Junior Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which is a regional arm of the United Nations focused on promoting economic and social development in African countries. UNECA was established in 1958 and has been instrumental in providing a platform for dialogue and policy formulation among member states. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, working towards sustainable development, economic integration, and the promotion of inclusive growth. UNECA collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement projects that address critical issues facing the continent.

Job Overview:
The Junior Consultant position is designed to support the Senior Consultant in conducting research and data analysis for a regional study aimed at promoting green and inclusive industrialization in Southern Africa. The consultant will play a crucial role in ensuring that the study is evidence-based and relevant to policymakers and stakeholders, including the private sector and civil society organizations. The position involves hybrid work, allowing for both remote and in-office contributions. The consultant will be engaged in a project that focuses on innovative climate action and the role of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in transitioning towards a circular economy. This role is vital in contributing to the development of policy frameworks and strategies that foster sustainable industrial practices in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior Consultant will have a range of responsibilities, including: conducting desk research to gather relevant literature and datasets, drafting analytical summaries of country experiences and policy frameworks, supporting the dissemination of surveys related to the circular economy and MSMEs, preparing notes on financing mechanisms and innovation systems, contributing written inputs to sections of the regional study, and developing supporting materials such as tables, charts, and presentations for workshops and briefings. The consultant will work under the guidance of UNECA and the Senior Consultant, ensuring that all tasks align with the project's objectives and timelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an Advanced University Degree in Economics, Development Studies, Environmental Policy, or a related field. Alternatively, a first degree combined with two additional years of relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree. The position requires at least three years of experience in economic policy analysis, value chain analysis, or development economics, demonstrating a solid understanding of the economic landscape in Southern Africa and the challenges faced by MSMEs in the context of green industrialization.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an Advanced University Degree in a relevant field such as Economics, Development Studies, or Environmental Policy. Candidates with a first degree must have additional professional experience to meet the qualifications. This educational foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of economic policies and their implications for sustainable development in the region.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in areas such as economic policy analysis, value chain analysis, or development economics. This experience should ideally include work related to MSMEs and their role in sustainable industrial practices, as well as familiarity with the challenges and opportunities presented by the circular economy in Southern Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is mandatory for this position, as English is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN, and may enhance communication with a broader range of stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
The total remuneration for this position is USD 500

• 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. The organization emphasizes that it does not require information regarding applicants' bank accounts, ensuring a transparent and fair recruitment process.