About this learning initiative

At this learning initiative, participants will learn about the key concepts of Program and Performance Budgeting (PPB), the importance of program classification, and prospects for the utilization of key performance indicators, while also learning how to use PPB tools and principles for selected structural reform policy measures when the PPB concept is not officially required for budgetary planning. Moreover, it will provide insights into how PPB reinforces performance audits and how to strengthen this connection.

This learning initiative is designed as blended online and face-to-face learning. It will combine two weeks of e-learning and a face-to-face workshop.

E-learning phase, Sep 16-Oct 1

At our Online Learning Campus, participants will be introduced to performance-informed budgeting in a wider budgeting context, the link between strategic policy planning and budget preparation cycle, as well as critical coordination aspects. They will explore the main PPB concepts and the status of PPB reform in different countries.

The two e-learning units (each lasting one week) will feature reading materials, short video lectures, and interactive exercises, enriched with a weekly online meeting that allows participants to discuss the course contents.

Face-to-face workshop, Oct 8-10, Ljubljana

The subsequent 3-day workshop will be practically-oriented and will examine in detail PPB tools and concepts, and engage participants in discussions on how those concepts are implemented in different countries.

What will you learn

We will discuss how to prepare an effective and well-balanced program classification, description and establish performance indicators. We will learn how to shift from line-item budgeting to program budgeting, and how to link it with policy objectives and performance indicators. Emphasis will be also given to the necessary preconditions for developing performance budgeting and role of line ministries in and their coordination with ministries of finance, and within different departments of the line ministry.

We will also discuss how the PPB concept can support the integration of structural reforms into the budget cycle. Through a practical exercise, we will examine tools for prioritization of structural reforms and strategic policy planning. We will also discuss the linkage between ERPs and PPB.

Different tools for strengthening PPB will be explored, including internal audit aspects; establishing reliable performance indicators and non-financial performance reporting procedures and responsibilities; assuring the role of supreme audit institutions through performance audits; and assuring an appropriate legal framework.

Target audience

Target audience are public officials from ministries of finance, line ministries, planning and coordinating institutions who are involved in budget preparation; preparing, assembling and prioritizing inputs for sectorial strategic planning documents; managing policy programs, and designing PPB frameworks.

Faculty

• Irena Drmaž, Ministry of Finance, Slovenia
• Majda Sedej, Independent expert, Serbia
• Anto Bajo, Faculty of Economics, University of Zagreb
• Janez Šušteršič, CEF associate fellow, Slovenia
• Suzanne Flynn, IMF
• Wojciech Zielinski, OECD
• Brian Finn, OECD
• Alastair Swarbrick, OECD

Practical information

Travel and accommodation costs will be funded for up to three officials per IPA II beneficiary country (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Kosovo*, Montenegro, Serbia, and Turkey). Officials from other CEF constituency countries and beyond would have to obtain funding from their sending institution (or another donor) to cover these costs. No fee will be charged, and meals and refreshments during the event will be provided to all selected participants.

The workshop be delivered in English and no translation will be provided.

Applications need to be submitted no later than August 26 via the online application form. Candidates will need to be approved by the CEF; confirmations will be sent to selected candidates by September 4.

Partners

This learning initiative was supported by: