Individual consultancy: WASH Innovative Financing Feasibility Study, Mozambique

UNICEF seeks the services of a highly qualified consultant to perform a feasibility assessment and development of an implementation model for innovative financing mechanisms to support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure development in Mozambique, and the development of an implementation model to take the identified mechanism(s) forward.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVE

UNICEF seeks the services of a highly qualified consultant to perform a feasibility assessment and development of an implementation model for innovative financing mechanisms to support Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) infrastructure development in Mozambique, and the development of an implementation model to take the identified mechanism(s) forward.

The consultancy is being established to assist in assessing the potential for innovative financing mechanisms to be implemented in Mozambique to support accelerated WASH infrastructure development.  The Consultant will conduct an analysis of current financial gaps, market constraints, the enablers and bottlenecks of the Mozambique enabling environment, existing financing mechanisms in the sector, considerations for public, private and philanthropic investors (both domestic and international), including funding mechanisms not listed here but of interest.  The consultant will then develop concrete recommendations and options to be considered for the future development of innovative WASH financing mechanisms, with specific recommendations on the role of UNICEF as well as other development partners.  The assessment will broadly cover all of WASH (i.e. Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply, and WASH in Schools, WASH in Health Centers, Rural/Urban) but will give specific attention to the potential of “small towns” WASH, where there has been significant recent support and progress. 

Any developed intervention would be meant to be catalytic, ultimately reliant on mobilization of domestic and international private and public sector resources to assure sustainability.

METHODOLOGY

Under the direct supervision of UNICEF with reporting to the Mozambique Innovative Financing Initiative Steering Committee, the Consultant will be responsible for carrying out the following tasks:

1. Conduct a desk review of Mozambique WASH financial gaps and market constraints in order to identify the most critical funding needs and understand national context.
2. Conduct a review of Mozambique institutional structures and the existing policy environment (WASH, Decentralization, Finance, etc.) through analysis of key documents and interviews with key partners.
3. Complete a feasibility assessment of the potential for the use in Mozambique of innovative WASH financing mechanisms, including those (e.g., first-loss capital, subordinated debt, guarantees, subsidies, development impact bonds, blended financing, other outcomes-based contracting, etc.) that are likely to foster partnerships among public, private and philanthropic investors and to attract private investors.  Specific attention will be given to any financing mechanisms that were already used in Mozambique.
4. Outline at least one draft implementation model of financing mechanisms for the sector or sub-sector(s) including UNICEF role associated with each mechanism.

ACTIVITIES AND TASKS AND DELIVERABLES

Objective 1. In the context of the SDGs and national plans, conduct a desk review of Mozambique WASH financial gaps and market constraints in order to identify the most critical funding needs and to better understand the national context.  WASH includes the following areas: Sanitation and Hygiene, Water Supply, and WASH in Schools, WASH in Health Centers, in both urban and rural contexts.

Activities: (i) In close collaboration with sector partners, identify the existing financial gaps/needs and market constraints through a desk review of relevant reports and analysis. (ii) Estimates of current funding levels for capital expenditure broken down by source (tariff, taxes and transfers). (iii) Determine the persistent bottlenecks/challenges hindering the ability to leverage financial resources in Mozambique (including taxes, tariffs and transfers).

Duration: 7 days

Deliverables: Short analysis report (3-5 pages) presenting the current financial gaps and challenges in WASH.

Objective 2. Conduct a review of the existing Mozambique institutional arrangement and policy environment (WASH, Decentralization, Finance, etc.) through analysis of key documents and interviews with key partners.

Activities: (i) Review current relevant policies and documents covering, but not limited to:  urban water, rural water, urban sanitation, rural sanitation, small-town water and sanitation, tariff regulation, financial law, financial flows, and decentralization.  A specific focus should be given to small-town water and sanitation. (ii) Include any existing examples of innovative financing in the broader social services sector in Mozambique and lessons learned, including limitations due to institutional and policy environment. (iii) Make use of experiences in other countries to highlight useful policy or institutional settings.

Duration:  12 days

Deliverables: (i) Short Analysis report (and Executive Summary) presenting the existing institutional arrangement and policy environment.  Report should include institutional mapping with reporting lines. (ii) Presentation and validation of report (with subsequent revisions as necessary) at sector partner meeting.

