Senior Consultant for Business Model Development

Job Posting Organization:
The African Institute for Economic Development and Planning (IDEP) is a pan-African economic development and planning capacity building institute established in 1962 by the UN General Assembly. It became operational on November 21, 1963, with the original mandate to support newly independent African countries in building and strengthening their economic management and development planning capacities in the public sector. In 2018, IDEP shifted its focus to enhance public sector capacity for implementing the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda and the African Union’s Agenda 206

• IDEP is dedicated to capacity development, adapting its services to meet the evolving needs of its Member States in economic and social development. Despite training over 13,700 officials and maintaining an annual average of 3,000 trainees, IDEP faces significant operational and financial challenges that threaten its sustainability as Africa's premier capacity development institution. The organization is currently finalizing its Strategic Plan for 2026-2030, which aims to address financial sustainability challenges that limit its operational capacity and strategic planning capabilities.

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this consultancy is to design a comprehensive and practical business model for IDEP, focusing on sustainable financing strategies, resource mobilization, and operational efficiency. The consultant will be responsible for developing a robust and actionable business model that aligns with IDEP’s and ECA strategic objectives. This model should leverage innovative approaches to resource mobilization, partnership building, and organizational capacity enhancement. The consultant will report to IDEP's Director and work closely with IDEP's management team and relevant ECA divisions and subregional offices. The expected deliverables include an inception report, situational analysis report, draft business model, implementation plan, and a final report that incorporates feedback from IDEP and stakeholders. The consultancy assignment is expected to last for three months, with specific milestones aligned with the strategic framework of the business model.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant is expected to accomplish the following tasks: A. Situational Analysis: Conduct a comprehensive review of IDEP’s current business model, financial structure, funding sources, resource mobilization efforts, and market competitiveness/positioning. Assess IDEP’s operational model, including its cost structure, human resource allocation, and program delivery mechanisms. Benchmark IDEP’s financial and operational practices against comparable institutions to identify gaps and best practices. Consider ECA integrated resource mobilization program. B. Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with IDEP and ECA leadership, concerned staff, member States, partners, and key stakeholders to understand financial sustainability challenges and expectations. Gather input on potential opportunities for multi-partner collaborations, private sector engagement, and innovative financing mechanisms. C. Development of a Business Model: Design a business model that incorporates diversified funding streams, strategies for increasing member state contributions, operational efficiencies, and a potential dedicated IDEP endowment fund for long-term stability. Outline governance and management structures required to support the new business model. D. Deliverables: Inception Report, Situational Analysis Report, Draft Business Model, Implementation Plan, and Final Report.

Required Qualifications:
The consultant should have at least 15 years of expertise in developing business models for international or regional institutions, with a focus on financial sustainability. Experience in resource mobilization, innovative financing mechanisms, and endowment fund management is required. A strong knowledge of Africa’s development context, including public-private partnerships and capacity development programs, is desirable. The consultant should also demonstrate the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, and the private sector.

Educational Background:
A master’s degree in economics, finance, business administration, or a related field is required. A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 15 years of relevant experience in developing business models for international or regional institutions, particularly with a focus on financial sustainability. The consultant should also have experience in resource mobilization and innovative financing mechanisms, as well as endowment fund management.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in both languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the organization.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy assignment is expected to last for three months, with travel linked to the consultancy. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.