Lead Consultant for Sustainability Transitions in Agri-Food SMEs

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is a United Nations entity focused on empowering African SMEs in the agri-food industry for climate and social resilient transition. The organization aims to enhance the capabilities of selected African countries to plan and implement sustainable transitions in the agri-food industry, addressing the significant challenges posed by climate change. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, working towards sustainable development and resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Job Overview:
The lead consultant will be responsible for delivering a series of key documents that synthesize global and regional literature on sustainability transitions, particularly in the context of agri-food systems and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The consultant will develop a conceptual framework that defines the scope and objectives of a just sustainability transition in the agri-food sector, which includes economic, environmental, social, institutional, and resilience dimensions. Additionally, the consultant will articulate a long-term vision for the agri-food industry, aligned with climate change impacts and future transformation pathways. This role is crucial in guiding the selected African countries—Algeria, Tunisia, and Senegal—in creating social policies that facilitate the sustainable transition of SMEs, ultimately strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the agri-food sector in these nations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The lead consultant will undertake several critical tasks, including: 1) Leading and synthesizing a comprehensive literature review on sustainability transitions, agri-food systems, and SMEs. 2) Developing a conceptual framework for sustainability and just transition in the agri-food SMEs sector. 3) Defining a long-term vision for a just sustainability transition in the agri-food industry, considering climate change impacts and sectoral transformation challenges. 4) Identifying and structuring the core dimensions of the framework, including economic, environmental, social, institutional, and resilience aspects. 5) Establishing the economic and policy logic that connects sustainability with employment, skills development, and social protection. 6) Providing strategic guidance for integrating existing country-level tools and projects, ensuring alignment with the conceptual framework. The consultant will work collaboratively with international and national consultants under the supervision of the Director of the Sub-regional Office for North Africa of the ECA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (at least a Master's degree) in economics, environmental economics, agricultural economics, or a related field. A PhD would be considered an advantage. Additionally, candidates should have at least five years of relevant experience or academic work in sectoral sustainability transitions within the agri-food system or related fields. Strong analytical skills are also desirable, as they will be essential for synthesizing complex information and developing actionable frameworks.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree, specifically a Master's degree in economics, environmental economics, agricultural economics, or a closely related field. A PhD is advantageous, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience or academic work focused on sustainability transitions in the agri-food sector or related fields. This experience should demonstrate a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the agri-food industry, particularly in the context of climate change and sustainable development.

Languages:
Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat, which are English and French, is mandatory for this consultancy. Proficiency in the other language is considered an advantage, as it will facilitate communication and collaboration within the international context of the project.

Additional Notes:
This consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months and will be conducted remotely. The role is part of a larger project aimed at empowering African SMEs in the agri-food industry to transition towards climate and social resilience. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not subjected to any financial burdens during their application or interview process.