Analysis of the Political Economy of Public Procurement in the Framework of the Fight against Covid-19

The Programme for Consolidating Economic Governance and Public Finance Management
Systems (PFMS) in the PALOP-TL (Pro PALOP-TL SAI – Phase II) covers the second priority area of the 11th EDF PALOP-TL Multi-Annual Indicative Plan (MIP) “Governance capacity Development”.

The project intends to improve economic governance in the PALOP-TL, with the specific objective to improve the performance of PALOP-TL countries on Public Finance accountability, effectiveness and transparency. Because of the common historical, administrative and cultural
heritage between the six PALOP-TL countries, supporting their south-south and triangular cooperation allowed the EU to pursue objectives in these areas and to reach out to nonconventional partners in development cooperation, such as Brazil.

The project will develop a Facility to support and broker initiatives for capacity development, south-south and triangular cooperation, exchanges of experiences and “peer2peer” learning, with the expectation to foster institutional-based, process-based and human resources-based
change and transformational dynamics. The project’s beneficiaries were identified through the relevant 10th EDF programmes (PALOP-TL RIP and NIPs), as well as by means of a thorough mapping, analysis and diagnostic carried out along the implementation of the Pro PALOP-TL SAI between 2014 and 2017 , complemented by an ad-hoc mapping consultation process in the 6 countries in 2016-2017. Given its successful experience in implementing the Pro PALOP-TL SAI, as well as in developing/providing institutional capacity development tools and processes, it is proposed to renew the partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), via its indirect management of the action.

Since the declaration of the COVID 19 pandemic the project developed a Mitigation Plan to respond to the socioeconomic impact of COVID 19 pandemic. In this regard, The Monitoring and Budgeting Forum has requested UNDP support to conduct an analysis of the political economy of public procurement in the framework of the fight against covid-19 pandemic.

a) Carry out a desk review of documents relevant to an understanding of COVID 19 context.
These will include the existing laws, decrees, strategic documents, reports and presentations and
other relevant documents.
b) Hold discussions with the staff of the FMO to build a common approach to the assignment.
c) Develop a comprehensive methodology and work plan for a participatory process for the
elaboration of the study.
d) Hold consultations and facilitate interviews with relevant stakeholders including but not
limited to Governments Institutions responsible for delivering services to cope with COVID-19
pandemic, NGO and CSO, etc.

More specifically, the consultants will:

• carry out a deep and detailed analysis, such as journalistic investigation, to find out who are the owners of the companies that benefit from the direct adjustments made in the scope of the implementation of the governmental program of government;
• Provide information that will contribute to improve transparency in the management of public funds, mainly Covid-19 funds

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards and acts in accordance with the Standards of Conduct for international civil servants;
• Advocates and promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Treats all people fairly without favoritism.

Functional Competencies:

• Good knowledge of the legal framework;
• Ability to advocate and provide technical advice on the relevant sector/theme;
• Self-motivated, ability to work with minimum supervision;
• Promotes a knowledge sharing and learning culture;
• Sensitivity to and responsiveness to all partners, respectful and helpful relations with all?UN/UNDP staff;
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
• Remains calm, in control and good humored even under pressure;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage;
• Excellent communication (both oral and written) and partnership building skills with?multi-dimension partners, people skill for conflict resolution and negotiation;
• Excellent English language skills with strong technical writing skills.

Academic Qualifications:

• An advanced university Master’s degree Minimum of Master in Journalism, Public Relations, Communication or Institutional Development, with the following requirements a related field is required.

Professional experience:

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the work of tracking public expenditure and analyzing procurement contracts.
• Minimum of 05 years’ experience in conducting applied research in the areas of: public finance, management of Funds, transparency and corruption.
• Excellent communication and strong analytical skills and production of reports, and any other innovative knowledge materials.

Language:

• Excellent ability to work in Portuguese and English languages, effective oral and written communication skills.