Historique

The Government of Eswatini’s vision is “to attain first world status by year 2022” – with an actionable mission “to establish a policy framework that will ensure sustainable economic development, financial stability & growth, improving the quality of life of Emaswati”. Eswatini’s economic landscape has been facing some turbulence since 2013 – with the GDP declining from 4.3 percent in 2013 to about 0.3 percent in 2017.  A climate-change induced drought and a sharp decline in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) receipts accounted for substantial parts of this deterioration. The country’s thematic focus is towards an economic recovery trajectory anchored on the principles of good governance and focused on attaining fiscal consolidation, inclusive and sustainable growth and an environment for a vibrant private sector.

The decline in agricultural production accompanied by sharp increases in headline inflation had severe impact on welfare and living conditions of her people. The need to cushion this impact through expansion of public expenditure in the context of declines in SACU revenues, widened deficit to about 12.4 percent of GDP in 2018. This development led to accumulation of domestic debt, current account deterioration, an international reserve coverage that was below 3 months of imports and a rising non-performing loans in the banking sector. On the social side, the national unemployment rate stands at 25.3 percent, while the youth unemployment rate is 52.8 percent.

The COVID-19 pandemic, index case confirmed on 14 March 2020, met Eswatini in a fragile situation, with  growth subdued to an average annual rates of 1.7 per cent during 2014-19 period as a result of mounting fiscal challenges, difficult external environment and the impact of the 2015/16 drought. Due to the pandemic, the economy contracted by 8.2 per cent on a year-on-year in the second quarter of 2020 , with  severe effects in the secondary sector that  contracted by 24.5 per cent and inflation rate at 4.65 % signaling a technical recession for the economy. Total debt stock stood at E26.2 billion as at end September 2020, representing 41.5% of GDP. Fiscal deficit widened to 8.9 per cent of GDP as Government prioritized saving lives by virement of the national budget towards health expenditures amid declining revenues led by heavy reduction in SACU revenues.

Despite some of the residual challenges outlined in the above, Eswatini is awash with strategic opportunities - or levers of resilience which can be leveraged effectively as a foundation for economic turn-around. The Government of Eswatini has taken significant policy steps to respond to some of the challenges identified and unlock some strategic opportunities. This includes putting in place the country’s National Development Plan (NDP) as well as a Strategic Road Map (SRM) and most recently the Post COVID-19 Economic Recovery Strategy. 

Private sector is recognized as a key partner to the achievement of the universally adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the government has been deliberate and intentional in ensuring that Private sector plays a pivotal role in the development of the country.  The role of the private sector cannot be underscored, it plays an important role as an engine of economic growth and job creation; It provides goods and services; generates tax revenues to finance essential social and economic infrastructure;  develops new and innovative solutions that help tackle development challenges and it is a central actor in addressing climate change. However, Eswatini’s private sector is relatively small and dominated by micro-enterprises. A survey by FinScope in 2017 estimated the number of MSMEs at close to 70,000, employing over 90,000 people, or about 21% of the workforce. No reliable data on the MSME sector’s contribution to GDP is available; however, this figure is not expected to be too far below the 50%. The survey also estimated a total of 59 283 business owners employing approximately 93 000 people. However, only 8% of total MSMEs are small and medium enterprises. The majority of enterprises are micro businesses and individual entrepreneurs. High impact enterprises account for only 4% of SMEs, with low impact SMEs accounting for 79%. The bulk of them prevail in low value-addition activities in the wholesale and agriculture sectors. Significantly, 75% of the MSMEs operate without a business license — therefore, in the informal sector.

To this end, the government recognizes in various planning instruments the central role of the private sector and in particular the MSME sector. The Government launched Post Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan under the theme of ‘Carving the path to a private sector-led economy’ to affirm the central role of the private sector in the recovery process. The government views in the Recovery Plan the needs to be a shift away from Government as the central driver of the economy. Further to that, the Government confirms that it needs to re-establish itself as the key enabler of growth across all sectors of the economy. In enabling the private sector, the GoE will focus on creating a conducive business environment that will improve the country’s ranking on the Ease of Doing Business.

