Consultant for Environmentally and Socially Responsible Decarbonized Value Chains

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• The ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the quality of life of African people. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on various sectors including sustainable development, climate change, and economic policy. ECA collaborates with various partners, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, to implement projects that align with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting a project aimed at fostering environmentally and socially responsible practices in the extraction and processing of minerals essential for the energy transition. This project is particularly significant as it aligns with the growing global demand for renewable energy technologies, which require critical minerals. The consultant will be responsible for ensuring that the project is implemented in a manner that is inclusive and sustainable, benefiting local communities and minimizing environmental impacts. The role involves coordinating various logistical and administrative tasks, providing support for meetings and trainings, and maintaining communication with stakeholders across six Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries. The consultant will also be involved in reviewing technical reports and ensuring compliance with procurement rules, thereby contributing to the overall success of the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of duties including: reviewing and finalizing technical reports submitted by contractors, providing logistical and administrative support for meetings and trainings, coordinating travel arrangements and hotel bookings, gathering quotations and preparing purchase requests, managing participant lists and invitations for project events, supporting the preparation of event materials and logistical notes, maintaining organized records of correspondence and activity reports, communicating with focal persons in participating countries, providing on-site logistical support during workshops and conferences, and liaising with the Communications Consultant to ensure visibility and branding compliance at events. This comprehensive set of responsibilities is designed to ensure the smooth operation of the project and facilitate effective communication and collaboration among all stakeholders involved.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level degree in Business Administration, Management, Development, or a related field. Additionally, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project management support and administrative support within international organizations is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong organizational skills and expertise in supporting multi-country projects, as well as experience in supervising consultants and producing high-level technical reports and national policies. These qualifications are essential for ensuring that the consultant can effectively contribute to the project's objectives and manage the complexities associated with multi-country initiatives.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a first-level degree in fields such as Business Administration, Management, Development, or other related disciplines. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of project management and administrative support in an international context, particularly within the framework of sustainable development and environmental responsibility.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project management support and administrative roles, specifically within international organizations. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant is well-equipped to handle the diverse challenges that may arise during the implementation of the project, including managing logistics, coordinating with multiple stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with organizational policies and procedures.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. While French is also a working language, proficiency in English is mandatory for effective communication and collaboration within the project team and with stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset but is not explicitly required for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of six months, during which the consultant will be engaged in various activities related to the project. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This policy underscores the organization's commitment to transparency and fairness in its hiring practices.