DevTech Systems, Inc. (DevTech) is an international consulting firm dedicated to development, with 40 years of experience providing advisory services and technical assistance to government, private sector, and civil society stakeholders in more than 100 countries. DevTech core practice areas include: Monitoring Evaluation, Research and Learning; Data Solutions; Public Financial Management and Fiscal Sustainability; and Education, Gender, and Youth.

At DevTech, we care deeply about doing work that leads to positive change in the world. We value diverse perspectives and are committed to an inclusive work environment. We encourage each person to learn, develop, and meet their professional potential. We rethink and evolve how we do things to grow and improve our company.

Serve as a subject matter expert (SME) on stakeholder engagement, identifying governance weaknesses, identifying and consulting with relevant stakeholders, assisting in developing reform action plan and coordinating reforms including through establishing and coordinating the reform secretariat functions. More specifically, the local economist will perform the following tasks;

• Support the Senior International Economic Governance Specialist in developing an action plan for addressing governance related weaknesses as per the IMF Governance Diagnostic including coordination and consultations with local stakeholders from various GOM institutions.
• Serve as a liaison between the international consultant and host country government officials, ensuring timely coordination and communication.
• Facilitate meetings with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Finance, and ensure local government and other stakeholders are fully engaged
• Coordinate and organize stakeholder consultations including developing meetings notes and records.
• Provide insights on the local political and economic context to the international consultant to inform the reform action plan.
• Assist in drafting and refining the action plan, including providing input on required resources and monitoring efforts
• Ensure timely and effective communication between local stakeholders and the international consultant throughout the development process.

In addition, the local economist will support the implementation of Activity 2 and facilitate, coordinate and track progress on reforms while operationalizing the secretariate function for the Governance Coordination Working Group. More specifically, the local economist will perform the following duties;

• Support Senior International Subject Matter Expert by coordinating local activities and ensuring the efficient functioning of the MW2063 Coordination Groups’ workstream;
• Act as the primary point of contact between local stakeholders (NPC, MoF) and the international expert, facilitating communication and collaboration
• Organize and manage coordination meetings, prepare meeting agendas, and ensure follow-up on action items.
• Assist in developing the reform matrix and monitoring framework by providing local insights and logistical support including coordinating closely with USAID funded L2P program as well as DevTech’s home office MEL specialist.
• Ensure that the local government and stakeholders are fully engaged in the MW2063 workstream and that activities are aligned with national priorities.
• Support the operationalization of the secretariate, including managing documentation, communication, and administrative tasks; and
• Provide any other support as asked by the Team Leader, Chief of Party or the Deputy Chief of Party.
• Provide inputs to the development of Activity Completion Reports for Activity 1 and 2.

FAST supports the Government of Malawi in promoting the country’s resilience through stronger economic governance. The project will implement a series of targeted activities designed to support the Government of Malawi (GOM) in addressing fiscal vulnerabilities, improving coordination among stakeholders, building capacity in key government institutions, and ensuring effective governance systems. The implementation of these activities will also contribute to meeting the requirements of the IMF’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program and preparing for potential USAID support in 2025. Specific tasks will include supporting the development of an action plan based on the IMF Governance Diagnostic, strengthening coordination of economic governance efforts under the Malawi 2063 framework, delivering capacity building in economic and fiscal analysis, and enhancing the audit capacity of the National Audit Office (NAO).

Project Objectives:

The project aims to achieve the following objective to strengthen economic governance in the country and support the stabilization of its economy:

• Task 1: Supporting the development of an action plan to implement the IMF Governance Diagnostic recommendations.
• Task 2: Enhancing coordination through the MW2063 Coordination Group on Effective Governance Systems and Institutions, with a focus on sound financial and economic management.
• Task 3: Providing targeted capacity building in economic and fiscal analysis to key divisions within the Ministry of Finance (MoF).
• Task 4: Supporting capacity building at the National Audit Office (NAO) to enhance their ability to audit public debt and donor-funded projects.

• Senior: Advanced Degree in Economics, Public Policy or a related field; A PhD with a minimum of 10 years of experience, a master’s with 12 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree with 15 years of relevant work experience;
• Mid-level: Advanced Degree in Economics, Public Policy or a related field; A PhD with a minimum of 5 years of experience, a master’s with 7 years of experience, a bachelor’s degree with 10 years of relevant work experience;
• A minimum of 5 years of experience implementing economic governance reforms globally;
• Prior experience with USAID funded programs in the region, preferably in the southeastern Africa.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior experience of working with the government
• Familiarity with USAID regulations and compliance requirements.

Duration of Assignment

The assignment duration in 90 working days, between November 01, 2024 and March 15, 2025.

Payment Terms:

Payment will be made on monthly basis following the submission of Invoice that outlines work performed in the preceding month.

Home Office Reporting

The Administrative and Logistics Coordinator for this Activity must adhere to the reporting structure, which includes reporting to both the Team Leader/DCOP/COP, and the Home Office Program Manager.

Additionally, as part of our contractual obligations, the consultant is required to report periodically to the Home Office Program Manager, ensuring contractual commitments, payments and other obligations are met.

NOTE: This job posting should not be construed to imply that the requirements are the exclusive standards of the position nor will it be the sole basis for any subsequent employee evaluations. Incumbents will follow any other instructions and perform any other related duties as may be required by their supervisor.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age (40 and older), physical and mental disability, genetic information (including family medical history) or characteristics, military status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, citizenship or alienage, or any other protected status as established by applicable federal, state, or local law.