Rationale:

UNDP’s vision on private sector development is anchored on making markets work for the SDGs with an emphasis on inclusion of poor and marginalized communities, in partnership with governments, civil society and businesses. UNDP’s vision seeks not only to enhance the private sector’s role as a vital actor in advancing the SDGs but also to promote the adoption of the SDGs as the main framework for private sector strategies and operations so that all business outputs are contributing to the SDGs. UNDP’s Private Sector Development and Engagement Strategy (2018-2022) focuses on the role UNDP can play (in partnership with governments, businesses, investors, communities, civil society and academia) to amplify and accelerate the momentum for market change into irreversible transformation. Moreover, the CO envisions full alignment with UNDP 0.2 offer on building back and forward better focusing on inclusive and sustainable recovery.

UNDP in Eswatini has developed its Country Programme Document (CPD) that is aligned to the 2030 Agenda, NDP, The National Strategic Roadmap, the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2021 – 2025 and ensured private sector role as reflected in UNDP’s global strategy is well-positioned at its heart.  The CPD also recognizes the private sector as strategic partner for UNDP in supporting the country’s efforts to eradicate poverty in all its forms and dimensions, accelerate the structural transformation process for sustainable and inclusive development and build resilience to crises and shocks.

The Country Office therefore needs to reposition and strengthen its work with the private sector in this new environment post COVID 19. To this end, the country office intends to align its private sector work more closely with its overall vision of contributing to “empowered lives, resilient nations” and focusing on how the private sector and markets can contribute to economic, social and environmental dimensions of sustainable human development. As such, the country office is seeking the services of a seasoned expert to strengthen the engagement on private sector development.

The private sector development and engagement consultant will undertake a diagnostic review of the private sector landscape in the country, lead the development of a private sector engagement strategy that is SDG-based and informed by a thorough analysis on investment mapping; lead the Country Office’s effort to mobilize private finance for SDGs; S/he will also support the CO  in developing partnerships  with private sector  to unlock the potential of digital economy, contribute to ecosystem development solutions and other forms of integrated support for MSMEs business continuity and resilience.  The Consultant will also be required to review the 2015 CO Private Sector Engagement Strategy, Service Offers, its results, gaps and key lessons. 

Devoirs et responsabilités

Scope of Work:

Under the supervision of the Resident Representative or her designate, the specialist will carry out the following tasks:

• Desk review to analyze latest UNDP CO Private Sector Development Strategies, Plans Service Offers, its results, gaps and lessons learned.
• Map out the country private sector engagement practices and models,  the financing models, business models and operations in order to identify barriers and solutions for private sector engagement and financing of the SDGs and COVID-19  recovery strategies;
• Scan the opportunities in the country based on partner-specific intelligence and the competitive landscape; and identify where the country office competency strengths overlap with partner/client needs;
• Identify opportunities related to regional trade and investment, especially under the umbrella of the AfCTA;
• Lead efforts to expand UNDP’s engagement with the private sector in the context of the 2030 Agenda, the implementation of the third National Development Plan,  the Strategic Roadmap , the Post COVID-19 Recovery Strategy.
• Support UNDP to design and implement appropriate interventions, solutions and strategies to support MSMEs especially those affected by COVID-19;
• Develop the Country Office’s broader private sector engagement strategy and programme to drive a coherent and strategic approach to the establishment and management of partnerships with the private sector;
• Provide strategic guidance and advisory support to the Country office policy and programmatic interventions with regard to private sector engagement.
• Support the development of a Partnership and Resource Mobilization Plan for the Country Office to facilitate resource mobilization aimed at private sector engagement;
• Develop a comprehensive program proposal on Private Sector Development for Eswatini taking into account new priorities and sector needs as well as offering an instrument for joint implementation and funding with other partners;
• Support the brokering and develop partnerships with bilateral and multilateral development partners, International Financial Institutions, the United Nations family, key Government Institutions and development partners with the objective to develop joint initiatives to support national development priorities;
• Support the design and launch of strategic private and partnership events to advocate for SDG financing.

