Sometimes, a bus is the best way to travel ...
The BUSS is an initiative launched by the INTOSAI-Donor Cooperation in 2022 to continue capitalizing from the collaborative platform in place, maximize joint efforts, and to increase support to SAIs in need.
The objective of the BUSS initiative is to link available sources of support with SAI development plans by first proactively identifying resources, second, supporting SAIs in articulating their needs and third, enabling opportunities for engagement for both SAIs and partners.
The BUSS is replacing the Global Call for Proposals (GCP) Tier 1 mechanism – a rolling mechanism that intended to supported SAIs to develop proposals based on their needs and strategic plan, and enable mobilization of funds from interested financial and technical providers of support in a coordinated manner.
BUSS intro - Spanish
BUSS intro - Arabic
BUSS intro - French
Overall objective:
IDC’s aspiration with the BUSS is to scale-up and optimize joint efforts of INTOSAI and donor partners in enhancing the capacity and performance of SAIs in developing countries.
Specific objectives:
- Identify, establish and link sources of support for SAIs
- Empower SAIs in articulating their needs based on their strategic plans, and facilitate their dialogue with funding partners and other oversight institutions
- Enhance regional collaboration among SAIs, regional bodies and funding partners
- Meet SAI Governance and Independence needs by establishing a link to the IDI governance initiatives focalized in-depth support
There are two routes to achieve this, (A) SAIs participating in the IDI SPMR programme that require concrete donor and/or peer support to be facilitated through the Buss; and (B) SAIs applying through Buss initiative whose needs can be met through SPMR or related IDI governance initiatives.
Target audience:
The BUSS is available for all INTOSAI members and all donors and development partners working on Governance, Public Sector, Financial Management and working on Public Financial Management.
Implementation approach:
The BUSS has a two-fold brokerage approach targeting the empowerment of SAIs and identification and mobilization of resources. GFU, on behalf of the Cooperation, will provide brokerage services:
- On a permanent basis, by actively identifying global and regional funds or technical support available and connecting SAIs to those funds
- Regionally, by targeting 2 regions per year with BUSS workshops to facilitate sessions on strategic and mutually beneficial partnerships; advocate for SAI support; identify and target funds to enhance SAI development; and encourage broader accountability strategies by linking SAIs with other oversight institutions
Steps
a) On a permanent basis by actively identifying global and regional funds or technical support available
b) Offering BUSS workshops for donors, delivered online or at donor events like EC regional meetings, IMF, etc. With this audience, the objective is to (i) Reinforce donors’ knowledge about the SAI role within PFM system; (ii) Find synergies and ways of collaboration within the regions to allow achievement of common goals and maximize SAI support; (iii) understand and follow different types of funding; (iv) Advocate for support to SAI Independence
GFU will raise awareness of the availability of funds to SAIs within the target region or any other SAIs with matching priorities and facilitate dialogue.
GFU will support the development of proposals where a potential funding source has been identified. This will be offered to SAIs within the target region and/or those coming from the IDI SPMR programme that require concrete donor and/or peer support. GFU will deliver this support through the BUSS workshops.
The workshop objective will be to empower SAIs in articulating their needs, facilitate dialogue with partners and encourage coordination mechanisms. It includes sessions on (i) development of proposals; (ii) Donor engagement, mapping priorities and presenting thematic proposals; (iii) broader accountability strategies including other oversight bodies; (iv) Donor presentations; (v) What to replicate from success stories; and (vi) thematic round table discussions between SAIs and donors.
GFU will facilitate dialogue between SAIs with fully fledged proposals and the previously identified providers of support. It can be from:
(i) regional providers (e.g. peer, donor, development partner, regional banks);
(ii) participation in IDI governance and independence initiatives;
(iii) IDI focused in-depth support in governance or independence areas.
All SAIs in the process of mobilizing funds or support are offered additional training /support based on IDI SPMR programme principles and methodology for project design, management and reporting.
The SAI initiates direct engagement with providers of support/funding to develop and execute relevant capacity development projects.
The BUSS journey begins
The BUSS began its journey with a workshop for the CREFIAF region in October 2022. Next stop – OLACEFS in 2023!
When the Cour des Comptes of Burkina Faso attended the BUSS workshop in the CREFIAF region in October 2022, the SAI had already been working diligently towards the revision of organic law n°014-2000/AN of May 16, 2000…
The IDC BUSS? It’s just a vehicle.
But with the right people on board, it’s a ride into the future. Jump on at the next stop in your region!
For more information about BUSS, contact the Global Foundations Unit at intosai.donor.cooperation@idi.no
