Consultant for Social Procurement Analysis

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established in 194

• ESCAP is dedicated to promoting sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region through various initiatives and partnerships. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on economic and social development, environmental sustainability, and regional cooperation. ESCAP employs a diverse workforce of professionals committed to addressing the challenges faced by the region, with a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable development that leaves no one behind.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in analyzing social procurement trends within the agrifood sector in Thailand. This position is designed to support the objectives of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by enhancing the role of the private sector in achieving development goals. The consultant will work closely with the Economic Affairs Officer of the Technology and Innovation Section, Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID), and other relevant project officers to ensure the successful completion of the project. The consultant's work will involve conducting comprehensive research, engaging with stakeholders, and delivering high-quality outputs that contribute to a better understanding of social procurement and its impact on inclusive businesses. The consultant will also be responsible for developing methodologies, conducting outreach, and synthesizing findings to inform future strategies and initiatives in the agrifood sector.

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

• Collaborating with ESCAP to design a methodology for assessing social procurement trends in the agrifood sector, including identifying key stakeholders, timelines, and quality control measures.
• Developing communication materials to engage stakeholders effectively.
• Conducting outreach and mapping exercises to identify potential social enterprise suppliers and corporate buyers in Thailand's agrifood sector.
• Finalizing and launching the mapping methodology in agreement with ESCAP.
• Engaging with procurement teams of agrifood sector companies to gather insights and data.
• Disseminating surveys through various channels and leveraging partnerships for outreach.
• Validating companies that meet the project's criteria and analyzing their social procurement readiness levels.
• Preparing a comprehensive analysis of social procurement in the agrifood sector, guided by strategic advisors.
• Engaging with at least 50 companies and securing responses from a minimum of 3
• 1
• Synthesizing findings and preparing a summary brief on the analysis and market assessment. 1
• Organizing networking events to connect social enterprises with procurement teams, ensuring participation from at least 30 representatives. 1
• Following up with stakeholders to update the social procurement database and develop supplier profiles.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree in Economics, International Development, Management, Public Policy, Innovation Policy, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of progressive experience in promoting social and economic development through research, analysis, and policy formulation. Experience in promoting inclusive businesses, social enterprises, or impact investment within the ASEAN region is essential. Familiarity with conducting research and providing policy advice related to ASEAN is desirable, as is experience working in Thailand.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in a relevant field such as Economics, International Development, Management, Public Policy, or Innovation Policy. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of social procurement and its implications for economic and social development.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of progressive experience in the field, specifically in promoting social and economic development through research and analysis, as well as policy formulation and application. Experience in the ASEAN region, particularly in promoting inclusive businesses and social enterprises, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the Thai context and its social procurement landscape will be an advantage.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication with stakeholders and the preparation of reports and analysis will be required. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for one month, and the consultant will work remotely from their home base. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures a fair and transparent recruitment process.