Public Finance and Local Taxation Analyst at UNDP Madagascar

This job opportunity is for an Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales with the United Nations Development [Programme] (UNDP) in Madagascar. The position is part of the UNDP’s strategic focus on decentralization and local governance in Madagascar, particularly with regard to enhancing financial systems within decentralized territorial entities (CTDs). The role involves a variety of tasks including technical support, capacity building, and project management to improve fiscal governance and the financial autonomy of local authorities.

Overview of the Context and Background

Madagascar’s Decentralization Processhttps://estm.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/23616

Madagascar has been engaged in decentralization for almost 30 years, yet the process has not been fully effective in practice. The legal framework defining the roles and responsibilities of decentralized local authorities is clear, but in reality, the country faces significant challenges in implementing these frameworks. There is a lack of coordination between national and local government structures, and the transfer of financial resources to local authorities is insufficient to meet development goals in the regions. This has led to imbalances in service delivery and regional disparities.

The centralization of political and financial power in the capital, Antananarivo, exacerbates the issue, creating tensions and undermining national cohesion. Local authorities struggle to provide essential services to the population, contributing to regional disparities and social tensions.

The UNDP’s role in supporting decentralization is crucial. The country office in Madagascar has been a key partner in supporting both strategic and operational aspects of decentralization. Recent developments, such as the adoption of the Plan National de Décentralisation Emergente (PNDE) in 2023, the new Politique Générale de l’Etat (PGE), and the reorganization of the ministries, particularly the creation of a new Ministry for Decentralization and Territorial Planning, have created new opportunities to further this agenda.

The UNDP is tasked with supporting the government’s efforts to implement these reforms, ensuring a more effective decentralization process that enhances local governance and service delivery. This position is integral to advancing the objectives set in the Country Programme Document (CPD 2024-2028), which outlines support for the decentralization process and territorializing public policies.

Job Purpose and Organizational Context

The Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales will be primarily responsible for assisting in the implementation of actions outlined in the PNDE regarding the empowerment of decentralized territorial entities (CTDs) and the financing of decentralization. The role will involve providing technical support to both the ministries involved in decentralization and the local actors in improving the financial resources available to local authorities. It will also focus on strengthening the capacity of local entities to manage financial resources more effectively.

The role is embedded in a broader governance strategy aimed at improving financial autonomy, transparency, and accountability within local authorities. This will help local governments better meet the development needs of their populations and reduce regional disparities.

Key Responsibilities and Duties@vacancyspaces.com

1. Providing Technical Assistance

The main duty of the analyst is to provide technical assistance to the ministries involved in decentralization and local governance. This assistance will be in several areas:

• Designing Fiscal Mechanisms: The analyst will work closely with sectoral ministries to design mechanisms for the collection and transfer of fiscal resources to local governments. This includes both tax and non-tax revenues, which are essential for financing local governments’ operations and development projects.
• Supporting the Transfer of Resources: A significant responsibility will be assisting ministries and other entities in ensuring the effective transfer of resources from the central state budget to the CTDs. This process is crucial for meeting the goals of the PNDE and ensuring that local authorities have the financial means to function autonomously.
• Advising on Funds and Support Mechanisms: The analyst will also assist in developing and implementing support mechanisms for CTDs, such as subsidies, funds (FDL, FNP), and sectoral funds. The aim will be to make these resources more accessible and efficiently managed by local authorities.
• Enhancing Resource Mobilization: The role will involve advising both ministries and local governments on how to mobilize additional resources. This includes fostering collaboration between different CTDs, public-private partnerships (PPP), and other stakeholders.
• Strengthening Financial Governance and Accountability: The analyst will play a key role in advocating for stronger mechanisms of accountability in financial governance. This will involve building capacity within local governments to ensure financial resources are managed transparently and efficiently.

