Consultant: Review of UNDP’s Direct Budget Support Pilot Initiative

The UN General Assembly Triennial Comprehensive Policy Review (TCPR) resolution of 2004 asked the UN system to “support national capacities for the management of various aid modalities, including system-wide approaches and budget support” (A/RES/59/250). The 2007 TCPR (A/RES/62/208, paragraph 103) takes this resolution one step further, and explicitly “encourages that the United Nations development system be invited to participate, ex officio, in current and new aid modalities and coordination mechanisms at the request of the programme country, and invites the United Nations development system to enhance its participation in this regard”. While acknowledging that direct budget support is not the core business of UNDP, UNDP recognizes it as a development finance instrument that promotes national ownership, transparency and harmonization in aid allocations, and alignment with national plan and budget priorities. In 2008, UNDP presented the report ‘UNDP engagement in direct budget support and pooled funds’ (DP/2008/36) as well as a follow up report ‘The role of UNDP in the changing aid environment at the country level’ (DP/2008/53). The Executive Board endorsed both reports, confirming that the primary role of UNDP in direct budget support is to support the development of national capacities to pursue national objectives. UNDP engagement thus supports governments improve the effectiveness of the results pursued through these modalities, and does not end with engagement in the modalities themselves. As per Executive Board decision 2008/29, guidelines and procedures were developed, drawing on inputs from the Bureau of Management, Bureau of External Relations and Advocacy (then called the Partnerships Bureau), Bureau of Development Policy and the Operations Support Group of the Executive Office. They were vetted by the Evaluation Office, Legal Support Office, and Office of Audit and Investigations. The guidelines and procedures explain the policy and options available under the pilot, in strict adherence to the Board decision. Specifically, UNDP does not engage in general budget support. Rather, the rationale for UNDP engagement in sector budget support and pooled funds is to respond to growing country demands for capacity development and for expanded inclusion of UNDP in efforts towards harmonization and alignment. UNDP only engages in pooled funding in areas or sectors in which it is already present through a separate project (see DP/2008/36). To date, one country office has availed of the option to pool resources – Burkina Faso. A review of the pilot initiative on Direct Budget Support is due for the session of the Executive Board in January 2013.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Result: Timely submission of a written report on UNDP’s pilot initiative on Direct Budget Support. Review of UNDP’s pilot initiative on Direct Budget Support on the basis of the criteria outlined in document DP/2008/36. This includes a qualitative review based on desk study and interviews with relevant stakeholders (mainly UNDP, but also external stakeholders). The deliverable under this key result is a written report.outlined in document ent assitance, the Development Cooperation. Set of recommendations to the executive board on whether the provisions of the pilot should be continued and/ or integrated into UNDP’s rules and procedures.  Impact of Results: The consultant will contribute to informing the Executive Board on how UNDP can participate in the full spectrum of aid modalities in a way that strengthens country ownership and capacities, and ensures increased rationality and cost-effectiveness in the management of development assistance.

Competencies

Corporate competencies: Demonstrates integrity and fairness by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;  Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability. Technical Expertise: Demonstrates analytical skills;  Understands more advanced aspects of primary area of specialization as well as the fundamental concepts of related disciplines;  Keeps abreast of new developments in area of professional discipline and job knowledge and seeks to develop him/herself professionally;  Demonstrates excellent oral and written communication skills, with experience in consultation processes and presentation of knowledge products;  Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities Relationship Management:  Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback; Seeks and applies knowledge, information, and practices;  Demonstrates ability to handle working relationships with counterparts at different levels of seniority and diverse organizational backgrounds;  Good listening skills and quick understanding of abstract topics and processes. Managing for Results: Plans and prioritizes work activities to meet organizational goals;  Strategic approach to problem solving;  Excellent time management skills

Required Skills and Experience

Education: Master’s degree in International Relations, International Development or related fields. Experience: At least 5 years working experience in international development cooperation and knowledge of relevant UN global frameworks and policies, as well as the effective development cooperation agenda.  Experience in working on aid modalities – especially budget support.  Demonstrated experience in research, analysis and report-writing in the area of aid effectiveness, and proven ability to offer practical policy advice.  Experience in conducting qualitative interviews with a broad range of stakeholders. Language Requirements: Fluency in written and spoken English.

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. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

Consultant: Review of UNDP’s Direct Budget Support Pilot Initiative