Senior Non-Key Expert – Enhance macroeconomic forecasting and analysis capacity in the Economic Affairs Division Senior level

Project: Technical Assistance to Public Finance Management (PFM) Reforms in Malawi

The objective of the project is to assist the Government of Malawi in achieving efficient and effective use of public resources to contribute to the growth of the economy and development of the country.

The project’s purpose is to promote good economic governance and accountability, contribute to efficient use of public funds and effective resource mobilisation. These areas address key constraints to an enabling environment conducive to economic growth and trade development. The project will support the implementation of the PFM Rolling Plan with a particular focus on main expenditure risks including procurement process and revenue management. It will facilitate behaviour changes and performance improvements in the key areas of:

•    Public Procurement and Contract Management
•    Payroll and Pension Management
•    Commitment Control and Debt Management
•    Parastatal Financial Management and Oversight
•    Developing a tax system that is effective, efficient and transparent while strengthening the tax policy analysis function.
Job Title:  Senior Non-Key Expert – Enhance macroeconomic forecasting and analysis capacity in the Economic Affairs Division 

Background and purpose of the assignment

Assignment objective

• To enable Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs  to prepare relevant macro-fiscal forecasts for medium term as well as long term in a sustainable manner

The scope of the assignment will include the following activities:

Phase I (30 days)

a.    Review existing macro-fiscal model being used in the department and identify its weaknesses and strengths (including the capabilities of the staff to manage, update and improve the model)
b.    Document baseline requirements for developing macro forecasting capabilities in the department
c.    Identify and assess the existing capabilities in use of FPP
d.    Identify the capability of developing  nowcasting, forecasting, and policy analysis in the department to develop robust models for different purposes

Phase II (90 days)

e.    Provide rigorous foundation in the FPP based or/and other  macro-econometric models and their application through training and mentoring
f.    Jointly develop macro model with the staff in the department which could meet the requirements of GOM
g.    Provide training to the concerned officials of department
h.    Prepare manuals and familiarise the staff in use of manuals
i.    Lessons learning exercise and Close Out

Qualification and experience

Qualifications and skills

• A postgraduate degree in economics, preferably majoring in macroeconomics with a PhD qualification in economics;

Specific professional certification and experience

• Extensive experience in leading and directing the preparation of macro fiscal models;
• Extensive experience of developing and using FPP model;
• Experience and knowledge of other econometric models and corresponding application softwares such as e-views;
• At least 7 years of experience of working for a ministry at a senior level, such as Ministry of Finance or National Planning Commission or with Development Partners with an in-depth knowledge of macroeconomic management and development planning being an essential requirement;
• Demonstrated  knowledge of the sub-saharan countries and their economy and extensive awareness of regional and international growth challenges. ;
• Strong leadership and management skills;
• Ability to interact and communicate ideas across the table with senior management level;
• Ability to work with diverse teams and build partner relationships;
• Sound mathematical knowledge with proven skills in economic and financial monitoring and forecasting; good understanding of using relevant statistical and econometric software
• Experience of working in the area of inclusive growth for poverty reduction, climate challenges and gender equality.
• Experience of using simulation based quantitative analysis in economic planning
• Experience of mentoring and capacity development efforts in developiong countries relating to macro fiscal modelling.

General professional experience

• At least 15 years’ relevant experience in macroeconomic planning and policy formulation;

Functional Competencies:

• Strong sense of integrity is essential
• Effective interpersonal skills
• Fluent in spoken and written English
• Excellent communication, team working, presentation and reporting skills
• Excellent command of Microsoft Office and other related tools relevant to macrofiscal modelling

Client Orientation

• Contributing to positive outcomes for the Beneficiary
• Anticipates needs and demonstrates understanding of beneficiary’s perspective
• Excellent attention to detail

Input: 120 working days of inputs are foreseen for this assignment divided into two phases, tentative starting September, 2023

Location: The Assignment is to be performed in Lilongwe, Malawi.  May require travel within Malawi

Application: Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications are invited to send their Curriculum Vitae (CV)  by the end of August 2023