Regional Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) is a specialized unit within the Regional Integration & Trade Division (RITD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Established to enhance trade policies across the continent, ATPC serves as a center of excellence and a hub for technical support in trade policy development. The organization collaborates with various stakeholders to implement effective national, regional, and international trade strategies. ATPC's mission includes conducting research, providing policy advice, and facilitating capacity building to address the needs identified by its partners. The unit focuses on the intersection of trade and environmental sustainability, particularly in light of challenges such as climate change and global supply chain vulnerabilities. The ATPC aims to support African Member States in leveraging trade to achieve climate resilience and sustainable development goals, particularly through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Job Overview:
The primary objective of this position is to support the implementation of ATPC activities aimed at enhancing the capacity of African Member States to identify climate-resilient and green trade opportunities within the framework of the AfCFTA. The consultant will be responsible for drafting Green Supplements to the National AfCFTA Implementation Strategies and Action Plans for Congo and Equatorial Guinea. This role involves designing capacity-building materials for national stakeholders and conducting extensive consultations with various value chain actors. The consultant will analyze green trade opportunities, assess sectoral climate adaptation needs, and explore regulatory alignment and sustainable production options. The position requires a collaborative approach, working closely with ECA and national consultants to ensure that the studies produced are comprehensive and actionable. The consultant will also facilitate workshops and validation events to present findings and gather feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that the final outputs align with national strategies and priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks to fulfill the objectives of the assignment, including: 1) Summarizing key insights from regional value chain studies relevant to Congo and Equatorial Guinea, identifying entry points and gaps in the National AfCFTA Strategy and Action Plan. 2) Developing a detailed methodology and outline for the Green Supplement, including timelines, relevant documents, and stakeholder lists for interviews and consultations. 3) Drafting the initial study and incorporating feedback to produce a revised version that meets ECA's standards. 4) Sharing the final draft prior to validation events and presenting findings at these workshops. 5) Addressing any final comments from stakeholders during validation and submitting the final study. 6) Conducting four capacity-building sessions in each country, targeting policymakers and the private sector, based on study findings. 7) Compiling a comprehensive overview of activities undertaken, including a list of interviewees and consulted materials. 8) Responding to ad-hoc project-related requests as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in economics, international trade, environmental policy, environmental management, environmental sciences, or a related field. A minimum of seven years of professional experience in international trade and economic policy or a related area is required. Experience in trade policy and environmental issues, particularly in the context of the green economy and value chain development, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the African continent and prior work experience in the project countries will be considered an asset. The ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and adapt to varying project needs is essential.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master's degree in a relevant field such as economics, international trade, environmental policy, environmental management, or environmental sciences. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade policies and environmental considerations in the context of the AfCFTA and green value chains.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least seven years of professional experience in international trade and economic policy or related fields. This experience should include work on trade policy and environmental issues, with a strong emphasis on the green economy and sustainable development. Experience working specifically in African countries, particularly Congo and Equatorial Guinea, is highly desirable and will enhance the candidate's ability to navigate local contexts and stakeholder dynamics effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in English is also necessary, as it facilitates communication within the organization and with international stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements. The duration of the assignment is two months, during which the consultant will engage in various activities, including research, consultations, and capacity-building sessions. The role is designed to be collaborative, requiring close coordination with ECA and national consultants. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.