Individual National Consultant to Conduct the Mid-Term Review of Rwanda's NST2

Recruitment of an Individual National Consultant to Conduct the Mid-Term Review of Rwanda's Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) Period of assignment/services: 60 working days over a three months period from the date of contract signature. 1. Background The Government of Rwanda is implementing the Second National Strategy for Transformation (NST2) for the period 2024-2029 as the principal medium-term framework for achieving the country's long-term development aspirations under Vision 2050. NST2 provides strategic direction for accelerating economic transformation, improving social well-being, strengthening governance and justice, and enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience. As the coordinating institution responsible for national planning, monitoring, and evaluation, the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN) oversees the implementation and performance monitoring of NST2 across all sectors and institutions. Two years into implementation, it is important to undertake a comprehensive review of NST2 progress covering the period from July 2024 to June 2026. The review will assess achievements, challenges, effectiveness of implementation arrangements, emerging risks, and the likelihood of achieving NST2 targets by 2029. The findings will inform policy adjustments, resource allocation, and implementation strategies during the remaining implementation period. To support this exercise, MINECOFIN, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), seeks to recruit a local Individual Consultant with demonstrated knowledge of Rwanda's national planning, to conduct the NST2 Mid-Term Review. Purpose of the Assignment The purpose of the assignment is to conduct an independent and evidence-based review of the implementation and performance of NST2 during the period July 2024 to June 2026 and provide actionable recommendations to enhance the achievement of NST2 objectives and targets during the remaining implementation period. Objectives of the Assignment Overall Objective To assess the progress, effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, coherence, sustainability, and emerging impact of NST2 implementation during the first two years of implementation. Objectives The National Consultant shall: a) Assess the progress made toward achieving NST2 outcomes, outputs, and key performance indicators. b) Evaluate the effectiveness of institutional arrangements, coordination mechanisms, and governance structures supporting NST2 implementation. c) Examine the relevance to which NST2 interventions remain relevant to national priorities, Vision 2050, Agenda 2063, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and emerging development challenges. d) Examine implementation efficiency, including utilization of financial, human, and institutional resources. e) Identify key achievements, lessons learned, bottlenecks, risks, and factors influencing performance. f) Review the adequacy and effectiveness of monitoring, evaluation, reporting, and accountability mechanisms supporting NST2 implementation. g) Assess cross-cutting issues including: equality and women's empowerment; employment and inclusion; environmental sustainability; transformation and innovation; engagement and accountability. h) Assess the likelihood of achieving NST2 targets by 2029 based on current performance trends. i) Propose strategic recommendations and corrective actions to improve implementation during the remaining period of NST2. Scope of Work The review shall cover all NST2 pillars, priorities, outcomes, and flagship interventions implemented between July 2024 and June 2026.

The National Consultant shall possess: - Demonstrated knowledge of Rwanda's national planning, monitoring, and evaluation systems. - Proven experience in conducting mid-term reviews or similar evaluations of national strategies or development plans. - Strong analytical and research skills with the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable recommendations. - Familiarity with Rwanda's Vision 2050, Agenda 2063, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). - Excellent writing and communication skills in English and/or Kinyarwanda. - Experience working with government institutions, particularly the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning (MINECOFIN), is highly desirable. - Knowledge of cross-cutting issues such as gender equality, environmental sustainability, and social inclusion is an asset.