UN–Public Sector Partnerships for SDG Funding and Financing

Result of Service

The incumbent will be responsible to develop a UN–Public Sector Engagement Strategy to advance public sector financing for SDGs in Bahrain.

Work Location

RCO Bahrain

Expected duration

4 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background and Objective: Bahrain's progress towards the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is at a crucial juncture. The country's Vision 2030 promotes inclusive growth, economic diversification, and human development. To deliver on these aspirations, Bahrain and the UN have adopted a new Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF 2025–2029) focused on national priorities that align with the six SDG transitions identified globally by the UN Secretary-General: climate, energy, digital, food, education, and social protection. While public finance is the backbone of sustainable development, it needs to be enhanced and more strategically aligned. Public institutions in Bahrain – especially the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development Board, and other line ministries – are central to mobilizing, allocating, and governing financial resources for national development. Through this consultancy, the RCO aims to support the Government of Bahrain in scaling up public resource mobilization and aligning domestic spending and policy frameworks with SDG outcomes and transitions. The initiative also intends to position the UN as a trusted partner and broker of public and blended finance strategies in the country. This role builds on global UN best practices, including those from North Macedonia, Mozambique, Indonesia, and Tunisia, where Resident Coordinators and RCOs have facilitated Integrated National Financing Frameworks (INFFs), public-private funds, and joint donor–government dialogues. In Bahrain, this consultancy will support the same ambition – adapted to the high-income, regionally integrated, and fiscally evolving GCC context. The United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) in Bahrain is seeking two highly qualified international consultants to enhance strategic engagement and financing for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Bahrain. One consultant will focus on Private Sector Partnerships, and the other on Public Sector Engagement. This ToR refers to the second consultant, who will work in tandem with the Private Sector consultant under the supervision of the Head of the RCO, in close coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer and Economist, to support implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 for Bahrain and contribute to the global UN Funding Compact commitments. These consultancies are aligned with Bahrain's UNSDCF four strategic priorities – People, Prosperity, Peace, Planet – where partnerships are mainstreamed across all outcomes. This consultancy aims to contribute to the development of the UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy in Bahrain by strengthening strategic engagement and financing with the public sector and government institutions. The Public Sector Engagement Consultant will report to the Head of the UN RCO in Bahrain, in coordination or consultation with the RCO Partnership Officer and Economist. S/he will maintain close collaboration with the Private Sector Partnerships Consultant and the UNCT. Regular updates to the UN RCO Head of Office, and briefings to the RC/UN Country Team and other key stakeholders will be expected as requested Objective: Develop a UN–Public Sector Engagement Strategy to advance public sector financing for SDGs in Bahrain, with the aim to:
• Strengthen government engagement and public financing alignment with the SDGs: Provide strategic policy support and facilitate dialogue with key ministries and institutions on aligning public expenditure, resource mobilization, and budget practices with SDG and UNSDCF priorities.
• Support the mobilization of public and donor funds for key SDG transitions: Facilitate the development of financing pathways for sectors such as green energy, education, social protection, and climate adaptation aligned with the six SDG transitions.
• Contribute to an Integrated SDG Financing Strategy: Collaborate with the Private Sector Engagement consultant and RCO team to design a forward-looking SDG Financing and Partnership Strategy for Bahrain, including public-private collaboration mechanisms. Scope of Work and Key Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Head of RCO, and in coordination with the RCO Partnership Officer and Economist, the Public Sector Engagement Consultant will carry out the following:
• UN-Public Sector Strategy for SDGs: Develop a UN–Public Sector Engagement and SDG Financing Strategy aligned with the UNSDCF and Funding Compact principles. Map key public institutions (ministries, national funds, regulators) and identify fiscal policy levers and entry points to strengthen domestic resource mobilization for SDG-aligned spending. Contribute to defining SDG budget tagging or expenditure alignment mechanisms. Provide inputs into the UN Partnership and Resource Mobilization Strategy in Bahrain by identifying opportunities for strategic partnerships with ministries, public funds, and national platforms that can support the Financing Compact implementation and contribute to SDG acceleration.
