Political Economy Analysis Consultant – South Sudan

Options Consultancy Services is seeking to recruit several consultants with experience in conducting Political Economy Analysis (PEA). The focus of the PEA will be on strengthening alignment between service delivery strategies and enabling policy and legal frameworks, and financing mechanisms.

The Consultant will lead and facilitate the delivery of a Political Economy Analysis (PEA) in one of the following countries: Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan and Zambia. The PEA will be problem-driven, and rapid with the Consultant supporting implementation teams to refine the precise focus and methodology. Findings from the PEA will support the development of overall programme strategy and the shape of future technical assistance provision.

The Consultant will have overall responsibility for delivering the Political Economy Analysis which is expected to comprise of the following elements:

• Articulating a well-defined problem statement in consultation with key programme stakeholders;
• Analysing / reviewing country SRHR service delivery strategies and health financing systems, informed by the WHO Health Financing Progress Matrix;
• Power mapping and gender analysis (report, gender framework, power map), mapping a route to change (validated findings, report, Theory of Change Diagram and narrative, joint action plan);
• Co-creation workshop to engage with high-level stakeholders (to be agreed with implementation teams) to validate key PEA recommendations and programme strategy decisions.

The assignment will take place between 1st November and 30th November 2024. Options estimates the duration of the assignment to be 15 non-consecutive days. This would involve 2-3 days of desk review, 2 days of workshopping with country teams, 2 days of developing the methodology, 6 days of data collection and validating insights with country teams, and 2 days for reporting.

• An MSc, or relevant comparable qualification, and a minimum of 7 years of experience in a relevant field of health and / or social sciences, such as governance, financing, policy, and/or service delivery.
• Familiarity with the socio-political context and sexual and reproductive health landscape.
• Experience in conducting primary and secondary research, including interviews, focus groups, surveys, and desk research
• ·Demonstrated experience engaging high-level clients, government officials, and key stakeholders in participatory processes, workshops, and consultations to collect data, facilitate discussions, and build consensus.
• Demonstrated experience in analysing power dynamics, stakeholder interests, institutional structures, and political environments.
• Strong writing and communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and actionable reports for different audiences, including policymakers, donors, and international agencies.
• Extensive network from which to draw insights, connections, and resources to inform deliverables.
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to manage timelines and deliverables effectively.

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview.

Other Information

• Options is dedicated to equal opportunity for all and recognises that every individual is unique. Whilst we always seek to embrace individual differences and celebrate the diversity of our workforce, we also want to ensure that every contracted person is suited to their role and that they are given the best opportunity to succeed.
• Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment.
• We seek people who are pro-choice, promote diversity and inclusion, are energetic and enthusiastic about Options’ vision.
• Candidates must have the right to work in Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan or Zambia.