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). Established to support African countries in their trade policy development, ATPC focuses on enhancing trade integration and promoting sustainable economic growth across the continent. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, working closely with regional economic communities (RECs) to implement trade agreements and policies that foster economic resilience and sustainability. ATPC aims to empower member states by providing technical assistance, capacity building, and facilitating dialogue among stakeholders in the trade sector.

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 African Continental Free Trade Area (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 enhancing climate adaptation strategies. This role involves working closely with national consultants to collect data, engage stakeholders, and ensure that the Green Supplement accurately reflects local realities and priorities. The consultant will be expected to facilitate consultations, gather relevant data, and provide insights that will contribute to the overall goal of enhancing the capacity of member states to develop regional green value chains and export opportunities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional Consultant include:

• Data Collection: Gathering relevant national documents, statistics, and studies related to trade, environment, and value chains. Compiling information on existing policies, regulations, and standards that pertain to green trade and climate adaptation.
• Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement: Identifying and maintaining a comprehensive list of key stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, SMEs, women-led businesses, and AfCFTA committees. Organizing and facilitating interviews, surveys, and focus group discussions according to the methodology provided by the regional consultant.
• Support Consultations: Assisting in the planning and execution of national workshops and field missions, documenting stakeholder inputs, and providing summaries for integration into the Green Supplement.
• Reporting: Submitting a comprehensive report detailing the data collected, consultations held, and key findings. Providing feedback on draft sections of the Green Supplement from a national perspective.
• Ad-hoc Support: Responding to additional requests from ATPC or the regional consultant related to the assignment, ensuring that all tasks are completed in a timely and efficient manner.

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. A 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 crucial for success in this role.

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 essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to contribute effectively to the development of green trade strategies and policies.

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 complexities involved in integrating environmental considerations into trade policies and the ability to navigate the challenges associated with sustainable economic development.

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, as the consultant will be expected to engage with stakeholders and produce documentation in both languages, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across diverse groups.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be a remote role, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The duration of the assignment is approximately 1.5 months, during which the consultant will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.