Result of Service

The expert shall, within the relevant timeframe, provide to the ECA SRO-NA with a) The preparation of an initial report (R1) stating a good understanding of the task by the expert and detailing among others the work to be undertaken, the conceptual framework, the methodology, the work report and the chronogram of the activities. b) The country situation analysis report (R2) on the results of the assessment of the existing framework, available data and information on institutional, legal, financial aspects related to remittances and its contribution to sustainable development in Egypt. The report will include (i) identified gaps and challenges of building an effective regulatory, investment, and institutional framework in addition to a relevant information system to better optimize the contribution of diasporas into development and (ii) a review of Egypt`s investment environment to attract remittances. This will help to identify challenges and opportunities for investment by Diaspora. c) A proposed effective regulatory and institutional framework based on the country’s context and international experiences including suggested strategic tools/instruments and policy reforms that are tailored to the needs of Diaspora to channel remittances to investments in Egypt. A report with all detailed information (R3) will be submitted by the expert. d) A detailed roadmap (actions/ reforms/policies with timeframe...) to establish the identified framework and a clear action plan to better leverage diasporas’ investments and contribution to the development of Egypt. A document with all detailed information will be submitted by the expert (R4). The expert will design a final workshop (R4) to present the adequate framework with the detailed action plan.

Work Location

EGYPT

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background and rationale for support Diasporas contribute significantly to the sustainable development of both destination and origin countries, making diverse economic, social, and cultural contributions. They bring home significant remittances and skills from destination countries, providing significant benefits to home countries and as useful source of technological transfer, and innovative ideas for national development. Migrants also acquire financial resources for sole and joint investment to improve lives, make financial returns, or both. Despite their increasing importance, diaspora policies still receive less consideration than immigration policies. Remittances are a vital tool for development and have significant implications for economic growth through the increase of consumption, investment, and social spending (education, health, social security…). Remittances inflows have increased significantly in recent years and have become the main financial external inflow in African countries, surpassing other inflows that traditionally play an important role in these countries, such as official development assistance (ODA) and foreign direct investment (FDI). In 2025, formal remittances to Africa reached historic levels surpassing US$100 billion, driven by policy reforms and strong diaspora engagement with Egypt ranking 1st and receiving the most important share of remittances ($41.5 billion). However, the positive contribution of international migrants, remittances in particular, is overlooked. And while countries have made some progress on capitalizing on migrants' contribution to development, in African countries these efforts continue to be a missed opportunity. Understanding migrants' positive contribution to their receiving countries and designing policies and tools that protect and empower them is key for maximizing the socioeconomic benefits of migration. Knowing the importance of remittances to economic development and to facilitate evidence-based policies and their implementation, the governments, the private sector, and the NGOs need clear tools, framework and policies that help to better optimize the contribution of Diasporas in the development of their countries of origin. In this context, ECA is implementing a programme on "Strengthening the migration-development nexus in Africa » from 2024 to 2027. The programme supports six African Member States with important diaspora, significant remittance inflows and proactive efforts from the government to leverage diaspora contribution for development and channel remittances to productive investments. The program’s objective is to strengthen the capacities of selected countries to integrate diaspora’ contribution into national development strategies/plans/programmes as alternative source to finance development and to channel remittances to productive investment by developing the practical/adequate institutional, regulatory and financial framework. Scope and tasks of work Under the direct supervision of the Chief of the Subregional Initiatives Section and the Economic Affairs Officer and the overall supervision of the Director of the North Africa Regional Office, the expert will provide technical support and advisory services to the Ministry of Finance and stakeholders in Egypt to develop the adequate framework to better leverage the diasporas’ contribution to development in Egypt. The expert will: - Prepare an inception report demonstrating a good understanding of the task and detailing among others the work to be undertaken, the conceptual framework, the methodology, the work plan, the annotated plan of the report and the chronogram of the activities. - Assess the existing framework, available data and information on institutional, regulatory, financial aspects related to remittances and its contribution to sustainable development in Egypt. This assessment will help to identify gaps and challenges to build/develop an effective framework to better optimize the contribution of diasporas into development. In addition, a review of Egypt`s investment environment to attract remittances and diaspora savings will be done. This will help to identify challenges and opportunities for investment by Diaspora. Prepare a country situation analysis report based on the results of the assessment. - Develop and propose an effective regulatory and institutional framework based on the country’s context and international experiences with policy reforms and strategic tools/instruments, that are tailored to the needs of Diaspora to channel remittances to investments in Egypt. - Elaborate a detailed roadmap to establish the identified framework, strategic tools/instruments and propose a clear action plan to better leverage diasporas’ investments and contribution to development (actions/ reforms/policies with timeframe, Monitoring & Evaluation matrix and coordination structure). - Take part in national, regional and subregional discussions and workshops related to the programme, and act as a resource person in the work on diasporas’ economic contribution in Egypt. - Develop and implement two (2) workshops: (1) at mid-term to discuss the preliminary results and (2) the final workshop to present the suggested effective framework including policy reforms and the roadmap. The expert is expected to ensure the involvement of relevant stakeholders (Government Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Development Partners; private sector, civil society...), in collaboration with the established National Technical working group in Egypt. Anticipated Deliverables and Implementation schedule 2 days after signing the contract - The ECA and the Ministry of Finance in Egypt organize a meeting with the expert. 2 weeks after signing the contract - The expert submits to ECA and Ministry of Finance an inception report (R1) detailing the conceptualization of the assignment that strongly demonstrates a clear understanding and interpretation of the objectives and tasks; and detailing among others the work to be undertaken, the conceptual framework, the methodology, the work plan, the annotated plan of the report and the chronogram of the activities. 1.5 months after signing the contract - The expert presents to the ECA, The Ministry of Finance and the National Technical Working Group the assessment of the existing framework, available data and information on institutional, legal, financial aspects related to remittances and its contribution to sustainable development in Egypt. This exercise will include identified gaps and analyze the challenges of building an effective regulatory, investment, and institutional framework in addition to a relevant information system to better optimize the contribution of Egyptian diasporas and channel remittances to investments. After including comments, the expert submits the draft (R2) of the country situation analysis report on the results of the assessment on the existing framework, available data and information on institutional, legal, financial aspects related to remittances in Egypt. 3 months after signing the contract - The expert submits the first draft (R3) of the proposed effective/adequate regulatory and institutional framework based on the country’s context and international experiences. The report includes also suggested policy reforms and strategic tools/instruments, that are tailored to the needs of Egyptian Diaspora to channel remittances to productive investments The expert will contribute to the mid-term progress workshop and presents the first draft for comments. 4 months after signing the contract - The expert submits the final report (R3) of the proposed framework (with policy reforms needed and strategic tools/instruments) after taking into consideration the comments received. 5 months after signing the contract - The expert submits the first draft of a detailed roadmap to establish the identified framework, strategic tool/instruments and propose a clear action plan to better leverage diasporas’ investments and contribution to the development of Egypt (R4) 6 months after signing the contract - The expert submits the final draft of the detailed roadmap with a clear action plan (actions/ reforms/policies with timeframe...) to better leverage diasporas’ investments and contribution to the development of Egypt considering receive comments and recommendations (R4) and develops and implements a national workshop to present the adequate framework and the detailed action plan.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (Masters' degree) in economics, international economics, Finances (Statistics, Development Economics, etc.) or any related field is required. A PhD would be an advantage A minimum of seven years of experience in economic research and analysis is required Experience in analytical policy research in economies, or macroeconomic analysis in Africa/ North Africa is desirable

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this consultancy, Fluency in English and Arabic are required

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.

Strengthening the migration-development nexus in Africa. Consultant for Egypt