The SP&PFM project in Paraguay, through close collaborations between the ILO, UNICEF and the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITC-ILO), supported the adaptation of the E-learning on public finance for social protection analysts into Spanish and the localization of its content to the Latin American context. The course aimed at social protection practitioners in Paraguay and other countries in the region will take place from 14 June to 23 July 2021.

The SP&PFM project arranged the course translation as the English language requirement proved an obstacle for many potential Paraguayan participants and the COVID-19 pandemic prevented international travel. At the same time, the e-learning was adapted to include new documents and tutors and to incorporate the Latin American context, expecting a wider reach not only of Paraguayan participants but also from other Spanish-speaking countries.

The e-learning is designed both for social protection practitioners seeking to deepen their understanding of public finance and for public finance professionals seeking to comprehend the specific considerations necessary for social protection financing. Typical participants would be professionals from government ministries, social security institutions, social partners, UN agencies, non-governmental organizations, research institutes and consultancy firms. Participants should hold a bachelor’s or advanced degrees and have a strong quantitative background.

Course outline

  • Taxation and revenue collection: trends and policy options
  • The public financial management (PFM) cycle
  • Reading and assessing national budgets, including the classifying and interpreting social protection expenditure
  • Assessment of social protection gaps
  • Contribution financing of social protection
  • Costing tax-financed social protection schemes
  • Creation of fiscal space for social protection
  • Assessing value for money
  • The political economy of social protection financing
  • Development of medium-term financing strategies

Learning outcomes

Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Assess the public finance context in terms of revenue collection, public expenditure and the PFM cycle
  • Develop a compelling case for investment in social protection that feeds into the national budget cycle
  • Produce costed medium-term plans outlining core priorities for social protection system expansion and reform