Consultant for Industrial Upgrading and Green Innovation

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. UNECA's mission is to foster the economic and social development of its member states, enhance cooperation and integration among them, and provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing. The organization operates across multiple countries in Africa, focusing on various sectors including industrialization, trade, and sustainable development. UNECA aims to support member states in achieving their development goals, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position involves evaluating potential sequencing approaches that enable industrial upgrading, foster green innovation, and facilitate technology transfer in targeted sectors across six Southern African countries. The consultant will work within the framework of the UN DA 17th Tranche Project on Innovative Climate Action to Accelerate Green and Inclusive Industrialization in the Southern Africa Region. This role is crucial as it addresses the strategic ordering of policy, institutional, and technological interventions necessary for industries to modernize in an inclusive and environmentally sustainable manner. The consultant will engage with various stakeholders, including government policymakers, private sector actors, and academic institutions, to ensure that the study aligns with global commitments such as the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDGs 9, 12, and 1

• The consultant will also focus on supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), especially those owned by women and youth, in leveraging green technologies and strengthening value chains. The overarching goal is to inform policies that promote progressive, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable industrial transformation across Southern Africa, aligning economic modernization with resilience and climate goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will have a range of responsibilities including:

• Identifying relevant sequencing approaches that support industrial upgrading and enhance innovation capabilities in priority industries.
• Examining the status of industrial upgrading in selected countries, providing illustrative examples.
• Shortlisting promising low-carbon regional value chains that can drive greening industrialization, such as renewable energy and circular economy sectors.
• Gauging industry appetite for technological upgrading and innovation to improve competitiveness.
• Identifying sector-specific prerequisites for successful industrial upgrading, particularly in agro-processing and critical minerals.
• Mapping upcycling opportunities and providing case studies of successful projects or companies.
• Documenting global best practices in sequencing industrial upgrading and technology transfer.
• Applying a gender-sensitive analysis to ensure approaches are accessible to women and youth-led enterprises.
• Formulating gender-sensitive policy recommendations for policymakers and stakeholders. The consultant will also participate in coordination meetings with experts to maximize synergies and avoid duplication of efforts.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in fields such as economics, development studies, industrial development, regional integration, trade, or relevant social sciences. Candidates must demonstrate extensive knowledge in industrialization and value chains, particularly in the context of Southern Africa. Additionally, at least 10 years of professional experience in areas such as industrial policy development, regional integration, international development, and trade is required. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the industrial policies and industry sectors in at least a couple of the countries involved in the project, including Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in relevant fields such as economics, development studies, industrial development, regional integration, trade, or social sciences. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively evaluate industrial upgrading and green innovation strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in relevant fields, including industrial policy development, regional integration, international development, and trade. Candidates should have extensive knowledge of the industrial policies and industry sectors in Southern Africa, particularly in the countries involved in the project. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the complexities of industrial upgrading and the challenges faced by different sectors in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Knowledge of French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN. Proficiency in both languages would enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is hybrid, indicating a combination of remote and on-site work. The specific duration of the contract is not mentioned, and there are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. The role is focused on fostering inclusive and sustainable industrial transformation in Southern Africa, with an emphasis on supporting MSMEs and promoting gender-sensitive approaches.