Call For Expressions of Interest - Senior Policy and Programme Consultant - ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity

Duty Station                     Brussels, Belgium

Department                       Policies and Programmes

Contract Type                  Individual Consultancy

Duration                             September 2026 – 31 January 2027

Closing Date                     24  August 2026

Reporting Line                  The Consultant will report to the Head of Programme Coordination and Delivery and work under the overall strategic guidance of the Assistant Secretary-General, Policies and Programmes.

1. About the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS)

The Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) is an intergovernmental organisation comprising 79 Member States across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific, representing more than 1.5 billion people. Guided by the Revised Georgetown Agreement, the Malabo Declaration, the PACTE Initiative and the Samoa Agreement, the Organisation promotes political dialogue, South-South and Triangular Cooperation, sustainable development and strategic partnerships to advance the collective interests of its Member States.

As part of its institutional transformation agenda, the Secretariat has established the Department of Policies and Programmes to strengthen policy leadership, programme delivery, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation. The Department leads the Organisation's work across three strategic priorities:

• Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity


• Climate Resilience and Sustainable Resource Management


• Digital Sovereignty, Innovation and Human Capital Development

Through this strategic architecture, the Department supports Member States in addressing emerging global challenges while advancing inclusive growth, resilience and sustainable development.

2. Background

The global development landscape is undergoing profound change, driven by shifting geopolitical dynamics, climate change, technological innovation and evolving patterns of international cooperation. These trends require new approaches to policy development, programme delivery and strategic partnerships.

The OACPS is responding by strengthening its institutional capacity to deliver integrated policies, high-impact programmes and practical solutions that address the priorities of its Member States. The Department of Policies and Programmes is central to this effort, translating political commitments into initiatives that promote sustainable economic growth, trade and investment, industrial development, entrepreneurship, MSME development and opportunities within the Blue and Green Economy.

To support the establishment of the Department during its initial operational phase, the Secretariat is seeking a Senior Policy and Programme Consultant to provide strategic and technical leadership for the Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity portfolio. Working closely with the Assistant Secretary-General and the Head of Policies and Programmes, the Consultant will contribute to the development of flagship initiatives, strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation efforts that strengthen the OACPS' support to its Member States.

3. Purpose of the Consultancy

The purpose of this consultancy is to provide senior-level strategic, technical and programme management expertise to support the establishment and operationalisation of the Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity portfolio within the Department of Policies and Programmes.

The Consultant will support the design and implementation of innovative policies, programmes and partnerships that promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, strengthen trade and investment, encourage industrial development and value addition, and expand opportunities for entrepreneurship and private sector development. The assignment also includes supporting resource mobilisation, strategic partnerships and programme delivery to achieve measurable development outcomes for OACPS Member States.

4. Why Join the OACPS?

This consultancy offers an opportunity to contribute to the establishment of a new Department that will play a central role in advancing the OACPS transformation agenda and supporting sustainable development across Africa, the Caribbean and the Pacific.

Working directly with senior leadership, Member States and international partners, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the policy and programme direction of a newly established Department.


• Design innovative regional and international initiatives that promote sustainable economic development.


• Build strategic partnerships with governments, regional organisations, development finance institutions, academia, civil society and the private sector.


• Contribute to international policy dialogue on trade, investment, entrepreneurship and economic transformation.


• Leave a lasting institutional legacy by helping establish programmes, partnerships and systems that strengthen the OACPS' long-term impact.

This assignment is suited to an experienced international development professional with a strategic outlook, strong technical expertise and a commitment to delivering practical development results.

5. Scope of the Assignment

The Consultant will provide strategic and technical advisory services across the Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity portfolio, supporting policy development, programme implementation and institutional strengthening.

The assignment will include support in the following areas:

• Economic transformation and structural change.


• Trade, investment, regional integration and market development.


• Industrial development, value addition, entrepreneurship and MSME development.


• Blue and Green Economy initiatives, sustainable value chains and economic resilience.


• South-South and Triangular Cooperation.


• Strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation.


• Programme design, implementation, results-based management and knowledge management.

The Consultant will also contribute to cross-cutting initiatives that strengthen collaboration, innovation and institutional performance across the Department's three strategic priority areas.

6. Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Head of Programme Coordination and Delivery the Consultant will undertake the following responsibilities:

Strategic Policy Development

• Provide strategic advice on emerging economic, trade and development issues affecting OACPS Member States and prepare policy briefs, analytical reports and strategic papers to inform decision-making.


• Support the development of policy positions and strategic recommendations for regional and international engagement, drawing on global trends and emerging opportunities relevant to Member States.

Programme Development and Delivery

• Lead the design of flagship programmes aligned with the Department's Strategic Architecture, including the preparation of programme concepts, logical frameworks, implementation plans and results frameworks.


• Provide technical support for programme implementation, performance monitoring and adaptive management to ensure delivery of high-quality, results-oriented initiatives.

Economic Transformation and Sustainable Prosperity

• Develop and support initiatives that promote economic diversification, industrial development, value addition, entrepreneurship, MSME development and inclusive, sustainable economic growth.


• Advance policy and programme initiatives that strengthen trade competitiveness, regional integration, market access, investment promotion and private sector engagement.


• Support initiatives that promote sustainable value chains and opportunities within the Blue and Green Economy.

Strategic Partnerships and Resource Mobilisation

• Develop and strengthen strategic partnerships with governments, regional organisations, international financial institutions, development partners, academia, civil society and the private sector to advance the Department's priorities.


• Support the negotiation and development of cooperation frameworks, partnership initiatives and collaborative programmes.


• Contribute to resource mobilisation through the preparation of funding proposals, investment concepts and donor engagement initiatives aligned with departmental priorities.

Knowledge Management and Organisational Learning

• Produce technical guidance materials, policy products and knowledge resources that strengthen evidence-based decision-making and institutional learning.


• Promote the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned, good practices and innovative approaches across OACPS Member States.

Corporate Contributions

• Prepare briefing notes, presentations and other strategic documents for senior management.


• Represent the Department at technical meetings, consultations and partnership engagements, as delegated.


• Contribute to cross-departmental initiatives that strengthen organisational performance, collaboration and innovation.


• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Policies and Programmes that are consistent with the objectives of the consultancy.

7. Deliverables and Performance Framework

The consultancy will be managed on the basis of agreed outputs and deliverables. Indicative deliverables include:

Indicative Deliverable

i. Inception workplan outlining priorities, methodology and stakeholder engagement approach

Expected Timeframe: Within two weeks of commencement

ii. Policy briefs, strategic analytical papers and technical advice

Expected Timeframe: Throughout the assignment

iii. Flagship programme concepts and implementation frameworks aligned with the Department's Strategic Architecture

Expected Timeframe: Months 2–3

iv. Partnership initiatives, resource mobilisation concepts and funding proposals

Expected Timeframe: Throughout the assignment

v. Contributions to departmental work plans, reports, presentations and briefing materials

Expected Timeframe: Ongoing

vi. Final consultancy report summarising outputs, recommendations and proposed next steps

 Expected Timeframe: End of assignment

Deliverables may be refined in consultation with the Head Programme Coordination and Delivery to reflect evolving organisational priorities.

8. Reporting Arrangements

The Consultant will report directly to the Head Programme Coordination and Delivery.

Strategic direction and oversight will be provided by the Assistant Secretary-General, Policies and Programmes.

The Consultant will work collaboratively with colleagues across the Secretariat and maintain close engagement with Member States, development partners and other stakeholders to support the effective implementation of departmental priorities.

Regular progress meetings will be held to review implementation, assess progress against agreed deliverables and identify emerging priorities.

9. Contract Details

• Contract Type: Individual Consultancy


• Duration: September 2026 – 31 January 2027


• Travel: International travel may be required in support of technical missions, regional consultations, programme implementation, partnership meetings and other departmental priorities, in accordance with OACPS policies and procedures.


• Remuneration: A competitive consultancy fee will be offered commensurate with qualifications, experience and the scope of the assignment, in accordance with OACPS consultancy policies.

10. Academic Qualifications

Applicants must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in one or more of the following disciplines:

• Economics


• Development Economics


• International Development


• International Trade


• Business Administration


• Public Policy


• Finance


• International Relations


• Or another closely related field.

A doctoral degree in a relevant discipline will be considered an advantage.

Professional certification in Programme and Project Management (e.g. PMP, PRINCE2 or MSP), Results-Based Management or other relevant disciplines will be considered an asset.

Candidates should demonstrate a strong academic foundation supporting strategic policy development, programme design and implementation within the fields of economic transformation and sustainable development.

11. Professional Experience

Essential

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible professional experience in economic development, trade, investment, programme management or a related field.


• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, programme design and implementation.


• Experience preparing policy papers, analytical reports, strategic briefs and programme concepts.


• Proven experience working with governments, regional organisations, development partners or international organisations.


• Experience developing strategic partnerships and supporting resource mobilisation initiatives.


• Strong knowledge of results-based management, monitoring, evaluation and organisational learning.


• Excellent analytical, communication and report-writing skills.

Desirable

Experience in one or more of the following areas will be considered an advantage:

• Trade, investment, regional economic integration, industrial development, entrepreneurship and MSME development.


• Blue and Green Economy initiatives, sustainable value chains and economic resilience.


• Resource mobilisation, partnership development and South-South and Triangular Cooperation.


• Multilateral or intergovernmental organisations.

12. Language Requirements

The working languages of the OACPS Secretariat are English and French.

Applicants must possess an excellent command of one working language and a good working knowledge of the other.

Knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish or another official language of an OACPS Member State will be considered an advantage.

13. Core Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate the following competencies:

Professional Competencies

• Strategic Policy Analysis


• Programme Design and Implementation


• Economic and Development Analysis


• Results-Based Management


• Partnership Development


• Resource Mobilisation

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic Thinking


• Innovation


• Sound Judgement


• Accountability


• Integrity

Interpersonal Competencies

• Communication


• Negotiation and Influencing


• Relationship Management


• Collaboration and Teamwork


• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity

14. Travel Requirements

International travel may be required in support of technical missions, regional consultations, programme implementation, partnership meetings and other official departmental activities, in accordance with OACPS policies and procedures.

15. Eligibility

This consultancy is open exclusively to nationals of Member States of the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS).

Applicants must be citizens of an OACPS Member State and may be required to provide documentary evidence of nationality prior to appointment.

16. Evaluation and Selection

Applications will be evaluated on the basis of:

• Academic qualifications.


• Relevant professional experience.


• Technical knowledge and competencies.


• Quality and relevance of previous experience.


• Interview, where applicable.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

17. Application Requirements

Interested applicants should submit:

• A cover letter (maximum two pages) outlining their suitability for the consultancy.


• A detailed Curriculum Vitae.


• Contact details of three professional referees.


• Copies of relevant academic qualifications and professional certifications.

Closing Date: 23:59 Central European Time on 24 August 2026

Late applications will not be considered.

18. Conflict of Interest

Applicants must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflict of interest that could affect the impartial performance of the assignment.

The successful Consultant will be expected to avoid any activity that may give rise to a conflict of interest throughout the duration of the consultancy.

19. Confidentiality

All documents, information and materials produced or accessed during the consultancy shall remain the property of the OACPS and shall be treated as confidential.

The Consultant shall not disclose or use such information for any purpose other than the performance of the assignment without the prior written authorisation of the OACPS.

20. Reservation of Rights

The OACPS reserves the right to:

• Amend, suspend or cancel this Call for Expressions of Interest at any stage of the recruitment process.


• Make no appointment, appoint one or more candidates, or establish a roster of qualified consultants for future assignments.


• Verify information provided by applicants and request additional documentation where necessary.

The OACPS is committed to merit-based recruitment and equal opportunity and encourages applications from suitably qualified women and men from across its Member States.