Background

The impact of the Syrian crisis on the development trajectory of countries in the region can easily span a decade. The magnitude of the conflict has not only led to a high loss of human life and massive population displacement both within and outside of Syria, but it has also destroyed the social, economic and political fabric and has seriously compromised the future of the country and the region. The regional situation is further aggravated by a growing displacement of more than 2.9 million Iraqi refugees and IDPs and increased military action in Iraq and Syria.

The scale of the refugee influx and its impact on host countries calls for dedicated action, as coping mechanisms are stretched and resilience is eroding. There is increasing recognition amongst concerned governments and the international community that the crisis has begun to compromise development gains and that overall stability of many countries is at risk, as social tensions continue to increase, as evidenced by declining human development and growth trends, and increasing levels of vulnerabilities. The development loss is amplified in the sub-region, which is reliant on intra-regional trade and a vibrant private sector.

A long-term vision is required, to guide the short and medium term interventions that generate immediate, concrete changes in lives of people affected by the crisis while simultaneously arresting development loss. Countries affected by the Syrian crisis are in the middle-income bracket, which suggests that there are domestic resources available and systems in place that international support can build upon. Responding to these challenges requires a strategic shift that coherently brings together humanitarian and development interventions for a sustainable, nationally-led and resilience-based response.

The launch of the Regional Refugee and Resilience Plan (3RP) for 2015-2016 is a major milestone for the UN system. It represents a collective effort from the international community, NGOs and UN agencies. UNHCR and UNDP have taken a leading role in co-chairing this initiative in an unprecedented UN integrated response for the five countries affected by the Syrian crisis. Indeed, in Jordan, Lebanon, Egypt, Iraq and Turkey, humanitarian and non-humanitarian support is provided through different mechanisms and aid architecture systems. Ongoing monitoring of financial flows to the region has not successfully taken into account all variables, such as such as contributions from and to national budgets, ongoing IMF support programmes and – still more important- contributions made from ongoing and planned development budget support.

In the context of the preparation and implementation of the 3RP, a more complete picture is essential for affected government and the international community to take strategic decisions and better plan a response to the crisis.  Furthermore, a better understanding of financial flows and aid architecture systems will support the definition of the right "financing deficit" and would allow a new stimulus in filling it with new programmes and fresh resources.

The UNDP Sub-regional Response Facility proposes a study entitled “Comparative analysis of aid architecture systems in Crisis Context – Financial flows in countries affected by the Syria Crisis”.

Duties and Responsibilities

Key Functions

The deliverable is a comprehensive report that include quantitative, qualitative and comparative analysis, which will support the International Community and Governments in the region to take strategic decision in order to ensure a more sustainable, resilience-based and cost-effective response to the crisis, as well as inform the implementation and prioritization of the 3RP.

The expected outcome is a comparative analysis in three intersecting thematic areas, making a report available to support countries responding to the protracted crisis. The three core elements of the multi-country study is intended to support the implementation of a resilience-based development response in situations of protracted conflict.

The analysis is intended to support the identification of catalytic initiatives, that can be taken to scale so local and national partners, including the private sector, are better able to cope with the sudden on-set of shocks, recover and eventually transform capacities to be better equipped for future shocks. In addition to continuing to deepen the resilience-based development response, the expected outcome of the analysis will permit partners to better formulate response strategies, identify new partners and support national plans.

The public finance consultant, under supervision of the international aid and finance consultant/team leader will support the development of a methodology, work plan, division of labor and report outline at the beginning of the exercise. Regular team meetings will be held to enable the consultants to make the necessary linkages so that analysis is coherent, cross linked and integrated.

The study will cover Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Turkey and Egypt, and will employ a number of methodologies to collect and analyze the necessary information including (but not limited to) the following:

• Consultations with key experts in development planning and public finance at the government, IFIs and other key partners and donors. The consultations can take the form of a series of meetings or workshops.
• Literature review of relevant studies and plans related to development/humanitarian costing, public finance and aid flows
• Data collection from statistical offices or other sources of data
• Comparative Analysis of aid architectures and financial flows in the region
• Analysis of trends and projections based the outcome of the research

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

• Strong analytical skills;
• Excellent ability to synthesize information and analysis from a number of sources;
• Ability to conduct interviews with relevant stakeholders proactively and appropriate to the country context;
• Uses information and internet technology applications effectively as a tool and resource;
• Ability to work independently, against tight deadlines;
• Excellent ability to write clearly, insightfully and persuasively in an accessible, journalistic style;
• Excellent communication skills including presentations, networking and interpersonal skills;
• Proven ability to persuade and influence others to cooperate.

Corporate Competencies:

• Display culture, gender, religious, race, nationality and age sensitivities and adaptability.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's Degree in International and Development Studies, Economics, Finance or related area.

Experience:

• At least 5 years of relevant professional work experience, with at least 3 year working in development finance or aid coordination areas;
• Previous experience in supporting development policy-related knowledge products;
• Knowledge of development issues and particularly development cooperation, public finance, global frameworks for financing development, development, economics, humanitarian aid and appeals;
• Experience in the Middle East is a strong advantage;
• Public financial management analysis expertise and experience;
• Experience in supporting reviews and/or evaluations of financial flows, reports and analysis in related areas and produced high quality review or evaluation reports.

Language:

• Proficiency in English with advanced command of speaking and writing.

Note:

• Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence;
• UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture.