International consultant to Support the analysis and development of the guidelines for strengthening linkages between national planning and budgeting in Africa - MFGPD

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) supports African member states in strengthening national planning and public financial management. This consultancy role sits within the Macroeconomics, Finance, Governance and Planning Division, specifically the Sustainable Development and Integrated Planning Section, contributing to the development of continental guidelines.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to develop practical, evidence-based continental guidelines that enhance the integration of national planning, budgeting, and financing systems across African countries. This initiative aims to address the persistent disconnect between national development plans and their translation into actionable budgets, thereby improving resource allocation, increasing the implementation rate of development plans, and strengthening domestic resource mobilization. The consultant will play a key role in developing analytical frameworks, conducting comparative analyses, designing diagnostic tools, and formulating operational guidance to support member states in achieving better alignment and more effective public financial management for sustainable development.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop practical, evidence-based continental guidelines to strengthen the integration of national planning, budgeting, and financing systems in Africa. Key duties include developing a comprehensive analytical framework linking these systems, conducting comparative analyses of planning and budgeting across selected African countries, and designing a country diagnostic methodology. The consultant will also develop operational guidance on planning-budget integration, expenditure traceability, and financing strategies. Additionally, responsibilities involve supporting the validation of these guidelines through consultations with member states and regional stakeholders, and providing guidance to national consultants working on country-level case studies. This involves reviewing literature, developing diagnostic tools, analyzing institutional patterns, and preparing consultation materials.

Work Experience

A minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in development planning, public financial management, macroeconomic policy, or public sector reforms is required. Extensive experience in Programme-Based Budgeting (PBB), Medium-Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEFs), public investment management, and fiscal policy is desirable. Experience supporting African governments on planning and budgeting reforms, conducting institutional diagnostics, and drafting policy guidelines for international organizations is also desirable.

Skills

Excellent analytical and conceptual skills; Strong knowledge of African public finance systems; Ability to synthesize complex policy issues into practical guidance; Excellent drafting and report-writing skills; Ability to facilitate multi-stakeholder consultations; Strong communication and presentation skills; Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines.

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