Timor-Leste Social Assistance Public Expenditure and Program Performance Report

This expenditure review and performance evaluation report is part of the technical assistance provided to Timor-Leste’s Ministry of Social Solidarity in response to the lack of any national level evaluation of the safety nets system since its inception. To that end, this study seeks to assess the social assistance policy, as well as the performance of the main MSS social assistance programs. More specifically, the aims are to: (1) determine whether existing programs are efficient, effective and sufficient in addressing main vulnerabilities; (2) assess the adequacy and composition of the allocation of financial resources for delivery of government social assistance; (3) review operational and administrative issues; and (4) make recommendations for improving the delivery of social safety nets. Some of the questions that this report seeks to answer include: What are the main risks facing the vulnerable groups in Timor-Leste? What types of programs are in place to address those risks? Is the range of programs and their financial allocations appropriate for the country’s needs? Is the institutional arrangement adequate? Are these programs effective and reaching the intended beneficiaries? Are they implemented cost-effectively?