Local Consultant: Elaboration of Eswatini’s Social and Economic Response Plan

Description of the Assignment:

The United Nations Country Team and UNDP Eswatini seeks the services of an individual consultant to support elaborate a high-quality Social and Economic Response Plan for Eswatini that assesses the likely impacts of the Middle East conflict, identifies vulnerable groups and sectors, and proposes a prioritized package of immediate, medium-term and structural response measures aligned with national priorities, the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UNDP Country Programme Document, and the shared SERP template.

The firm will perform the following tasks:

Inception and analytical framing : Review the shared SERP template, agree on the analytical framework, refine the workplan, confirm stakeholders, and define data requirements and consultation protocols. Desk review: Review relevant global, regional and national documents, including UNDP’s briefs on reversals in global development and cushioning the global shock, the joint African economies policy brief, UNDP and UNCT Briefs on Impact of Middle Eastern Conflict on Economy of Eswatini and other relevant government and partner documents. Impact analysis : Review and update the assessment of the likely direct and indirect socio-economic impacts on Eswatini, including inflation, food and fuel prices, fertilizer costs, public finance, SACU revenue, employment, poverty, social protection, food security, agriculture, manufacturing, retail, transport, MSMEs, energy and household consumption.

Vulnerability and LNOB analysis: Identify who is most affected, why, and through which channels, applying a gender, equity, disability and Leave-No-One-Behind lens.

Stakeholder consultations : Conduct targeted consultations with government ministries and agencies, UNCT members, development partners, private sector representatives, civil society, academia and relevant sector stakeholders. Response options and prioritization: Develop actionable response measures grouped by immediate stabilization, medium-term recovery and structural resilience, with clear lead institutions, indicative costing, risks, financing options and implementation requirements. SERP drafting: Populate the shared SERP template with evidence-based analysis, strategic priorities, results framework, coordination arrangements, resource requirements and monitoring indicators. Validation and finalization : Facilitate a validation session with Reference Committee and selected national stakeholders, incorporate feedback and submit the final SERP package.

The ideal candidate should meet / exceed the below requirements Have an advanced degree in economics, development economics, public policy, macroeconomics or related field; at least 10 years of relevant experience; proven record in socio-economic impact analysis and policy response planning. Experience in data analysis and evidence synthesis. Ability to integrate of social protection, poverty analysis, gender equality, disability inclusion and vulnerability assessment. At least seven years of demonstrated experience in socio-economic analysis, macroeconomic policy, crisis response planning, development planning, public policy, social protection, resilience or related fields. Proven experience preparing policy briefs, socio-economic impact assessments, response plans, national strategies or UN-supported analytical products. Strong familiarity with small open economies, Southern African macroeconomic dynamics, SACU, exchange-rate pass-through, food and fuel price shocks, and vulnerability analysis. Demonstrated experience applying gender equality, disability inclusion, human rights and Leave-No-One-Behind approaches in analytical and planning assignments. Experience working with UN agencies, government institutions, development partners or regional organizations will be an added advantage. Ability to deliver high-quality analytical products under tight timelines.

Period of assignment/services: 80 working days spread over six months

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles.

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