Consultant for Fiscal and Budgetary Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is likely affiliated with the United Nations or a similar international body focused on development and cooperation. The organization aims to provide technical assistance and analytical support to enhance fiscal and budgetary frameworks at the subnational level in Bolivia. It operates in various countries, focusing on sustainable development, governance, and public finance management. The organization is committed to fostering informed dialogue among government entities and stakeholders to improve fiscal decentralization and resource allocation.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Fiscal and Budgetary Analysis involves providing specialized technical support to the Office of Coordination and Reporting (OCR) in Bolivia. The consultant will be responsible for delivering updated analytical evidence regarding the fiscal and budgetary situation of subnational governments. This role is crucial for the development of the Common Country Diagnosis and the formulation of the new Cooperation Framework for 2028-203

• The consultant will also play a key role in strengthening informed dialogue with the government and other relevant actors concerning fiscal decentralization and public resource distribution. The expected duration of the consultancy is 60 calendar days, during which the consultant will work on three main components that will yield three products: a diagnostic analysis of subnational fiscal variables, an analysis of sectoral budget allocation, and a policy implications document focusing on a proposed 50/50 resource distribution model.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will be organized into three main components: 1) Analysis of Temporal Variables: This involves collecting, systematizing, and analyzing key fiscal variables from 339 municipalities and 9 departmental governments for the period 2010-202

• The analysis will include total revenue evolution, current and public investment expenditure dynamics, fiscal results, and indicators of fiscal dependency. 2) Sectoral Budget Allocation Analysis: The consultant will evaluate the sectoral composition of public expenditure and investment at municipal and departmental levels, identifying policy priorities and financing gaps in key sectors for sustainable development. This will include comparative analysis between municipalities and identifying gaps between assigned competencies and actual resource allocation. 3) Policy Implications Analysis: This central component will assess the implications of a proposed 50/50 distribution of public resources between central and subnational levels. The consultant will analyze current resource distribution, simulate redistribution scenarios, evaluate fiscal sustainability implications, and provide policy recommendations for potential reforms in intergovernmental transfer systems. The consultant will coordinate closely with the National Coordination Officer/Economist of the OCR to develop specific inputs for the 2025 Common Country Diagnosis.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in Economics, Public Finance, Public Administration, or related fields. A Master's degree or specialization in fiscal decentralization, subnational finance, public policy, or related areas is desirable. Candidates should have a thorough understanding of Bolivia's autonomy and decentralization regulatory framework, including relevant laws. Additionally, a minimum of 8 years of general experience in economic, fiscal, or public policy analysis is required, with at least 5 years of specific experience in subnational public finance analysis, fiscal decentralization, and municipal and departmental budget management in Bolivia. Demonstrated experience in managing fiscal databases and working with state institutions or international organizations is essential, along with at least two relevant consultancy experiences and publications on related topics.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in relevant fields such as Economics, Public Finance, or Public Administration. A Master's degree or further specialization in areas related to fiscal decentralization or public policy is highly desirable, as it would provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively analyze and contribute to fiscal and budgetary discussions in Bolivia.

Experience:
The position requires a substantial level of experience, specifically a minimum of 8 years in the field of economic analysis, fiscal policy, or public policy. Candidates should have at least 5 years of focused experience in analyzing subnational public finances, fiscal decentralization, and budget management at both municipal and departmental levels in Bolivia. This experience should include working with relevant fiscal databases and institutions, demonstrating a strong understanding of the fiscal landscape in the country.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication and documentation. Intermediate proficiency in English is also required, particularly for understanding technical documents and engaging with international stakeholders. This bilingual capability will enhance the consultant's ability to navigate both local and international contexts effectively.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to be conducted over a period of 60 calendar days, with the possibility of remote work. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.