Consultant for Strategic Plan Development

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established in 195

• The ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the quality of life of African people. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent and employs a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities. The ECA engages in various initiatives aimed at improving governance, economic policy, and sustainable development.

Job Overview:
The Consultant for Strategic Plan Development will play a crucial role in guiding the GSE (Ghana Stock Exchange) through a comprehensive strategic planning process. This position involves developing a three-year strategic plan that aligns with Ghana's economic context and integrates best practices from global stock exchanges. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough review of previous strategic plans, engaging with stakeholders, and formulating a clear vision and mission for the GSE. The consultant will also be expected to create a detailed implementation and monitoring framework to ensure the successful execution of the strategic plan. This role requires a deep understanding of capital markets and the ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

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

• Inception Phase: Prepare an Inception Report that outlines the consultant's understanding of the assignment, objectives, scope, deliverables, proposed methodology, stakeholder engagement plan, risk considerations, governance structure, and implementation timelines. Deliver a presentation of the Inception Report to GSE Management and ECA for validation.
• Strategic Review and Diagnostic: Review previous GSE strategic plans and assess implementation progress. Analyze relevant literature related to GSE activities. Conduct SWOT, PEST, and other analyses to define GSE's situational context. Benchmark GSE operations against similar exchanges globally and regionally. Review system acquisition approaches and recommend cost-effective methods. Evaluate GSE's branding and visibility efforts and suggest improvements. Review GSE's advocacy activities and recommend enhancements based on international best practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Design and execute a stakeholder engagement plan. Facilitate consultations with the SEC, Ministry of Finance, market operators, internal stakeholders, and selected external stakeholders. Conduct a strategic planning workshop for staff, the Board, and key stakeholders to build on the Strategic Plan.
• Strategy Formulation: Guide GSE in defining its Vision, Mission, Strategic Areas, and Objectives. Identify priority focus areas for the 2027–2030 period. Develop strategies for digital assets, growing listings, new markets, revenue generation, and sustainability. Assess and provide recommendations on the organizational and leadership structure required to deliver the new strategy. Conduct stakeholder and risk analyses and propose management approaches aligned with global best practices.
• Strategic Plan Development: Prepare the draft Strategic Plan incorporating strategic priorities, program areas, measurable targets, KPIs, timelines, and resource allocation. Ensure alignment with Ghana's economic context and global best practices.
• Implementation and Monitoring Framework: Develop a comprehensive Implementation Plan outlining yearly activities. Create a monitoring and reporting framework for effective tracking of strategic initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in capital markets, stock exchange governance, demutualization processes, financial sector reforms, corporate law, or related advisory assignments. Proven experience in developing corporate or institutional strategies within financial sector institutions is required. Experience working with securities regulators, stock exchanges, ministries of finance, or other public-sector financial authorities in Africa or comparable emerging markets is desirable. Expertise in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, change management, and performance measurement is also desirable. Candidates should have experience in conducting market diagnostics, strategic planning, or organizational transformation in emerging markets, and experience working with international organizations, development partners, or regional economic bodies is a plus.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a graduate degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications in strategic management or public policy may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires extensive experience, specifically a minimum of 10 years in relevant fields such as capital markets, stock exchange governance, and financial sector reforms. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing strategies for financial institutions and engaging with various stakeholders in the financial sector.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language of the UN. Candidates who can communicate effectively in both languages will have an advantage in this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 5 months. Women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply, and the organization is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.