2. Contributing to Project Management

The analyst will also play a vital role in project management related to the decentralization process:

• Planning and Monitoring: The role requires assisting with the planning, monitoring, and evaluation of the activities related to financial management and decentralization. This includes overseeing the execution of technical assistance, from the development of terms of reference to ensuring the tasks are completed in accordance with UNDP procedures.
• Reporting and Documentation: The analyst will contribute to regular project reporting and documentation of best practices and lessons learned. This will help inform future interventions and ensure the scalability of successful strategies.
• Collaboration with Stakeholders: Collaboration with various stakeholders, including local authorities, national ministries, donors, and technical partners, will be essential. The analyst will work with these partners to ensure the alignment of objectives and the coordination of efforts.
• Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing: The analyst will contribute to strengthening the knowledge and capacity of local authorities and ministries. This includes facilitating the sharing of knowledge and experiences through workshops, seminars, and collaborative activities.

3. Supporting Broader Organizational Goals

In addition to the core responsibilities related to the decentralization process, the analyst may also be tasked with:

• Implementing Organizational Procedures: The analyst will be expected to execute tasks in line with the organization’s procedures and ethical standards.
• Supporting Broader UNDP Objectives: The role may require assisting in other initiatives and projects that support the UNDP’s broader governance objectives in Madagascar. This could include work in related sectors such as public administration, local governance, or economic development.

4. Institutional Arrangements

The Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales will report directly to the Project Coordinator for Decentralization Support. This supervisor will provide guidance on day-to-day tasks and ensure alignment with UNDP’s broader goals and strategies. The analyst will also interact with other team members and stakeholders across the UNDP offices and partner organizations.

Competencies and Skills

The analyst must possess a range of technical and interpersonal competencies to succeed in this role:

Core Competencies

• Results-Oriented: The analyst must be able to plan and monitor their work effectively, ensuring that deliverables are met within set deadlines and quality standards.
• Innovative Thinking: The role requires an individual who is open to new ideas and is capable of solving problems in pragmatic ways. The analyst should be able to identify opportunities for improvement in financial systems and governance structures.
• Adaptability: Given the often-changing nature of decentralization processes, the analyst must be flexible and able to adapt to new challenges and shifting priorities.
• Determination and Motivation: The analyst must demonstrate a strong drive to achieve results, particularly in challenging circumstances, and maintain focus on long-term goals.
• Teamwork and Partnership: The analyst will need to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders, forming positive relationships with government officials, local authorities, and development partners.
• Diversity and Inclusion: The analyst must be committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that respects and values diversity. This includes actively working against any form of discrimination.

Cross-Functional and Technical Competencies

• Project Management: The analyst should be skilled in managing projects, including planning, prioritizing, and controlling resources to meet objectives.
• Partnerships Management: The analyst will need to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, local authorities, civil society organizations, and international development partners.
• Results-Based Management: The role requires an understanding of results-based management and its application in the context of decentralization and public financial management.
• Governance Expertise: Knowledge of local governance systems, public administration, and fiscal policies will be essential.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Master’s degree in management sciences, economics, or a related field, or alternatively, a Bachelor’s degree with at least four years of relevant experience.

Work Experience

• Minimum two years of experience (with a Master’s degree) or four years of experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) in supporting the implementation of public finance systems or local finance management related to decentralization.
• Experience working with governmental institutions involved in decentralization and public financial management is essential.

Skills and Knowledge

• Solid understanding of project cycles, results-based management, and human rights-based approaches.
• Experience working with ministries and local authorities in areas related to taxation, public finance, or budget management.
• Experience in capacity building and the use of participatory approaches.

Languages

• Fluency in French and Malagasy is required.
• A good knowledge of English is a plus.

Conclusion

This role provides a unique opportunity to be involved in shaping the future of decentralization in Madagascar, supporting local governance reforms that will have a lasting impact on the country’s development. Through technical assistance, capacity building, and strategic support, the Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales will contribute directly to the financial autonomy and effectiveness of local authorities, enhancing governance and service delivery at the grassroots level.

Certainly! Let’s delve deeper into various aspects of the job description and expand upon the responsibilities, competencies, and qualifications in more detail to reach a comprehensive understanding of this role.

