Regional Consultant for Green Trade Opportunities

Job Posting Organization:
The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) is a part of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). The ATPC was established to support African countries in their trade policy development and implementation, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The organization aims to enhance trade and economic development across the continent by providing technical assistance, research, and capacity-building initiatives. The ATPC operates in multiple countries across Africa, working closely with member states and regional economic communities (RECs) to promote sustainable and inclusive trade practices.

Job Overview:
The position of Regional Consultant for Green Trade Opportunities is designed to assist the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) in integrating climate-resilient and green trade opportunities into the AfCFTA Implementation Strategies. The consultant will play a crucial role in drafting a Green Supplement that identifies priority actions for developing green value chains and climate adaptation strategies. This role involves collecting national-level data, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and ensuring that the Green Supplement accurately reflects local realities and priorities. The consultant will work closely with national consultants and will be responsible for gathering relevant information, engaging with stakeholders, and supporting the overall objectives of the ATPC in promoting green trade initiatives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Data Collection: The consultant will gather relevant national documents, statistics, and studies related to trade, environment, and value chains. This includes compiling information on existing policies, regulations, and standards that pertain to green trade and climate adaptation.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: The consultant will identify and maintain a comprehensive list of key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, SMEs, women-led businesses, regulators, and AfCFTA committees. They will organize and facilitate interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions according to the methodology provided by the regional consultant.
• Support Consultations: The consultant will assist in planning and conducting national workshops and field missions, documenting stakeholder inputs and providing summaries for integration into the Green Supplement.
• Reporting: The consultant will submit a comprehensive report detailing the data collected, consultations held, and key findings. They will also provide feedback on draft sections of the Green Supplement from a national perspective.
• Ad-hoc Support: The consultant will respond to additional requests from the ATPC or the regional consultant related to the assignment, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced degree in economics, trade policy, environmental studies, or a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of professional experience in trade policy, environmental issues, or economic development. Strong knowledge of national trade and environmental policies is essential, along with excellent organizational and communication skills. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and manage multiple tasks effectively is also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as economics, trade policy, environmental studies, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade and environmental interactions and for contributing effectively to the development of green trade strategies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of professional experience in areas related to trade policy, environmental issues, or economic development. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of the interplay between trade and environmental policies, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in French is particularly important for this role, given the need to engage with stakeholders and collect data in both languages.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be a work-from-home arrangement with a duration of 1.5 months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. This position is part-time and may involve flexible working hours to accommodate stakeholder engagements and consultations.