SOW.docx

STATEMENT OF WORK

POLITICAL ECONOMY EXPERT

A. Introduction

The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) is a U.S. Government corporation whose mission is to provide assistance to support economic growth and poverty reduction in carefully selected developing countries that demonstrate a commitment to just and democratic governance, economic freedom, and investments in their citizens. For more information on the MCC please visit www.mcc.gov.

MCC recognizes that entrenched power relationships can be a significant constraints to economic growth and poverty reduction.

As part of the Department of Compact Operations, GSI works with MCC country counterparts and other MCC staff to analyze social context and proactively identify opportunities for social inclusion in projects and activities funded by MCC compact and threshold programs. The GSI team is responsible for ensuring that both gender integration and social inclusion are proactively addressed throughout compact development, implementation and evaluation phases and that gender milestones are met.

For that reason, the Gender and Social Inclusion (GSI) unit is seeking an expert consultant to support the integration of political economy considerations into the overall approach the Agency takes in furthering poverty reduction through economic growth.

B. Scope of Work

The GSI team is seeking an expert, on a consultancy basis, to provide support as requested by the GSI practice group to provide in country technical support for compact and threshold-related work. In that capacity, the consultant will also provide expert advice in undertaking an in-depth analysis of the existing socio-economic-political power structure within countries in which MCC works and implications for social inclusion, growth etc.

The consultant might also be asked to support the team in the development of technical guidance for MCC and MCAs in integrating political economy considerations in its initial analysis of constraints to economic growth, root causes, beneficiary analysis as well as program design.

In fulfilling these tasks, the expert shall work closely with GSI and EA staff, but also consult MCC staff in other departments and sectors.

C. Tasks

The duties of the expert shall include (but are not limited to) the following:

· Provide research and in-country political economy analysis

· Political economy analyses of social exclusion in particular countries and sectors

· Assist the GSI team with knowledge management efforts.

· Support development and implementation of training on political economy for MCC staff

· Support collaboration with the Economic Analysis (EA) practice group on how to integrate political economy approaches and methodologies throughout the compact development and program design process.

· Other duties and tasks may be assigned.

D. Deliverables

· Trip reports to the MCC COR/PM, which will include at a minimum the summary of any consultations and meetings held, and key findings and recommendations and any next steps, as appropriate

· In country analysis

· Other ad hoc reports and inputs, as requested by MCC COR/PM

E. Period and Place of Performance

All work will be completed between the dates of the award through a four year period of performance.

The estimated level of effort is estimated at up to 1,500 hours per year. MCC anticipates this level of effort but does not guarantee this level of effort as it may increase or decrease.

The consultant will work from a home office and/or MCC headquarters or any MCC eligible country.

F. Subcontracting

The consultant is authorized to subcontract data collection, data preparation, analysis, and related services as needed. The overall costs for subcontracting shall not exceed 25% of the consultant’s total negotiated unloaded direct labor cost.

G. Timing and Reporting

All formal communication with MCC, including reports, will be submitted to the Contracting Officer Technical Representative (COR), Program Manager (PM), and other designated MCC personnel. The COR/PM for this requirement will be identified via separate correspondence.

The COR/PM will have technical responsibility for monitoring the contractor’s performance. The COR/PM will review and evaluate the contractor’s performance, and also will coordinate any communications with relevant counterparts and other donor agencies and organizations.

Any changes in the terms of the ToR will be made in writing and approved by the Contracting Officer. No representation of the COR/PM shall serve as a basis for an alteration in the general scope of this ToR or of the terms and conditions of the ToR unless confirmed in writing by the Contracting Officer. The contractor must communicate with the Contracting Officer on all matters that pertain to the Contract terms. Proceeding with the work without proper contractual coverage could result in nonpayment for that work.

H. Evaluation Criteria

· PhD or equivalent training/experience in political science, economics, sociology, public policy, or adjacent disciplines; relevant substitutable experience includes political reporting and applied policy analysis

· Expertise and experience in field and interview-based research

· Strong writing skills, including an ability to produce concise and readable reports

· Strong analytical skills, and demonstrated understanding of political economy, including but not limited to formal publications

· Experience working closely with a range of stakeholders, including international donor organizations, governments, civil society organizations, and project affected people.

· Experience working in fragile and post-conflict settings

· Strong communication skills.

· Fluency in English (written and spoken)

· Proficiency in at least one MCC language.

· Experience working on MCC countries, and in more than one region.

I. Other requirements

International travel may be required for up to two weeks for each visit. The Consultant may be requested to mobilize on a short notice and will be expected to deliver high quality finished deliverables in a timely manner. The consultant may also be required to participate in meetings in Washington, D.C.