Rwanda’s Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) has been evolving its macroeconomic projection model for several years. The model is a complex Excel Workbook and the latest upgrade incorporated dynamic links to the long-term investment model as well as (a) improvements to the aggregate-supply, external-debt, and other worksheets; and (b) introduction of scenario programming.
A number of additional refinements are now necessary in order to bring the model to its full potential. With funding from DFID, the European Commission and UNDP, MINECOFIN is now seeking a consultant to complete the work required to bring the model to its full potential.
Objectives: *
- Update, link and reset the Macroeconomic Model (August 2006) - Update the Procedure Manual Draft (September/October 2006) - Presentations on specific issues (September/October/November 2006) - Present a training course on procedures ? basis Procedure Manual Updated Draft (January 2007) - Quarterly Projections Complete (April 2007) - Procedure Manual Complete (April 2007)
Scope of work consists of upgrading the programming capabilities of the Macroeconomic Unit in order to provide full support to MINECOFIN for:
—Annual budget process —Relations and negotiations with international donors —Relationships with Rwanda?s public and private sectors beyond MINECOFIN
Ensuring that the macroeconomic model is fully linked with and provides all necessary support to the Economic Development and Poverty Reduction Strategy and reporting to the Director of the Macroeconomic Unit, the consultant will:
-Collaborate closely with analysts in the Macroeconomic Unit on short, medium- and long-term projection exercises —Improve the projection capacities of the macroeconomic model —Conduct a formal four-week training course in macroeconomic projection techniques in general and in the workings of the macroeconomic model in particular —Actualize the quarterly projections in the macroeconomic model —Finalize the Procedure Manual for the macroeconomic model
Deliverables and reports:
—A fully functional Excel-based macroeconomic model which the Macroeconomic Unit will be fully capable of applying to the routine needs of MINECOFIN. —A training course including projection of: Government revenue; basic macroeconomic variables; export and import flows; external-debt projection; Government expenditure; overall external accounts; overall fiscal accounts; and monetary accounts. —Following each visit, the consultant will write a brief memorandum reporting on progress and next steps.
Qualifications:
—PhD in Economics (10 Points) —At least 20 years experience in macroeconomic analysis and public financial management (20 Points) —Demonstrated experience developing Excel-based macroeconomic projection tools for governments (20 Points) —Training and facilitation experience in macroeconomic projection (10 Points) —Experience working in Rwanda or Sub-Saharan Africa (20 Points) —Fluency in English or French (10 Points), proficiency in the other language (10 Points)
This consultancy assignment is budgeted on the basis of 88 in-country working days, (4 months) during the period of August 2006 through April 2007.
The contract format will be the standard UNDP Contract for Professional Services which incorporates: (i) a fee for services (to be negotiated), plus (ii) Daily Subsistence Allowance (at UNDP standard for Rwanda then in existence), plus (iii) return air fare(s) according to UNDP policy (number of trips to be negotiated).
The contract format will define the consultant as an arm’s-length contractor to UNDP.
Interested consultants with the required skills must submit complete CV with supporting attachments, and other information which demonstrates qualifications for this specific assignment, not later than *24 July 2006 to the Implementation Support Centre at the address below. Submissions should be clearly marked “Process 49784-0274 Deadline 2006-07-24”.
A financial proposal is not required. Submissions by e-mail or fax will be accepted. This opportunity is open to male and female candidates. Applications from qualified female candidates are encouraged.
Submissions will be evaluated in consideration of the above-mentioned qualifications. Submissions by firms will be evaluated on the basis of the specifically nominated professional. In order to qualify, a minimum score of 70 points must be accomplished. Final interview and subsequent negotiations will start with the person (or firm) that has accomplished the highest score. ________ Contact: Implementation Support Centre UNDP Rwanda Avenue de l?Armée 12 PO Box 445 Kigali, Rwanda E-mail: Fax: (250) 576-263 Notice Number: UN458-684/06