Decentralization in Madagascar: Background and Context

The decentralization process in Madagascar has been a long-standing objective, initiated to shift the distribution of power and resources away from the central government and toward local governments. However, despite over 30 years of efforts, the process has faced many challenges. While the country has a robust legislative framework that clearly defines the roles and responsibilities of decentralized territorial entities (CTDs), the practical implementation of these laws has not been as effective as expected.

Local governments in Madagascar are supposed to manage and provide essential services, such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and sanitation, to their populations. However, the central government retains much of the political and financial control, which limits the autonomy of these local governments and their ability to carry out their mandates.

The Plan National de Décentralisation Emergente (PNDE), adopted in 2023, aims to address these issues by establishing a clear roadmap for decentralization. The introduction of a new Ministry for Decentralization and Territorial Planning in 2024 further highlights the political will to give more power to local authorities. Despite these positive developments, the gap between policy and practice remains significant.

In this context, the UNDP has been a key partner in supporting Madagascar’s decentralization efforts. The UNDP’s country program for 2024-2028 focuses on enhancing local governance and public service delivery by addressing the structural and financial challenges faced by local governments.

The Role of the Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales

The Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales plays a critical role in supporting the implementation of Madagascar’s decentralization agenda. This role is designed to provide both strategic and technical support to ministries, local authorities, and other stakeholders involved in the decentralization process. The overall goal is to improve the financial management capacity of local governments, ensuring that they are empowered to manage resources effectively and independently.

1. Providing Technical Support to Financial Systems

A major component of the role is focused on providing technical assistance in financial matters related to decentralization. Local governments rely on a variety of financial sources, including local taxes, transfers from the central government, and external funding. The analyst will work closely with ministries to design efficient mechanisms for collecting and transferring these resources.

This might involve advising on the following:

• Fiscal Policies: Helping the ministries develop fiscal policies that ensure a steady flow of resources to local governments. This could include the creation of new local tax systems or improving existing ones.
• Tax Collection Mechanisms: The analyst will support the design of efficient and transparent tax collection systems at the local level, ensuring that local governments have the means to generate revenue.
• Resource Transfers: The analyst will help improve the effectiveness of resource transfers from the central government to the CTDs. This is particularly important in a context like Madagascar’s, where the central government has historically held a large share of resources. The role involves working with the central government to ensure that local governments receive their fair share of resources in a timely and efficient manner.
• Non-Tax Revenues: Beyond tax revenue, local governments can also generate income from non-tax sources such as user fees for services, fines, and property rents. The analyst will support the development of strategies for improving these revenue streams.

2. Capacity Building for Local Authorities

A significant part of the analyst’s role is focused on strengthening the capacity of local governments to manage their finances. This capacity building involves training local authorities on financial management practices, ensuring that they can effectively allocate resources, prepare budgets, and monitor expenditures.

Capacity-building activities may include:

• Workshops and Training: The analyst will organize and facilitate training sessions for local government officials. These workshops will cover topics such as budgeting, financial reporting, and auditing.
• Knowledge Sharing: One of the key elements of decentralization is the ability of local governments to learn from each other. The analyst will facilitate the sharing of best practices between CTDs, helping them adopt successful strategies from other regions.
• Toolkits and Guidelines: The analyst may develop or contribute to the development of financial management toolkits, manuals, and guidelines that local authorities can use to improve their financial management practices.
• Mentoring and Coaching: Beyond formal training sessions, the analyst may provide one-on-one mentoring to local government officials, offering tailored support for specific financial management challenges.

3. Supporting Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

Another key responsibility of the analyst is to help local governments mobilize additional resources. This involves creating mechanisms to attract external financing and fostering partnerships with national and international actors. Effective resource mobilization is essential for ensuring that local governments can carry out their development projects.

