Вакансія: USAID SOERA seeks Budget Policy Specialist – Short-Term Assignment

Deloitte seeks a qualified candidate for the USAID State-Owned Enterprises Reform Activity in Ukraine (Ukraine SOERA) to serve as a Budget Policy Specialist. This is a short-term assistance position with the expected level of effort – 10 hours per month for 12 months. Estimated start and end dates – September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2025. 

Project Background 

USAID SOERA program aims to strengthen public sector business operations and transparency, improve governance and oversight, advance SOE privatization, and develop a strategic management model for SOEs remaining in state ownership. Smart reform and targeted privatization of Ukraine’s SOEs will reduce opportunities for corruption, increase private sector participation, and stimulate broad-based economic growth. Project components include: 

• Component 1: State Property Transfer
• Component 2: State Property Management
• Component 3: Individual SOE/MOE Support
• Component 4: Restoration and Reconstruction
• Component 5: Accountable Public Financial Management. 

Objective

The objective of the Budget Policy Specialist is to provide critical insights into the Ministry of Finance’s decision-making processes, strategic interactions, and economic forecasts, particularly under martial law conditions. Expertise of such specialist will aid in understanding complex budget policy dynamics, enhancing strategic decision-making and project implementations through detailed monthly analyses and direct consultations. This engagement will improve SOERA’s capabilities in government budget policy analysis within the Ukrainian context. The specialist will work virtually, dedicating up to 10 hours per month, including a one-hour virtual consultation. 

Duties and responsibilities 

1. Delivery of Summary Analysis: On a monthly basis, a qualitative summary update will be provided, focusing on the latest developments in the MOF’s budgetary dynamics and policy. This update shall include insights into expenditures, revenues, and financing, anticipated budget balances and gaps, and significant shifts in budget policy in response to economic or political challenges. The specific content each month may vary to ensure inclusion of the most relevant and timely budget topics. These updates are intended to provide strategic insights and information summaries, including for policy shifts and implications for the GOU, rather than detailed quantitative analysis.
2. Strategic Consultation: A one-hour consultation session will be held with SOERA via Zoom to discuss the analysis and implications. This session will allow for real-time feedback and strategic planning, as well as reviewing the monthly analysis, discussing its implications for current projects, and strategizing on engagement with the MOF and other government entities. 

Expected deliverables:

1. Summary Analysis on Monthly Basis:
2. Strategic Consultations on Monthly Basis:

• A monthly qualitative summary update on the Ministry of Finance’s budgetary dynamics and policy developments.
• Delivered as a PowerPoint presentation or a Word document (possibly less than one page). Submitted by the end of the second week of each month, including all sources used, if available.

• A monthly qualitative summary update on the Ministry of Finance’s budgetary dynamics and policy developments.
• Delivered as a one-hour consultation session held with SOERA via Zoom to discuss the analysis and implications. 

Position Requirements:

• University degree in Finance, Economics, or a relevant field.
• Proven experience in public fiscal policy, particularly in the context of Ukraine.
• Strong background in providing critical insights into decision-making processes, strategic interactions, and economic forecasts related to public finance in Ukraine.
• Ability to decipher complex dynamics of budget policy actions.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team and independently.
• English proficiency – Upper Intermediate.
• Based in Ukraine, available for trips within Ukraine (regarding safety considerations).

Candidates are requested to send a CV and cover letter to [email protected] no later than August 16, 2024. Please indicate the following in the subject field of the email: “SOERA Budget Policy Specialist – Application”. Only shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview.