Recruitment of an Individual Consultant for Rwanda LDC Graduation Assessment

Agency: UNDP | Reference: UNDP-RWA-00419 | Type: Call for individual consultants Recruitment of an Individual Consultant to assess the Implications of Least Developed Country (LDC) Graduation for Rwanda, funded by UNRCO/UNDP and managed by the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN).Submissiontype/ Category:RwandannationalsbasedinRwandawithdemonstratedknowledgeof LDCgraduation topics,internationaltrade,development financeandeconomic development inRwandaJobTitle:IndividualConsultantDutystationKigali,RwandaReportingto:ChiefEconomista.i.,MINECOFINTypeofcontract:IndividualConsultantContract(Local)Expectedstartingdate:October1,2026Duration35 days(retainer)1stOctober–18thDecember1.BackgroundRwandareachedanimportantdevelopmentmilestonein2024bymeetingtheeligibilitythresholds forgraduationfromtheUnitedNationscategoryofLeastDevelopedCountries(LDCs)forthefirst time,attheMarch2024triennialreviewoftheCommitteeforDevelopmentPolicy(CDP).Rwanda met two of the three graduation criteria — the Human Assets Index and the Economic and Environmental Vulnerability Index — while remaining below the income threshold. In line with establishedUnitedNationsprocedures,Rwandawillbeconsideredforapossiblerecommendation for graduation at thenext triennial review in March 2027, providedthat the criteriaaremet again and that the broader assessment supports a sustainable graduation pathway.RwandaisinthesamegraduationcohortasUgandaandtheUnitedRepublicofTanzania, bothof whichalsometthecriteriafor thefirsttimein2024. Whilethisprogressreflectssustainedefforts in economic andsocial development, the periodleading to the2027review iscritical: graduation is not a technical or statistical exercise alone; it requires preparation both for the review process itself and for the transition beyond LDC status.If recommendedfor graduationin2027, Rwandawould, inlinewithCDP practice for vulnerable and first-time graduating economies, likely be granted an extended five-year preparatory period before graduation formally takes effect (following endorsement by ECOSOC and the General Assembly) — meaning graduation could take effect around 2030 or later, depending on the transition period effectively granted.Graduationcarriesbothopportunitiesandrisks,includingthephasedwithdrawalofLDC-specific international support measures in trade (e.g., preferential market access, the WTO Services Waiver, anddeminimisTRIPSflexibilities),finance (concessional financing terms andaccess to LDC-specific funds) and technical cooperation.At the request of the Government of Rwanda, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator will engageUNDPtorecruit,onbehalfoftheUNCT,anindividualconsultanttoprovidetechnicaladvisory support to theMinistry ofFinance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) inpreparing Rwandas self-assessment of the LDC graduation process.2.PurposeoftheAssignmentThe purpose of this assignment is to support the Government of Rwanda, through MINECOFIN, in preparing an evidence-based assessment of Rwanda’s graduation from Least Developed Country(LDC)status.TheassignmentshoulddeterminewhatRwandastandstogainorlosefrom graduation, quantify where feasible the magnitude of potential impacts, identify which risks requirepolicyintervention,andrecommendasequencedsetofmeasuresthatGovernmentshould implement before, during and after graduation.This activity contributes to strengthening policy and institutional measures that support inclusive economic transformation, economic diversification, resilience, and access to sustainable development finance. Through technical analysis, stakeholder consultations, and the preparation of an assessment report, the assignment will help safeguard Rwanda’s long-term development financing prospects, and support economic transformation priorities.3.ObjectivesoftheAssignment Overall ObjectiveTo support the Government of Rwanda in undertaking a comprehensive assessment of the implications of graduation from Least Developed Country (LDC) status and in preparing an evidence-based self-assessment of a potential graduation.4.Scope of WorkThe individual consultant will provide technical advisory support to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) to prepare and support Rwanda’s own self-assessment of the LDC graduation process, considering the international support measures for LDCs, including opportunities, risks, and options to support a smooth transition.Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline.Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.http://supplier.quantum.partneragencies.org  using the profile you may have in the portal. In case you have never registered before, you can register a profile using the registration link shared via the procurement notice and following the instructions in guides available in UNDP website:https://www.undp.org/procurement/business/resources-for-bidders.  Do not create a new profile if CONTACT: • Email: procurement.rw@undp.org