In this area, the analyst may focus on:

• Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): The analyst will explore opportunities for public-private partnerships, which can provide additional resources for local development projects. These partnerships can be crucial in financing infrastructure, healthcare, and education projects.
• Inter-CTD Cooperation: Encouraging collaboration between neighboring CTDs can also improve financial outcomes. The analyst will support the development of frameworks for cooperation, allowing local authorities to pool resources and share services.
• Donor Funding: The analyst will work with international donors to secure financial assistance for decentralization projects. This could involve preparing project proposals, managing relationships with donors, and ensuring that resources are effectively allocated and used.

4. Strengthening Governance and Accountability

The analyst will help improve governance structures within local governments, focusing on financial accountability and transparency. Effective governance is essential for building public trust and ensuring that resources are used efficiently.

In this area, the analyst may be involved in:

• Developing Accountability Mechanisms: This includes supporting the creation of systems for auditing, reporting, and tracking public funds at the local level. These mechanisms help ensure that local governments are held accountable for how they spend public money.
• Promoting Financial Transparency: The analyst will work with local governments to develop strategies for making financial data accessible to the public. Transparency is a key factor in reducing corruption and improving governance.
• Strengthening Internal Controls: Effective internal controls are essential for ensuring that financial resources are not misused. The analyst will work with local governments to develop and implement internal control systems that reduce the risk of fraud and mismanagement.

5. Project Management and Coordination

As part of their responsibilities, the analyst will play an important role in the management of projects related to decentralization. This involves overseeing the execution of tasks and ensuring that projects are implemented according to plan. The analyst will be involved in:

• Project Design and Planning: The analyst will contribute to the design of decentralization projects, including defining objectives, timelines, and resources required.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: The analyst will help monitor project progress and assess whether objectives are being met. This involves collecting data, evaluating outcomes, and adjusting strategies as necessary.
• Reporting: The analyst will be responsible for preparing regular reports on project status and outcomes, ensuring that stakeholders are informed of progress.

Key Competencies and Skills Required

Given the complexity of the role, the analyst must possess a wide range of competencies and skills, both technical and interpersonal.

Core Competencies

• Achieve Results: The analyst must be able to manage multiple tasks, pay attention to detail, and ensure high-quality deliverables within deadlines. This requires strong time management skills and the ability to focus on achieving concrete outcomes.
• Innovative Thinking: The analyst must be open to new ideas and approaches, especially in the context of decentralization. Creativity and problem-solving skills are crucial for addressing the challenges of financial management in local governance.
• Learn Continuously: The analyst must be open to feedback, eager to learn from both successes and failures, and committed to personal and professional growth.
• Adaptability: The decentralization process is complex and often requires flexibility. The analyst must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and handle uncertainty with confidence.
• Collaboration: The role involves working with a variety of stakeholders, both within and outside the UNDP. The ability to build strong partnerships and communicate effectively with others is critical.

Technical Competencies

• Project Management: The analyst must be skilled in planning, organizing, and managing projects to ensure that they are completed on time and within budget.
• Public Finance and Governance Expertise: A deep understanding of public finance management, fiscal decentralization, and local governance is essential for the role.
• Capacity Building: The analyst must be able to design and deliver effective training programs to enhance the financial management skills of local authorities.

Qualifications and Experience

To qualify for this position, candidates must meet the following criteria:

• Education: A Master’s degree in economics, management, or a related field is required. A Bachelor’s degree with relevant experience is also acceptable.
• Experience: At least two years of relevant experience (with a Master’s degree) or four years of experience (with a Bachelor’s degree) in public finance, local governance, or decentralization.
• Skills: Strong analytical, communication, and organizational skills are essential. Proficiency in software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook is required.

Language Proficiency

• French and Malagasy are mandatory for communication in Madagascar.
• English is desirable but not essential for the role.

Conclusion

The Analyste en finances publiques et fiscalités locales is a pivotal role in supporting Madagascar’s decentralization process. By strengthening the financial autonomy of local governments and improving fiscal governance, the analyst will contribute significantly to the development of the country and the reduction of regional disparities. This position requires a strong technical background in public finance, excellent project management skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders. It is an exciting opportunity for professionals passionate about governance, development, and decentralization.