REQUEST FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

(CONSULTING SERVICES – INDIVIDUAL CONSULTANT SELECTION)

Country: MONGOLIA                                                                                                   

Project name: STRENGTHENING FISCAL AND FINANCIAL STABILITY PROJECT

Credit No. 6084-MN; 6085-MN

Assignment Title: International Consultant for Microeconomics research purpose.

The Government of Mongolia has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Strengthening Fiscal and Financial Stability Project (SFFSP), and it intends to improve fiscal policy and sustainability in a mineral-based economy, protect the poor and vulnerable, and restore confidence in the financial sector. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will be responsible for the implementation of the project, including overall coordination, results monitoring.

Research and Statistics Department (RSD) at the Bank of Mongolia (BoM) strives to produce high quality research studies which provide a strong conceptual and empirical basis for policy making. In this regard, RSD conducts research in a variety of fields particularly macroeconomic analysis that bears a clear connection to monetary policy and financial stability objectives.

In recent years, for central banks, micro-economic analysis has been playing increasingly prominent role in support of policy making as macroeconomic problem is built upon a more fundamental, underlying micro-economic issues. Macroeconomic and financial market developments are determined by decisions of many millions of individual agents; and their interactions and decisions are often best analyzed using theoretical and empirical methods of microeconomics. Therefore, the BoM focuses on both macro and micro level studies. Currently, RSD staff is facing the following conceptual challenges:

1. Since the main area of our interest until now has been concentrated on the macroeconomic issues, the staff at RSD is mostly specialized in macroeconomic issues. Therefore, a lack of well-trained staff in micro-economic analysis is becoming one of the crucial problems that the RSD is facing.
2. Relatively a small number of the RSD staff members compared to other central banks limits the possibility to advance their expertise in specific area by requiring them to conduct research in multiple areas simultaneously. 

Thus, to meet the current need, the RSD staff need further training to strengthen their capabilities to conduct micro-economic research employing various types of statistical and econometrics techniques. We are hereby requesting international consultancy service for enhancing the research capabilities.

SCOPE OF WORK: 

The main objective of this assignment is to strengthen the research capacity of the RSD by providing with (i) training in research techniques with extensive application in microeconomics areas and (ii) conducting collaborative research studies that can be published in internationally recognized academic journals.

The consultancy service will cover a period of five-and-half months. The commencement date will be determined by the work plan, its progress, completion of the tasks and evolving business needs.

Key responsibilities of the International Consultant will include providing consultancy service to the BOM RSD staff on the following matters, but not limited to:

 THE SHORTLISTING CRITERIA ARE: 

To be considered eligible, candidates should have all the eligibility criteria listed below:

• Education:  A suitable candidate should have Ph.D degree and preferably Professorship in Economics.
• Experience: 
1. At least 20 years of relevant professional experience, with distinguished experience in teaching, research, and conducting workshops in Stochastic frontier approach and micro-econometric analysis taking relevant examples from developing countries in Asia;
2. Published books and research papers in reputable international peer reviewed academic and policy-oriented journals;
3. Sufficient previous experience working as an international consultant in other countries.

• Language skills:  Professional English in writing and speaking.
• Other skills:  Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function effectively and collaboratively in a team environment.

CONTRACT DURATION: The consultant work is expected to commence on 04 June 2018. The duration of the assignment is for five-and-half months.  

Interested consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. 

1. Cover letter indicating why she/he considers her/himself suitable for the position, 

2. Detailed CV highlighting relevant skills/experience, 

3. Copy of diplomas or certificates. 

The consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank’s Procurement Regulations for IPF Borrowers (July 2016).

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below by e-mail before 23:00 on May 01, 2018 (local time, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia). ONLY SELECTED CANDIDATE WILL BE CONTACTED.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours: 8:30 to 17:30 hours (local Ulaanbaatar time) or procurement@sffs.mn.

Attn: Ms.Khaliun, Procurement specialist,  

Project Implementation Unit

The World Bank – Strengthening fiscal and financial stability project,

Room #205, Negdsen undestnii 8/2, 4th khoroo, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Tel: +976-70120582

Fax: +976-70110582

70120582