• Support Government Dialogue and Coordination including through the UN Week: Facilitate at least 3 high-level discussions, roundtables, or workshops with ministries (e.g. Finance and National Economy, Foreign Affairs, Social Development, Central Bank) on SDG financing strategies, national development planning, and integration of the six transitions in budgeting. Help institutionalize engagement mechanisms such as an SDG financing task force or a joint government–UN steering platform on financing.
• Policy Advice on Financing Pathways: Identify innovative financing solutions for public institutions including thematic budget allocations, sovereign funds, regional financing channels (e.g. Arab Fund, IDB, GCC development funds), and potential access to international financing instruments (e.g. Green Climate Fund, Joint SDG Fund). Prepare guidance notes to influence the creation or expansion of blended financing mechanisms in collaboration with the private sector and international partners. Work closely with the Private Sector Partnerships Consultant to align public financing incentives with private sector mobilization.
• Develop INFF Roadmap or Equivalent: Contribute to the design of an Integrated National Financing Framework (INFF) or an equivalent SDG Financing Roadmap by synthesizing financing needs, sources, gaps, and coordination modalities. Collaborate with the Private Sector Engagement consultant to ensure public finance strategies complement private and blended finance approaches.
• Capacity Building and Advisory: Advise and build capacity of key government stakeholders on SDG financing frameworks, budget alignment, monitoring of financing flows, and integrated planning. Support peer learning through presentation of best practices from the region and internationally. Deliverables: 1. Work plan with tentative agenda 2. Financing Facility or Mechanism Proposal: One concept note or preliminary design document for a potential public or blended financing mechanism for a key transition area (e.g. climate, digital education, social protection). Mapping of Public Sector Financing Instruments and Gaps: A concise mapping report of national and regional public finance mechanisms available or underutilized for SDG financing in Bahrain, including institutional entry points and policy levers. 3. Workshop/Dialogue Outcomes: Summary documentation of at least 3 high-level dialogues/workshops with ministries and IFIs/donors, including key points discussed, proposed actions, and agreed follow-up. 4. Policy Briefs and Advisory Notes: At least 2 technical notes/policy briefs developed in consultation with national counterparts: e.g., one on SDG-aligned budget reform and another on national financing frameworks. 5. UN–Public Sector Engagement Strategy & Action Plan: A strategy document (within 2 months) detailing UN–Government engagement priorities and modalities, mapped institutions, financing instruments, and proposed actions to align public resources with the SDGs and the six transitions. The strategy will be accompanied by a comprehensive end-of-assignment report summarizing all outputs, achievements, and a roadmap for UN RCO and national partners to sustain and scale UN–Government collaboration on SDG financing

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master's or higher) in public finance, development economics, public policy, or a related field is required. Specialized training in development financing, macro-fiscal policy, or integrated planning is desirable. A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in public finance, national planning, or economic development, with demonstrable experience in engaging governments on resource mobilization and policy development is required. Strong strategic planning, fiscal policy analysis, and negotiation skills. Proven capacity to facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogues, draft technical policy papers, and develop capacity-building content. Familiarity with SDG budget tagging, INFF design, or development of public-private platforms is required. Significant experience in the GCC region, especially with public institutions in Bahrain, is desirable. UN System Knowledge: Deep understanding of the UN development system, especially the role of the Resident Coordinator, UNSDCF programming, and the global Funding Compact. Prior work with the UN or a multilateral organization on public sector finance, governance, or SDG planning is desirable. Diplomatic, collaborative, and culturally sensitive with an ability to operate in complex institutional settings. Results-driven and self-directed with a high degree of professionalism and ethical standards is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English is required. Fluency in Arabic is desirable. Note: "Fluency" equals a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and "Knowledge of" equals a rating of 'confident' in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS' BANK ACCOUNTS.