Municipal Finance Specialist - Tenders Global
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Municipal Finance Specialist

United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF)

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP:  we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
  1. Office/Unit/Project Description Organizational context

The UN Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) makes public and private finance work for the poor in the world’s 47 least developed countries. With its capital mandate and instruments, UNCDF offers “last mile” finance models that unlock public and private resources, especially at the domestic level, to reduce poverty and support local economic development. UNCDF’sfinancing models work through two channels: financialinclusion that expandsthe opportunities for individuals, households, and small businesses to participate in the local economy, providing them with the tools they need to climb out of poverty and manage their financial lives; and by showing how localized investments—through fiscal decentralization, innovative municipal finance, and structured project finance—can drive public and privatefunding that underpinslocal economic expansionand sustainable development. By strengthening how finance works for poor people at the household, small enterprise, and local infrastructure levels, UNCDF contributes to SDG 1 on eradicating poverty and SDG 17 on the means of implementation. By identifying those marketsegments where innovative financing models can have transformational impact in helpingto reach the last mile and addressexclusion and inequalities of access, UNCDF contributes to several different SDGs.

Achieving the SDGs requires localized approaches and transforming towns and cities into inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth centres. UNCDF combines investment with sector expertise across all aspects of subnational public and private finance to design and support financing mechanisms and funds that advance urban, green, and productive transitions.

In this context, UNCDF is supporting the Municipality of Chefchaouen regarding its public lighting modernisation project throughtechnical assistance and financing. UNCDF has been engaging with the Municipality of Chefchaouen for the project appraisal and to date, the project has gone through UNCDF investment committees and secured approvalsfor a grant and a reimbursable financingcovering part of the initialproject’s required funding.The launch of public bids, promotor selection and works monitoring in progress, under the leadership of the Municipality of Chefchaouen and the Moroccan Ministryof Interior.

This mechanismis quite innovative as the municipality of Chefchaouen will be able to reimbursethe grant thanksto the energy savings realized by the new equipment, less energy consuming.

The next steps are to use this pilot project in Chefchaouen to create a regional financial mechanism, able to pool a higher amount of funding and prioritize additional investments for public lighting renovation and other energy efficiency measuresin Moroccan and other West African cities.Last, such scalingup should be used to trigger south-south cooperation and peer-effects in other African countries.

2- Project context

UNCDF worked on Financing of public lighting in Chefchaouen in Morocco. The aim of this project is to accelerate and complete the modernization of Chefchaouen’s public lighting system by the investments to bring electrical cabinets, lampposts, cables, etc. up to standard. By switching from sodium to low-energy LED, the investment is expected to approximately divide by two public lighting energy consumption in Chefchaouen. Such municipal investment could be replicated but requires donors to lower their minimal ticket size and allow municipal lending, which is not often the case.

Meanwhile, in Morocco, the regions play an important role in drawing up and monitoring sustainable development programs. This is why the Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima region and UNCDF decided to team up to scale up the Chefchaouen experience at the regional level and help other towns in the region to benefit from similar energy efficiency investments. This model illustrates the possibility for local authorities to access repayable financing thanks to future energy savings. Such a model thus generates new opportunities for financing their development actions, while contributing to theachievement of energy efficiency objectives.

UNCDF and The Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima Region therefore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in which they identified the following activities to cooperate on, each institution acting in accordance with their own mandates, regulations, political rules and procedures:(i) Identifying new potential for energy optimization in street lighting in the region’s towns and cities, (ii)Defining the energy efficiency targets to be achieved in this sector throughout the region, (iii) Evaluating the investments and maintenance improvements required to reach these targets, (iv) Defining standardsfor social and economic impacts,and (v) Designing a financial vehiclefor regional use to financethese investments matchingdonors’ requirements.

Following the same dynamic,other Moroccan regionsmight join the initiative.

UNCDF is looking for a MunicipalFinance Specialist to monitorand support the rigorous implementation of Chefchaouen’s public lighting renovation, to support in the implementation of the partnership with the municipality of The Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima Region, in the implementation of the regionalfinancial mechanism dedicatedto the public lighting project,to liaise with additional interested regions and countries, and to secure donors contributions to the regional financing mechanism.

3- Work

Under the direct responsibility of the UNCDF Senior Technical Advisor for West Africa and guidance from regional investment officers, the Municipal FinanceSpecialist will be responsible for the following results and major tasks:

  • Facilitating negotiations and exchanges with relevant Moroccan stakeholders at Government level (Ministry of Interior, Ministryof Finance, ONEE, etc.), local government network,FEC (Fonds d’Equipement Communal), etc.
  • Assisting the Municipality of Chefchaouen to complete the publication of the public tender for the civil works, to selectthe best offers,to monitor the works and reach the targeted energy savings. Following up on the necessary authorizations and approvals at the level of the Municipality of Chefchaouen and the  Government for the implementation of the project.
  • Leading UNCDF’s ground efforts in the replication of the initiative to Moroccan regions and cities, along with supporting similar opportunities in other and African regions and cities, with a priority focus on Northern Africa, Western Africa and Central Africa.
  • Implementing the MoU between the Region of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima and UNCDF, to concretize a scaling up of a regionalpublic lighting financial mechanism. As such, this will include supporting the Region of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima in realizing a project roadmap, classifying potential other cities that could benefitfrom the initiative, gathering or producingthe necessary technical diagnosis and feasibility studies, Supporting the creation of the regional financial mechanism.
  • Facilitating with stakeholders, including but not limited to Municipality of Chefchaouen, the Ministry and the local governments associations are properly conducted and successful. Implementing by including the finalization of a regional financial mechanism agreed by Moroccan authorities (central, regional and local) and supporting donors to validate the MoU between UNCDF and the Region of Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceima.
  • Implementing the tenders and works on schedule and doing an evaluation on the energy gains indeedallowed by the investment.
  • Mobilizing resources on behalf of UNCDF for the scaling up and replication of the initiative. Contributing to access additional resources to implement new activities in Morocco and more globally in West Africa, with a primary focus on energy efficiency programs but notlimited to it.

