructure financing outlook and infrastructure financing needs and gaps assessment in SE Asia and the Pacific. It not only highlights the growing infrastructure and resource requirements, but also shares ingenuous financial approaches that have been adopted in different geographies. It fulfills the need for a knowledge product that creates awareness on structuring project financing, strategic use of public funds, de-risking of investments and creating a green investment-enabled environment. A cross-section of global innovative financing mechanisms, both existing and evolving, ranging from blended finance structures to bonds are included, together with case studies, to illustrate how traditional financing systems have been remodeled to achieve project objectives and can be utilized to bridge the infrastructure gap.
Innovative approaches to finance Environment sector Public Private Partnership projects
Accelerated and substantial investment in adaptation and mitigation technologies are required to address the challenges of climate change and secure a low carbon and sustainable energy future. Active participation and investment of the private sector is critical for the transition to low carbon footprint, high resource sustainability, high energy efficient and climate-resilient economies. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained by the Asian Development Bank to identify a range of appropriate financing instruments to be applied to promote green growth in the agriculture, environment and natural resources sectors of SE Asian countries. Following a review of existing global and regional environmental capital markets and ADB’s public and private sector financing instruments, an Environment Sector PPP and private sector Investment Opportunities and financing options report was developed. A Strategic Financing Framework was proposed to support private sector involvement in climate change adaptation measures, technologies, and initiatives that provide sustainable solutions. Natural resource management, creation of climate resilient infrastructure, food security and GHG emission reduction were identified as the core concentration areas. Pilot projects for clean tech, capacity building and improvements in the regulatory framework were recommended. All pilots included a sustainable private sector investment component. Options and opportunities to introduce and scale up Public Private Partnerships for financing environment sector operations were also assessed and an Environment Investment Fund structure was recommended to finance climate proof and disaster risk resilient projects.
Urban Water Supply and Sanitation
Institutional support to Nam Papa Lao (Lao Water Authority)
The Asian Development Bank provided technical assistance for institutional strengthening of Nam Papa Lao (Lao Water Authority) through human resources development to enhance capabilities in financial management, planning, billing and tariff structure. Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained as an individual consultant to establish an integrated technical and financial Management Information System (MIS). Developed and implemented technical and accounting management processes including O&M works programming, inventory control, cost analysis, budgeting and budgetary control for performance measurement and monitoring. An Internal Audit function was established and detailed procedure manuals were developed. Finance and technical staff were trained on the use of the MIS, and the structuring and analysis of performance and activity reports. Internal Audit training workshops were conducted for identified Finance staff to improve compliance and risk management. Developed a Strategic Systems Plan that mapped IT infrastructure (hardware and software requirement specifications) and assessed staff capabilities and user information requirements.
Institutional Strengthening of Urban Local Authorities – Sri Lanka
Consequent upon the decentralization and devolution of authority to local councils in Sri Lanka, the World Bank and UNDP funded a Municipal Management project to improve the operational performance, strengthen capacity, and ensure effective service delivery and financial stability of Urban Local Authorities (ULAs). As a member of Tata Consultancy Services’ management consulting team, Global Best Practice Group’s expert was retained as a Performance Improvement Advisor (Financial Management & Resource Mobilization) to the Ministry of Urban Development & Provincial Councils, Govt. of Sri Lanka. Major tasks included: (i) Design and implement improved budgeting and budgetary control, financial accounting, book keeping, MIS, Asset and Depreciation Management systems. (ii) Develop and implement Resource Mobilization and tariff policies to increase efficiency to enhance collections and reduce arrears. (iii) Strengthen capacity through training workshops to familiarize staff with new and revised systems. (iv) Establish minimum standards of performance for ULAs and monitor progress based on a Performance Improvement Plan.
