How to apply for Maestral Public Finance for Children (PF4C) Expert Cohort

About Maestral International

Maestral International is a mission-driven consultancy specializing in child protection, social welfare, and public finance for children, led by President Philip Goldman and a team of senior associates. Unlike large development contractors, Maestral offers a boutique, high-touch environment where selected experts receive direct training from leadership and become part of a small, recognized cohort. This is a rare chance to shape how governments and development partners use public finance tools to improve children's lives.

About the role

This is not a standard full-time job but an invitation to join a select cohort of PF4C experts who will be trained on Maestral's proprietary public finance and investment case tools. You will become a certified Maestral PF4C Expert, delivering paid webinars to introduce the tools and potentially securing paid technical assistance assignments when governments or partners need deeper support. The role is remote, flexible, and ideal for experienced consultants who want to expand their impact while staying independent.

A typical day

A typical day might involve participating in a virtual training session with Philip Goldman on a new investment case tool, followed by preparing a customized webinar for a ministry of finance in a focus country. You might also spend time reviewing data or drafting a proposal for a short-term technical assistance assignment, all while coordinating remotely with Maestral's team and other cohort members.

Who Maestral International is looking for

• At least 7-10 years of hands-on experience in public finance for children, including budget analysis, costing, fiscal space analysis, or investment cases in low- or middle-income countries.
• Proven ability to translate complex PF4C concepts into clear, compelling presentations for government officials, donors, and other non-technical audiences.
• Existing network or track record of engaging with ministries of finance, social sectors, or development agencies on child-focused budgeting and financing.
• Self-motivated and available for short-term, remote assignments, with a strong interest in being trained on new tools and representing Maestral's brand.

Tips for this application

• Highlight specific PF4C projects where you led budget analysis, costing, or investment case development—quantify results (e.g., 'identified $X million in fiscal space for child health').
• Showcase your public speaking and training experience by mentioning webinars, workshops, or presentations you have delivered to government or donor audiences.
• Explain why you want to be part of a cohort model rather than a traditional full-time role—emphasize your interest in collaborative learning and applying Maestral's tools.
• Mention any familiarity with Maestral's work or Philip Goldman's leadership; reference their existing publications or projects to demonstrate genuine interest.
• Keep your application concise and focused on technical fit and communication skills, as Maestral values clarity and efficiency.

What to cover in your cover letter

In your cover letter, emphasize: (1) your deep technical expertise in PF4C with concrete examples, (2) your ability to communicate complex ideas simply and engage diverse stakeholders, (3) your enthusiasm for being trained on Maestral's tools and becoming a recognized expert, and (4) your availability and interest in short-term paid assignments. Avoid generic statements about helping children; instead, link your skills directly to the cohort's objectives.

Research before applying

• Review Maestral International's website, especially their public finance for children projects and any published tools or reports.
• Research Philip Goldman's background and recent speaking engagements or publications to understand his perspective on PF4C.
• Look into Maestral's key partners and clients (e.g., UNICEF, World Bank, bilateral donors) to see where their PF4C work is concentrated.
• Search for any webinars or presentations Maestral has given on public finance tools to understand their approach and messaging.

Likely interview topics

Based on the job description, expect questions about:

• Walk us through a PF4C analysis you led—what was the context, methodology, and impact?
• How would you explain the concept of fiscal space for children to a finance ministry official with no child-focused background?
• Describe a time you had to adapt a public finance tool or approach to a challenging political or data-poor environment.
• What interests you about Maestral's cohort model and how do you see yourself contributing beyond just receiving training?
• How would you handle a situation where a government partner is resistant to using a new tool or approach you are introducing?

Common mistakes to avoid

• Applying with a generic cover letter that does not mention PF4C, Maestral, or the cohort model specifically.
• Overemphasizing academic theory without demonstrating practical application in real government or development settings.
• Failing to show availability or willingness to participate in training and short-term assignments—this is not a full-time salaried position, and flexibility is key.