4- Institutional Arrangement

The Municipal Finance Specialist will be directly supervisedby the UNCDF Senior Technical Advisorfor West Africa, withguidance from regional investment officers.

The consultant will be required to interact directlywith the following stakeholders in the performance of his duties,although other contactswill also be favoured at the discretion of the consultant to increase the mission’ success:

  • The Tangier-Tétouan-Al Hoceimaregion
  • Moroccan Ministry of the Interior, and in particular the General Directorate of Territorial Collectivities (DGCL)
  • Moroccan Ministry of Finance
  • Other interested Moroccanregions and municipalities
  • Moroccan FEC
  • Moroccan and Morocco-based Local Government Networksand Associations (ARM, CGLU-A)
  • Donors (Multi-lateral banks,Development agencies, Philanthropies) interested in financingenergy

5- Efficiency measures in Morocco.

The Municipal Finance Specialist will have at his disposalthe following documents concerning the project:

  • Introduction Sheet about Chefchaouen transaction
  • Impact documents about Chefchaouen transaction
  • Chefchaouen Financial model
  • A technical study carried out by a firm of experts on Chefchaouen energy savings potential.
  • Concept Note on the potential for a regionalfinancial mechanism on public lightingin Morocco.
  • MoU between UNCDF and the Region of Tanger-Tétouan-Al Hoceima

6- Competencies

Core
Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Setand align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lastingimpact
Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to

solve complex problems
Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons,

diversify experiences
Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple

competing demands
Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take actionto achieve

greater results
Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-

agency collaboration
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion

inclusivity
7-Cross-Functional & Technical competencies: 
Thematic Area Name Definition
Business Direction & Strategy Strategic Thinking -Ability to develop effective strategies and prioritized plans in linewith UNDP‘s objectives, based on the systemic analysis of challenges, potential risks and opportunities; linking the vision to reality on the ground, and creating tangible solutions

-Ability to leverage learning from a variety of sources to anticipate and respond to future trends; to demonstrate foresight in order tomodel what futuredevelopments and possible ways forward look

like for UNDP
Business Direction & Strategy Effective Decision Making -Ability to take decisions in a timelyand efficient mannerin line withone‘s authority, area of expertise and resources
Business Development Knowledge Generation -Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for context, or responsive to a statedneed
Business Management Portfolio Management -Ability to select, prioritise and control the organisation‘s programmes and projects, in line withits strategic objectives and capacity –

Ability to balance the implementation of change initiatives and the maintenance of business-as-usual, whileoptimising return on investment

 
Finance Financial planning and budgeting -Ability to create and manage processes to achieveUNDP’s long and short-term financial goals, including through planning, budgeting, forecasting, analysing and reporting
Finance Financial reporting  and analysis -Understands changes in regulatory, legal and ethical frameworks and standards for financial reporting in the public-sector. Ability to extract, evaluate financial data, derive relevant findings and present them in a meaningful and coherent manner to facilitate effective decision making and performance monitoring.

Understands the benefits of integrated reporting, including non- financial resources such as human, social and intellectual capital, and environmental and governance performance
Finance Financial riskmanagement -Ensures financial resilience through proactive assessment of risk, implementation of controls and taking mitigating action.

Understands riskand reward in relation to collaborative and commercial projects. Ensures a culture of positive risk management”
8- Required Skills and Experience
Minimum Qualifications of the Successful NPSA
Min. Academic Education -A master’s degree in economics, ideally with a major in public policy, economics of local planning and development, urban development, geography economics, sustainable economics or fiscal studies, OR

-A Bachelor’s degree in the related fields with additional 2 years of relevant experience will be given due consideration in lieu of Master’s degree.
Min. years of relevant Work experience A minimum of 5 years with Master’s degree or seven (7) years with Bachelor’s degree of relevant professional experience required in the sector of local government management and local development financing, more specifically in:

  • Administration or Regulation of local authorities in Morocco.
  • Legal, technical and financial advisory to local authorities in Morocco.
Required             skills        and competencies
  • Proficient knowledge in public works management, municipal infrastructure, and equipment.

 
Desired additional skills and competencies The candidate will be required to demonstrate an ability to:

  • Profound understanding of the regulatory framework, mechanisms, and key stakeholders involved in Municipal finance and fiscal transfers in Morocco. Additionally, demonstrated expertise in the political economy of local development in Morocco is required.
  • Engage with multiple stakeholders, including communal actors, project sponsors, multilateral organizations and government partners as can be shown by previous or current experience.
  • Implement complex project with a high degree of autonomy, showing high level of professionalism, can-do attitude, and integrity.
  • Proficient in networking methods, establishing partnerships with local public and private stakeholders in each area, coupled with strong negotiation skills.
  • Capability to enhance territorial cohesion, transparency, and attractiveness by fostering the active participation and commitment of all local stakeholders.
  • Strong knowledge about different financial mechanisms.
  • Proficient experience in Northern Africa. Additional expertise in Western and Central Africa would be advantageous.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in computers and standard Office software, coupled with strong analytical and writing skills.
Required      Language(s)      (at working level)
  • Fluency in French and Arabic is required (Drafting, interpretating and presenting to senior audience technical, financial, or legal documents).
  • Additional ease in English would be an advantage.

9- The following documents shall be required from the applicants:

  1. Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
  2. A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
  3. Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.

Disclaimer

Important information for US Permanent Residents (‘Green Card’ holders)

Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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