Consultant - Finalization of the Lesotho Integrated National Financing Strategy

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), which is a global development network of the United Nations. Established in 1965, UNDP aims to eradicate poverty and reduce inequalities through sustainable development. It operates in approximately 170 countries and territories, working with governments and people to address their development challenges. UNDP focuses on various areas including democratic governance, sustainable development, and resilience to crises and shocks. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide, collaborating with a wide range of partners to achieve its mission.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for the Finalization of the Lesotho Integrated National Financing Strategy (INFS) involves a critical role in supporting the sustainable development goals of Lesotho. The consultant will be responsible for refining the draft strategy through extensive stakeholder engagement, proposing governance and monitoring frameworks, identifying and prioritizing policy options, and developing a comprehensive financing roadmap. The assignment is designed to align with national priorities such as the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), and Voluntary National Review (VNR) Reports. The consultant will analyze financing demand, assess financing needs, and develop a strategic framework that integrates risk mitigation, resilience-building, and gender equality. This role is essential for ensuring that Lesotho's financing strategy is robust, inclusive, and aligned with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key duties and responsibilities, including:

• Analyzing Financing Demand: Assess the financing needs based on national priorities, identifying vulnerabilities and risks such as fiscal volatility, climate risks, and external dependencies.
• Developing the Strategic Framework: Create the INFS strategic framework, including theory of change, objectives, and pillars, through stakeholder engagement and financing dialogues.
• Designing the Implementation Framework: Propose mechanisms for monitoring, review, coordination, and governance of the INFS, ensuring that systems incorporate gender considerations, early warning indicators, and stress-testing tools.
• Formulating the Financing Roadmap: Develop a roadmap with concrete policy actions, responsible entities, implementation timelines, and cost estimates, evaluating each action for risk sensitivity, resilience, and gender equality impact.
• Engaging with stakeholders to gather input and feedback throughout the process, ensuring that the strategy reflects the needs and priorities of the community.
• Preparing and submitting reports and documentation as required by UNDP, maintaining clear communication with the procurement unit and other relevant parties.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this consultancy position should possess the following qualifications:

• Proven experience in developing national financing strategies or similar frameworks, particularly in the context of sustainable development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess financing needs and risks effectively.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with experience in facilitating dialogues and consultations.
• Knowledge of gender equality principles and their integration into financing strategies.
• Familiarity with the national and international development landscape, including SDGs, NDCs, and other relevant frameworks.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet deadlines.

Educational Background:
A master's degree or higher in finance, economics, public policy, international development, or a related field is required for this position. The educational background should reflect a strong understanding of financial systems, development economics, and policy formulation.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in areas such as public finance, development planning, or related fields. Experience working with government agencies, international organizations, or NGOs in the context of financing strategies is highly desirable. Previous experience in Lesotho or similar contexts will be an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all documentation and communication will be conducted in English. Knowledge of Sesotho or other local languages would be considered an asset, enhancing the consultant's ability to engage with local stakeholders effectively.

Additional Notes:
The assignment is expected to last for a total of 40 days, spread across a period of 4 months. This consultancy is classified as an individual contractor position, and the consultant will be expected to submit proposals directly through the UNDP supplier portal. The deadline for proposal submission is set for June 29, 2025, at 12:43 AM New York time. The consultant will be required to adhere to the guidelines and instructions provided in the procurement notice and must ensure that all submissions are made in accordance with the established procedures.