Political Economy Analyst, Monrovia, LIBERIA (International Consultant) United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Closing date: Thursday, 17 August 2017

Political Economy Analyst, 
Monrovia, LIBERIA 
(International Consultant)  
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) 
Closing date: Thursday, 17 August 2017

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Background

UNDP and UNMIL are seeking suitable candidates for the position of Political Economy Analyst. Under the supervision and guidance of the UNDP Deputy Country Director/Programme, the incumbent is expected to help carry-out a public expenditure review (PER) of the Liberian justice and security sectors to help “determine minimum financial needs and the [appropriate] allocation of government resources for the reform, restructuring and effective functioning of the Liberian rule of law sector”. In particular, the incumbent is expected to carry-out a thorough political economy analysis (PEA) of the Liberian justice and security sectors, with a view to gaining a better understanding of the intra-governmental relations and dynamics that have a bearing on how the different justice and security institutions are resourced. The background paper, which is to guide and inform the public expenditure review, should also include a detailed overview of the security threats that Liberia is likely to face in the next decade. The UNDP/UNMIL Joint Programme entitled Strengthening the Rule of Law in the Liberia: Justice and Security for the Liberian People (2016-2019) aims to support the Government of Liberia in its efforts to build a society based on the principles of rule of law, human rights and justice. The programme is geared towards enhancing the capacities of, and public confidence in, rule of law institutions, as well as strengthening access to justice and security, especially for women and girls. Interventions are designed with a view to ensuring sustainability and linking activities to ‘system-level’ policy development. Support rests on a supply and demand equation that combines enhanced service delivery by resilient justice and security institutions with the public’s ability to access such services and hold duty-bearers to account. By increasing public confidence in the sector, support is designed to be catalytic, strengthening state-society relations and creating an enabling environment for development. As such, the programme is oriented around the following four mutually reinforcing interventions: Capacity of justice and security institutions strengthened and linkages forged; Civil society contribution to rule of law and community access to justice enhanced; Gender responsiveness of justice, security and legislative actors strengthened and women and girls’ access to justice and security improved; Capacity of key actors and stakeholders to monitor progress and results in rule of law development increased. The outcomes and outputs are based on a clearly defined theory of change, building on the lessons learned during the UN system’s engagement with Liberian rule of law sector since 2003. Capitalising on the comparative advantages of each of the implementing partners, activities are carefully designed to achieve outputs and contribute to outcome level change that impacts the lives of beneficiaries and engenders systemic resilience and human development. Aimed at successfully implementing UNMIL's mandated tasks and, at the same time, facilitating a smooth transition to longer-term assistance by the UN Country Team (UNCT), the programme relies on and strengthen coordination and cooperation with and between national counterparts, supporting national ownership and nationally-driven sustainable processes. In addition, UNDP and UNMIL are committed to working closely with other members of the international community, including the Peacebuilding Support Office (PBSO) and the World Bank (WB).

Duties and Responsibilities

Working in close collaboration with colleagues from UNDP, UNMIL, PBSO and WB, the incumbent is to carry-out a thorough political economy analysis (PEA) of the Liberian justice and security sectors, with a view to gaining a better understanding of the intra-governmental relations and dynamics that have a bearing on how the different justice and security institutions are resourced. In addition to examining the formal, recognised roles and responsibilities within the budget process, the incumbent is expected to assess ‘the politics of the budget’, i.e. how the distribution of public resources is affected by the distribution of power within that process. Finally, the incumbent is expected to provide a detailed overview of the security threats that Liberia is likely to face in the next decade, so as to allow for a proper analysis of how anticipated costs are to be aligned with available resources. Deliverables: A background paper totalling 20-25 pages plus annexes, with an executive summary of not more than six pages describing key findings and recommendations. In addition to an in-depth analysis of the intra-governmental relations and dynamics that have a bearing on how the different justice and security institutions are resourced, the paper is expected to include an outline of the security threats that Liberia is likely to face in the next decade, as well as an overview of the security organisations responsible for addressing these; In conjunction with UNDP, UNMIL, PBSO and WB, present and discuss key findings and recommendations during a number of stakeholder meetings in Monrovia. Impact of Results: Building on the initial financial review carried-out in 2013, the public expenditure review (PER) is aimed at determining the minimum financial needs and the appropriate allocation of government resources over the next five years for the reform, restructuring and effective functioning of the Liberian rule of law sector. The background paper is expected to guide and inform the public expenditure review and may, in whole or in part, be quoted in the final PER report.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN values and ethical standards;  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability; Treats all people fairly without favouritism; Excellent analytical and organisational skills. Functional Competencies: Knowledge Management and Learning Promotes a knowledge-sharing and learning culture; In-depth knowledge of development issues; Ability to provide and advocate for policy advice; Actively works towards continuing personal learning and successfully applies newly acquired skills; Outstanding analytical skills. Interpersonal Skills Focuses on impact and results for the client and responds positively to feedback; Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude; Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills; Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors; Remains calm, in control and good-humoured even under pressure. Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills Acts with tact and diplomacy; Remains calm, in control and good-humoured, even under pressure; Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities;  Demonstrates excellent political/conflict analysis; Possesses the ability to convey difficult issues and positions to (senior) counterparts and officials.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:  An advanced university degree in international relations, political science, public administration, finance, economics or related field. Experience:  A minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in public administration reform, with a focus on countries affected by conflict violence and fragility; Extensive political economy analysis experience; Up-to-date knowledge of capacity development principles and approaches; Familiarity with the UN system; previous experience of working in Liberia or one of the other ECOWAS countries is required; Proven experience of working with government authorities as well as civil society organisations and academic institutions. Language Requirements:  Fluency in English, including outstanding writing skills. Evaluation criteria: Shortlisting: Education = 4 points : Experience = 6 points; 7 points required for pass to the desk review process Only shortlisted candidates will be forwarded the UNDP Procurement Notice Technical proposal (desk review) Technical skills, given by qualifications and training record (20 points); Overall experience in the provision with the services given above (50 points); Adequacy of competencies & skills responding to the Terms of Reference (30 points). To be qualified candidate should obtain minimum 70% of the total 70 points. Contract Award Contract will be awarded to highest scored candidate (technical score + financial scores)/100 Rating will be as follow: Rating the Technical Proposal (TP): TP Rating = (Total Score Obtained by the Offer / Max. Obtainable Score for TP) x 100 Rating the Financial Proposal (FP): FP Rating = (Lowest Priced Offer / Price of the Offer Being Reviewed) x 100 Total Combined Score: (TP rating) x (Weight of TP, e.g. 70%) + (FP Rating) x (Weight of FP, e.g., 30%) Total Combined and Final Rating of the Proposal: The higher combined score will be recommended. Interested candidates are requested to submit in separate files a technical and financial proposal to the email bids.lr@undp.org. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.