National Consultant for Digital Innovations in Agriculture

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established to promote economic and social development in African countries. UNECA was founded in 1958 and has been instrumental in supporting regional integration and sustainable development across the continent. With a mission to foster economic growth and development, UNECA operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on various sectors including agriculture, trade, and technology. The organization employs a diverse workforce of experts and professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations, particularly in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Consultant for Digital Innovations in Agriculture will play a crucial role in a project aimed at reducing food insecurity in selected African countries through the use of digital technologies. This position involves assessing the current status of digital trade and agricultural value chains, identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement, and supporting the implementation of innovative solutions to enhance food production and market access. The consultant will work closely with the project manager and international consultants to evaluate the impact of digital innovations on agricultural systems and contribute to the development of policy briefs that guide the integration of digital solutions into agricultural practices. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of the agricultural landscape in Africa, particularly in relation to security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and the digitization of agricultural processes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include conducting a detailed assessment of digital tools and AI in agriculture, producing scientific documents that evaluate their impact on food production and trade, and developing training materials to enhance stakeholders' technical capacities. The consultant will also engage with key stakeholders, including government agencies and private sector entities, to foster collaboration and support for the project. Organizing workshops to share best practices and address market challenges will be a significant part of the role, ensuring that the project aligns with the broader goals of enhancing food security and agricultural productivity in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or equivalent in agro-economics, agronomy, sustainable development studies, statistics, or a related field. A PhD in a relevant area is preferred. Additionally, a minimum of three years of experience in the digital economy, digitization of agricultural value chains, or analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security analysis is required, with a proven track record in agri-tech projects in developing countries, particularly in Africa. Familiarity with statistical and econometric analysis, as well as experience working with national institutions such as the Ministry of Agriculture, is highly desirable. Strong communication skills and the ability to work independently are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in a relevant field such as agro-economics, agronomy, or sustainable development studies. A PhD is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field. Candidates should have a solid understanding of agricultural systems, digital technologies, and their application in enhancing food security.

Experience:
The position requires at least three years of relevant experience in the digital economy, particularly in the context of agricultural value chains and food security analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on agri-tech projects in developing countries, with a preference for experience in Africa. Familiarity with the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural sector, as well as experience in conducting statistical and econometric analysis, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English and/or French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both oral and written communication in either English (for anglophone countries) or French (for francophone countries), depending on the context of their work.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with travel expected, and the expected duration of the consultancy is three months. There are no fees associated with the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants at any stage. This role is critical in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 2, which aims to end hunger and improve food security by 2030.