Consultant for Local Content Policy Framework and Supplier Development Programme Toolkit

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 1958 with the mission to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. ECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on various sectors including economic policy, trade, and sustainable development. The organization employs a diverse workforce of experts and professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Job Overview:
The consultancy position aims to develop a comprehensive Local Content Policy Framework and Supplier Development Programme Toolkit. This toolkit will provide structured, practical, and research-based guidance to policymakers for the design, implementation, and monitoring of Local Content Policies (LCPs) and Supplier Development Programmes (SDPs). The consultant will be responsible for conducting a literature review, identifying best practices, and drafting the toolkit, which will include practical tools such as sample regulations, procurement frameworks, and monitoring tools. The role is critical in promoting economic transformation by embedding local participation within value chains, thereby generating socio-economic benefits and reducing dependence on imports. The consultant will work closely with the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa and UNDP, providing regular updates on progress and collaborating with stakeholders to ensure the toolkit meets the needs of local industries and policymakers.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will report to the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa and will be responsible for several key tasks: conducting a literature review and gap analysis of LCP practices, identifying best practice case studies, developing a structured methodology for LCP design, drafting the Local Content Policy Framework Toolkit, presenting the draft toolkit in a validation workshop, finalizing the toolkit based on feedback, conducting a masterclass training workshop, and producing a concise summary brief outlining the toolkit's key features and recommendations. Deliverables include an inception report, draft toolkit, validation meeting with the Technical Working Group (TWG), final toolkit, pilot training, and summary brief.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Industrial Policy, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level degree with two additional years of relevant experience may be acceptable. Applicants should have at least 10 years of experience in policy development, industrialization, or local content policy, with demonstrated knowledge of African industrialization and regional integration. Experience in developing toolkits, guidelines, or capacity-building resources is essential, along with strong research, writing, and analytical skills. Familiarity with working with governments, regional economic communities (RECs), and development partners is also required.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Industrial Policy, or related fields is required. A first-level degree with two additional years of experience may be acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree, ensuring that candidates have a solid educational foundation relevant to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 10 years of experience in policy development, industrialization, or local content policy. This experience should include a strong understanding of the African context, particularly in relation to industrialization and regional integration efforts. The consultant should also have a proven track record in developing toolkits and capacity-building resources, demonstrating their ability to contribute effectively to the consultancy's goals.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is the second working language of the organization. This bilingual capability will enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of four months, with a hybrid work location. The position does not specify a fee for the recruitment process, emphasizing that the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process. This ensures that the recruitment is conducted fairly and transparently, without any financial barriers for potential candidates.