Resource Mobilization Strategy Consultant , UN Economic Commission for Africa

Resource Mobilization Strategy Consultant 

About the Organization

Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) of the United Nations (UN) in 1958 as one of the UN's five regional commissions, the Economic Commission for Africa's (ECA) mandate is to promote the economic and social development of its member States, foster intra-regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. Made up of 54 member States, and playing a dual role as a regional arm of the UN and as a key component of the African institutional landscape, ECA is well positioned to make unique contributions to address the Continent’s development challenges.

 

Background

ECA’s new business model of becoming a Think Tank of reference on African development and policy agenda emphasizes on (a) strengthening the rigour and pertinence of knowledge produced by the Commission; (b) making ECA the authoritative source of analytical insights into African development; (c) generating knowledge underpinned by robust statistics and (d) improving the packaging and communication of ECA knowledge products to core policy constituents.

 

The Strategic Planning and Operational Quality Division (SPOQD) is mandated with strengthening and forging strategic partnerships for enhanced programme impact, synergy and complementarity; and resource mobilization to support realization of the ECA business model. The evolving funding environment necessitates the development of a robust forward-looking resource mobilization strategy which takes into account ECA's new business model and changing donor landscape as well as lessons learned from past and current resource mobilisation efforts. This strategy must also explore new types, sources and modalities of funding and actors and outline a systematic and strategic approach to leveraging existing and new resource partnerships as well as recommend how to diversify the resource base for ECA programmes. To this end ECA is looking for a consultant to develop a new Resource Mobilization Strategy. The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Director of SPOQD and in close cooperation with Division Managers, to provide specialized expert inputs, guidance and advice on the strategy.

 

Objective of the assignment

The consultant will develop a comprehensive Resource Mobilization Strategy for ECA with the aim of broadening the funding base in support of ECA’s programme of work and articulating strategic approaches and activities which will help generate diverse and adequate resources to advance ECA’s new business model and enhance the impact of its work.  

 

Scope of the assignment

Under the direct supervision of the Director of SPOQD, the consultant will work very closely with the Chief of Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Section (PRMS) of SPOQD and any other person assigned by the Director. Specific tasks of the consultant will include:

1. Review ECA strategic documents such as the 2016-2017 Programme of Work, Capacity Development Strategy, Partnership Strategy etc. and interview Senior Management to better understand the context, ECA’s vision and strategic direction;
2. Propose an annotated outline of the Strategy;
3. Conduct Commission wide resource mobilization capacity needs assessment, and Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats and Opportunities (SWOT) analysis and recommend strategies to capitalize on the strengths and opportunities and address challenges and gaps identified.
4. Conduct a comprehensive analysis (including trends analysis on development aid/ financing) of potential global and continental funding partners to map the feasibility of securing funds for multi-year ECA programme of work and for thematic areas. Map donors’ (including traditional, potential African donors and emerging donors such as BRIC countries, the Gulf States, private sector and philanthropists’ foundations) strategic areas of interest, funds available, grantees, funding windows, requirements and guidelines and interest in funding ECA programmes.
5. Review internal organizational functions and structures to establish how best can the functions and structures support the implementation of the strategy; and
6. Present the draft strategy to internal audience and revise the document based on feedback received.

Deliverables

• A comprehensive resource mobilization strategy that includes:

1. an overview of the situation including an analysis of past fundraising experience
2. Trends analysis on development aid financing from traditional, potential African and emerging donors such as BRIC countries, the Gulf States, private sector and philanthropists foundations); and propose for each category, the strategy, mechanisms, techniques and human means required to mobilizing the resources.
3. Analysis of emerging resource opportunities and recommendations on how to tap those opportunities.
4. detailed workflow processes (including roles and responsibilities of the various structures of ECA) and mechanisms in resource mobilisation;
5. Establish medium-term resource requirements of ECA on the basis of the 2016-2017 Programme of Work and 2018-2019 Strategic Framework;
6. A Monitoring and evaluation framework to assess progress and outcomes of the implementation of the resource mobilisation strategy; and
7. Implementation action plan with clearly defined actions, timelines and budget.

• An annex that maps donor interests, priorities, funding windows etc. and required ECA actions that should be taken to mobilize funds;
• An annex that outlines a series of fundraising communication materials that need to be produced to secure funding/ raise the profile of key ECA programmes; and
• A plan and budget proposal for building the capacity of key staff in mobilising and leveraging resources. 

Duration of the assignment

The assignment is expected to be undertaken from September to November 2015

 

Qualifications

 

1. Education:  Advanced and/or postgraduate degree in Economics, Business Administration or any other related field.
2. Experience:  The applicant will have at least 10 years work experience in building partnerships, resource mobilization and donor relations, and a track record in programme development, strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, capacity development and administration.
3. Languages:  Fluency in English, very good writing and analytical skills.  Knowledge of French is an added advantage.
4. Knowledge/Skills:

• Broad understanding of African development issues and challenges with demonstrated ability to provide intellectual leadership in partnerships and resource mobilization for economic and social development.
• Extensive knowledge of ECA's vision and agenda.
• Sound understanding of Africa-related strategies and policies of major bilateral and multilateral agencies and relevant experience in working with such partners.
• Familiarity with donor intelligence tools and resources;
• Excellent interpersonal and management skills; proven ability and experience in efficient planning and execution of tasks; and high level of initiative.
• Experience of developing resource mobilization strategy for international organizations will be an advantage.

Travel

The consultant is expected to travel to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for up to a maximum of 1.5 months.

 

Guidelines for Applicants

Potential candidates are welcomed to submit their Resume with a covering letter delineating their suitability for this assignment. The details should be forwarded by e-mail attachments for the attention of:

 

Marlon Lezama

Chief, Partnerships and Resource Mobilization Section

Strategic Planning and Operational Quality Division

mlezama@uneca.org

 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to create/update their profile on the UN Inspira Human Resource Gateway which will be the medium for the recruitment of the consultant.

 

Deadline for application is midnight on Monday 21^st September 2015 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia time.