Senior Public Policy Expert – Debt Management Reform Activity

The Revenue Mobilisation, Investment and Trade (REMIT) is a multi-year programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and is implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI). The program provides technical assistance (TA) to Pakistan with a broader objective to implement reforms for strengthening macroeconomic stability and improving conditions for high and sustained growth, mutual prosperity, job creation, and poverty reduction. The Programme works towards supporting the Government of Pakistan, its relevant ministries, institutions, and departments to strengthen revenue mobilization reforms/initiatives, address investment environment challenges, facilitate trade and drive competitiveness by reducing trade barriers, and improve the macroeconomic policy and its management.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has prioritized effective debt management to bring and maintain public debt-to-GDP ratio at sustainable levels. It aims to carry out improved debt management along with resource mobilisation, expenditure rationalisation, and efficient utilisation of debt.

REMIT is currently seeking an experienced Senior Public Policy Expert. This role involves working with the MoF to prepare a report on debt management function and carry out an assessment of analytic report on the required functionalities of DMO, and to provide inputs into the development an analytic tool for debt management.

The position requires a comprehensive approach, combining economic expertise, advanced institutional knowledge and stakeholder engagement abilities and effective training and capacity building skills.

Job Summary

This assignment will require the expert to review public debt management practices in DMO and their current reporting systems. The expert will provide support to develop an analytic tool for domestic debt management. 

Duties and Responsibilities

1.        Facilitate conduct of an ‘as-is’ report on DMO processes and activities

2.       Review and finalize a workflow report

3.       Facilitate development and validation of assessment of functionality requirements

4.       Assess DMO reporting practices and requirements and identify optimal institutional linkages and development recommendations for institutionalization of the analytic tool

5.       Plan, organise, and conduct workshops

• Coordinate data validation workshop.
• Organise consultations to refine draft analysis and draft institutional matrix.

6.       Stakeholder Collaboration:

• Collaborate with government agencies, academic institutions, and private sector entities to gather expertise and ensure the alignment of the implementation plan with the political and economic landscape of Pakistan.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A minimum of 15 years of experience in the development of public finance reforms

• Good understanding of economic policies, debt management and operation of variables like interest rates, and inflation rates.

• Excellent system development and data expertise for the development models. 

• Minimum master’s, preferably PhD qualification in economics, statistics, or related field.

• Strong review and analysis skills, with the ability to review technical policy and legal documents.

• Ability to engage with senior-level government officials, and to facilitate the process of getting things done vis-à-vis timelines, responsibilities, and resources required to deliver individual actions.

• Excellent record keeping, report writing, communications, and presentation skills.

• Excellent oral and written English.

Reporting

The consultant will report to the REMIT Team Lead and REMIT Macroeconomy Lead.