World Bank RFP: Strengthening Public Financial Management for Health Service Delivery in Fragile States

This World Bank RFP is a significant opportunity to address the critical link between financial governance and health outcomes in fragile states. The World Bank has allocated up to $25 million for a 4-year project aimed at strengthening public financial management (PFM) frameworks in the health sectors of up to five fragile states. The core premise is that improved PFM leads to better resource allocation, reduced leakages, and more effective health service delivery. The call targets organizations with expertise in PFM, health financing, and working in conflict-affected environments. The RFP is part of a broader global initiative to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). It also aligns with the World Bank's Fragility, Conflict, and Violence (FCV) Strategy, which prioritizes institution building and service delivery in unstable regions. The deadline for submission is July 30, 2026, with high urgency indicating that the World Bank expects comprehensive but timely proposals. Successful bidders will demonstrate a deep understanding of the specific PFM challenges in fragile states, such as weak internal controls, limited budget credibility, and informal payments. They must propose scalable solutions that leverage digital technologies and local ownership. The response should include a thorough situational analysis, a clear results framework, and a strong sustainability component. GSLI’s courses can help bidders strengthen their proposals by addressing capacity gaps in financial management, M&E, and proposal writing.

This RFP is designed for a diverse range of organizations with proven expertise in public financial management, health sector reforms, and operations in fragile and conflict-affected states. Eligible entities include international non-governmental organizations (INGOs), consulting firms, research institutions, and consortia with a track record of implementing multi-country, multi-donor funded projects. Organizations must demonstrate at least ten years of experience in PFM reforms, with specific references to assignments in Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East, or South Asia. Additionally, bidders must possess a minimum annual turnover of $5 million for the past three fiscal years and have a physical presence in at least two fragile states as defined by the OECD Fragile States Index. The World Bank prioritizes partnerships that include local organizations to ensure contextual relevance and capacity building. Joint ventures are encouraged, provided the lead partner has a solid financial rating and no history of sanctions or debarment. Technical staff must include experts with advanced degrees in economics, public administration, or health financing, and at least one team member should be a Certified Public Finance Officer. Women-led organizations and those with strong gender equity policies are particularly welcome, aligning with the World Bank's gender strategy.

The World Bank's global priorities for this RFP center on enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of public funds in the health sector. Key performance indicators include: a 20% reduction in budget variance within two years, completion of a public expenditure tracking survey (PETS) in at least three districts per target country, and certification of 50 health finance officers each year. The donor emphasizes the adoption of digital PFM platforms that integrate with national treasury systems, enabling real-time data on fund flows. Additionally, there is a strong focus on gender-responsive budgeting, requiring bidders to include specific interventions that track allocations for maternal and child health. The World Bank also prioritizes climate-responsive budgeting, given the impact of climate change on health outcomes in fragile states. Proposals must outline a clear path to scaling up successful pilots, with a target of reaching 80% of health facilities in selected regions. Cross-sectoral coordination with education and water sectors is encouraged to maximize health outcomes. Finally, the donor seeks innovative financing mechanisms such as output-based aid or social impact bonds that can attract additional funding from private sources.

Eligibility encompasses comprehensive financial, spatial, and legal audits. Financially, bidder organizations must submit audited financial statements for the last three years, showing positive net assets and a debt-to-equity ratio below 0.5. They must have a minimum of $5 million in annual revenue from PFM-related projects. Spatially, organizations must have operational experience in at least two fragile states, with documented presence (e.g., registration, office lease, or project certificates). Legally, bidders must be registered as non-profit or for-profit entities with a valid tax identification number and be in good standing with their home country's regulatory body. They must not be listed on the World Bank's debarment list or any equivalent sanctions list. Additionally, the consortium must include at least one local partner from a target fragile state, with a signed memorandum of understanding. Compliance with the World Bank's Anti-Corruption Guidelines and Fraud and Corruption policies is mandatory. Bidders must also adhere to environmental and social safeguards, including a commitment to do no harm and to protect vulnerable populations. All proposed staff must have valid professional certifications and clearances to work in fragile contexts. The lead organization must have a proven capacity to handle multi-million dollar budgets, with internal controls audited annually by a recognized firm.

To succeed in this RFP, bidders must follow a strategic roadmap that integrates GSLI's capacity-building solutions. Step 1: Conduct a Self-Assessment and Capacity Gap Analysis – Before drafting the proposal, assemble an internal team to review your organization’s expertise in PFM for health in fragile states. Use GSLI’s 'Financial Management for NGOs' and 'Procurement & Supply Chain' courses to assess and bridge gaps. Ensure your team has at least two years of relevant experience; if not, enroll them in these courses immediately. Step 2: Develop a Robust Technical Approach – Align your methodology with the World Bank’s PFM framework, focusing on budget cycle, internal controls, and audit. Incorporate GSLI’s 'Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)' training to design rigorous indicators. For example, propose a results framework that tracks the percentage of health facilities with improved budget execution. Use GSLI’s case studies to illustrate best practices from other fragile states. Step 3: Strengthen Financial and Institutional Capacity – Demonstrate financial stability and risk management by highlighting GSLI certifications in 'Grants Management' and 'Writing Winning Proposals' as proof of your team’s proficiency. Include a risk mitigation plan that outlines how GSLI’s training will help local partners meet donor compliance standards. Step 4: Secure Partnerships and Local Engagement – Form a consortium with local NGOs that have expertise in health service delivery. Offer to co-train their staff using GSLI’s 'Public Health & Epidemiology' or 'WASH' courses, enhancing their capacity for project implementation. In the proposal, detail how these partnerships will be managed, with M&E and financial oversight from GSLI-trained personnel. By following these steps, bidders can present a compelling proposal that showcases not only technical know-how but also a commitment to building local capacity, a key priority for the World Bank. GSLI’s courses provide the necessary credentials and practical skills to execute the project successfully.