Expected Outputs:

The expected deliverables of the assignment include:

• A Country Office Private Sector Engagement Strategy to drive a coherent and strategic approach to the establishment and management of partnerships with the private sector;
• Mapping and analysis of country impact investment ventures, sustainable finance structures,  including blended finance,
• Sensitize partners and establish partnerships to conduct SDG Investor Map.
• A Partnership and Resource Mobilization Plan to facilitate the Country Office resource mobilization efforts; this includes creating a service offer to support the Private Sector and target DFI and other donor providing funding to private sector development and partnerships.
• Project proposals with a Private Sector Engagement component with at least one  targeting partnership with financial and philanthropy sectors  and another MSME development;
• Knowledge products on UNDP’s Private Sector Development and Engagement interventions that are grounded on in-depth assessments and analysis.

Compétences

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
• Strong Programme  design  and management skills;
• Positive, constructive attitude and consistently approaches work with energy;
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to receive / integrate feedback.

Technical and Functional Competencies:

• Practical knowledge of private sector development and engagement, development finance solutions i.e. impact investment, inclusive market development, digital economy, financial inclusion, capacity building, advisory services and fund raising are required;
• Demonstrated field experience with governments, private sector and development partners and foundations in the area of private sector and mobilizing private capital is essential.
• Knowledge of and capacity in policy analysis in the area of private sector development and engagement as well as unlocking private sector to address the SDGs and COVID 19 response is an asset;
• Strong analytical, communication and presentation skills;
• Outstanding ability with report writing and communication especially digital tools is required;

Qualifications et expériences requises

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Masters’ degree or above) in Economics, Development Financing or related fields is required

Experience:

• An experienced expert with a minimum of seven years of field experience in private sector development, engagement and development finance solutions including market systems development approach in the region.
• Experience in project finance and especially corporate finance deals related to infrastructure development projects, impact investment venture or sustainable finance structured including blended public and private capital structures.
• Experience in digital finance and digital market is strongly desired.

Language Requirements:

• Fluency of written and spoken English language is required.

Application Procedure:

Interested individuals must submit the following documents /information to demonstrate their qualification, experience and suitability to undertake the assignment. All supporting documents must be part of the detailed CV and uploaded as one document.

1. Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP; OFFEROR’S LETTER TO UNDP
2. Personal CV or P11, indicating all experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;   Link for the P11 form: https://un.org.sz/p11/P11.docx
3. Brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment; and a methodology on how they will approach and complete the assignment 
4. Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price supported by a breakdown of costs, as per template provided. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 

Incomplete proposals may not be considered. All applications must be made on-line.

Note: Please note you can upload only one document to this application (scan all documents in one single PDF file to attach).

Evaluation Method and Criteria:

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology;

Cumulative analysis:

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (qualification + interview) (70%) and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced qualified proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

• Only applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated;
• Only the top 3 candidates that have achieved a minimum of 70 points (70%) from the review of the education, experience, and language may be invited for an interview. Only candidates who pass 70% of technical evaluation will be evaluated further.
• Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

For those passing technical and interview evaluation above, offers will be evaluated per the Combined Scoring method:

1. Technical evaluation (70%);
2. Financial evaluation (30%).

Technical Criteria for Evaluation (Maximum 70 points):

• Criteria 1: Education Qualification - Max 10 points;
• Criteria 2: Relevant working experience in developing private sector engagement project documents and leading private sector engagement efforts - Max 30 points;
• Criteria 3: Experience working with UNDP, other UN organizations or other International organization- Max 10 points;
• Criteria 4: Experience developing Private Sector Engagement-focused tools and knowledge products – Max 15 points;
• Criteria 5: Excellent English writing and communication skills - Max 05 points.