Financial Management and Control Systems Project – Dubai Electricity & Water Authority
Following the merger of the Dubai Water Department and the Dubai Electricity Company into a single statutory body – Dubai Electricity & Water Authority, KPMG - UAE was retained to design, develop and implement detailed financial and commercial procedures for a unified billing, accounting, inventory control, procurement, budgetary control and financial management reporting systems. As Project Manager, Global Best Practice Group’s expert led a team of consultants that set up the revised financial systems and ensured implementation through training workshops. Based on the success of the financial management assignment, the firm was awarded the Management Audit of the newly established authority for a period of 2 years. This involved review of all technical, financial and administrative activities, undertaking efficiency cum performance audits and development and documentation of internal audit procedures. Supervision of joint audit teams, preparation of audit and control checklists for each functional area, risk assessment, discussion and presentation of reports to management and implementation of revised procedures and recommendations was also undertaken.
Comparative Infrastructure Development Assessment of the Republic of Korea and Kingdom of Thailand
The Asian Development Bank retained the services of Global Best Practice Group’s expert as a Water sector specialist to undertake a comparative infrastructure development assessment between South Korea and Thailand. The evolution of water sector planning was traced in both countries and field visits and discussions were held with stakeholders, agencies, government ministries and private sector operators. A comprehensive comparative infrastructure assessment was undertaken to identify service inefficiencies and inadequacies in capacity. Implementable solutions and recommendations were developed based on lessons learned. Areas of improvement and mutual cooperation between the two countries were identified as opportunities for ADB intervention and mutual cooperation and collaboration.
Public Private Partnerships
Procurement and Communication Strategies for PPPs
When the Government of Sri Lanka identified private sector investment as the key to rapid infrastructure development to achieve greater economic growth it was identified that partnerships with the private sector on projects would lead to a sharing of the development and financing risk, provide a commercial and market focused approach, improve the quality of technical and managerial services and introduce private sector capital into project development. Under the GBPG expert prepared new PPP Guidelines and conducted supporting activities including delivering procurement capacity building workshops and advisory consultations to advance resilient procurement best practices and strategies. Stakeholders included the Ministry of Finance, the National Procurement Commission, and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce.
Public Private Partnerships: Fundamentals Of Public Investment Management
The Maldives is an upper middle-income country that is largely dependent upon tourism to sustain its economy. Investment in economic and social infrastructure projects is critical to enhance tourism capacity and productivity and contribute to poverty reduction and improved living standards. PPPs mechanisms provide a good opportunity for the private sector to invest in infrastructure development in collaboration with the government. As a key technical advisor for the USAID funded project, assistance was provided to the Government of Maldives to prioritize infrastructure projects that provided the highest returns, attracted private investment and reduced dependence on high-risk and expensive debt financing. A Charter for a National PPP unit was developed with comprehensive PPP Guidance documentation including PPP Procurement guidelines. Capacity building activities were undertaken and a PPP Advisory Unit was established to support ministries and assist private investors to develop projects by adopting performance-based budgeting and transparency in all contracting activities.
Multi-country Infrastructure Procurement Advisory Portfolio
Under the aegis of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) as the MCC Engineers Representative consulting framework, The GBPG expert led a team of government procurement, environmental, and engineer technical advisors on a $25 million fee program portfolio of MCC projects. Projects included Armenia (irrigation infrastructure), Georgia (road infrastructure), Ghana (road and ferry infrastructure), Tanzania (roads, power and water infrastructure), Moldova (irrigation and road infrastructure), Cape Verde (WASH utility sector and municipal institutional reform (PPPs)), Mozambique (WASH sector and roads), and Lesotho (healthcare facilities). The primary focus of the program was to provide oversight support for the procurement of large infrastructure projects in the eight countries with a total value in excess of $1 billion.
Infrastructure Sector Assessment Program
Prior to embarking upon development projects governments must undertake a thorough assessment of the various critical infrastructure sectors to determine the requirements for new developments, enhancements to scale up capacity, retrofit existing plant and equipment and provide opportunities for private sector participation. GBPG’s expert was retained by the World Bank to assist in developing a Infrastructure Sector Assessment Program diagnostic tool to inform how the Maldives government and the World Bank group can partner to leverage macro-economic linkages to improve access and performance across key infrastructure sectors. A PPP cross cutting analysis was a central part of the report that recommended interventions including policy changes and potential bottlenecks that needed to be corrected.
Gender