Objective 3. Complete a feasibility assessment of the potential for the use of innovative financing mechanisms including those that will create partnerships among public, private and philanthropic entities and attract private investors (e.g., first-loss capital, subordinated debt, guarantees, subsidies, development impact bonds, blended financing, other outcomes-based contracting, etc.) in Mozambique. 

Activities: (i) Based on the results of Objective 1 and 2 activities, draft various innovative financing mechanisms for potential application in Mozambique. (ii) Present options in partner forum (Government and donor partners) for feedback and further inspiration. (iii) Based on presentation feedback, refine feasibility assessment. (iv) Specific focus should be given to small-town water and sanitation.

Duration: 6 days

Deliverables: (i) Powerpoint presentation. (ii) Feasibility assessment report

Objective 4. Develop at least one concrete implementation model of financing mechanisms for the sector or sub-sector(s), with detailed information on implementation process and key next steps/challenges.

Activities: (i) Through consultation with UNICEF, select at least one model to further develop. (ii) Consult with key partners, both government and donor, to draft a detailed implementation model. (iii) Consult within UNICEF, at HQ, Regional and CO level on the model and the specific role of UNICEF and how the proposed mechanisms fit within UNICEF policies. (iv) Present detailed model to key partners for further feedback and debate. (v) Refine model with inputs from various actors.

Duration: 12 days

Deliverables: (i) Powerpoint presentation. (ii) Detailed report on proposed financing mechanisms

Objective 5. Develop an “Action Plan” with recommended next steps, including timelines, human and financial resources needs, and specific roles of the various sector actors.

Activities: (i) Mapping of key activities to be implemented and by whom. (ii) The timeline (what will be the key milestones, when and how long these activities will take place, who will be involved etc…). (iii) The human capacity needed to develop the project (how many staff members/consultant) and with what specific expertise. The report should indicate precisely the kind of expertise and experience UNICEF needs to put in place.

Duration:  8 days

Deliverables: (i) Action plan detailing the key steps, activities, timeline, deliverables, resources (human and financial) necessary for the development of the Pilot. (ii) PowerPoint presentation highlighting the results and proposed way forward.

MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISION

The consultant will report to the Chief of WASH at UNICEF with a technical reporting line to the Mozambique Innovative Financing Initiative Steering Committee, composed of key sector actors (AIAS, CRA, DNAAS, UNICEF and the World Bank).

QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIALIZED KNOWLEDGE

Academic Qualifications. Advanced university degree in development studies, public administration, business administration, finance, economics or other relevant social science.

Work experience: 12 years or more of relevant professional experience in development and analysis of policy and financial management systems, preferably in the WASH sector; Strong experience working in resource mobilization and financing instruments, including innovative financing mechanisms. Direct experience in leading/supporting the development of innovative financing mechanisms (e.g., first-loss capital, subordinated debt, guarantees, subsidies, social impact bonds, development impact bonds, other outcomes-based contracting, etc.); Experience working for/with multi-lateral organizations (including IFIs), the United Nations, private sector (including with private foundations) and private investors; Experience of working in or with developing countries an asset.

Skills and Competencies. In-depth and up-to-date knowledge and understanding of resource mobilization strategies and innovative sources of financing. Strong ability to think strategically and creatively, and analyze and synthetize information to provide well-structured and high quality products (feasibility studies, options and action plans). Strong organizational skills and readiness to work flexible hours to ensure that the agreed upon timeline is adhered to. Ability to build consensus with a broad range of partners (including multilateral organizations, UN agencies, government officials, NGOs, private sector). Proven capacity to work collaboratively in a multi-cultural settings, while taking responsibility for individual deadlines and deliverables. Solid team player who can operate independently, with a demonstrated ability to work with flexibility, efficiency, and diplomacy in a fast-paced environment.

Language proficiency:  Fluent in English and, strongly preferred, Portuguese with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

APPLICATIONS AND EVALUATION CRITERIA

The selection of the consultant will be based on a “best value for money” principle.  As such consultants, in addition to submitting their CV and cover letter, should also indicate their all-inclusive fees (including travel, subsistence costs, etc.) for the services to be provided.  The office shall select the individual who quoted the lowest fee from the list of individuals who are deemed technically suitable for achieving all tasks in time.  Applications submitted without financial information will not be considered.

OTHER

UNICEF is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious and ethnic backgrounds, including persons living with disabilities, to apply to become a part of our organisation.