Consultant for African Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Enterprises (ASME) Hub

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. UNECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working with governments, civil society, and the private sector to address various socio-economic challenges. The organization employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable development in Africa.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a pivotal role in the establishment of the African Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Enterprises (ASME) Hub, which aims to create a multi-stakeholder framework to support the formalization and sustainable development of the artisanal and small-scale mining sector in Africa. This position requires a comprehensive understanding of the ASM landscape, including its socio-economic impacts, challenges, and opportunities. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a thorough assessment of ASM in Africa, developing a conceptual framework for the ASME Hub, and facilitating stakeholder consultations to ensure the framework meets the needs of various stakeholders. The ultimate goal is to operationalize the ASME Hub, which will serve as a platform for promoting best practices, enhancing governance, and integrating ASM into formal mineral economies.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key phases of work:

• Inception and Analytical Framework: Prepare an inception report detailing methodology, analytical framework, work plan, and timeline. Review existing literature and frameworks related to ASM.
• Study on the Status of ASM in Africa: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of ASM, covering geographic distribution, socio-economic impacts, gender and youth participation, and regulatory frameworks. Identify barriers to formalization and document successful case studies.
• Conceptualization of the ASME Hub: Develop a conceptual framework for the Hub, including vision, objectives, governance arrangements, and key services.
• Drafting the Establishment Framework: Create a detailed framework for the ASME Hub's establishment, including governance, roles, financial sustainability, and monitoring.
• Stakeholder Consultations and Launch: Facilitate consultations with relevant stakeholders, revise the framework based on feedback, and support the official launch of the ASME Hub.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Natural Resource Governance, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field. Additionally, at least 7 years of experience in the mining or extractive sector is required, along with experience in conducting policy studies at a continental or regional level. Proven experience in designing multi-stakeholder platforms and expertise in ASM policy and governance are essential. Familiarity with African mineral governance frameworks such as the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant fields such as Natural Resource Governance, Development Economics, or Public Policy is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and analytical skills to address the complexities of ASM in Africa.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the mining or extractive sector. This experience should include conducting policy studies and working with multi-stakeholder platforms, demonstrating a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities within the ASM sector. The consultant should also have a proven track record of engaging with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and private sector actors.

Languages:
The working languages of the United Nations Secretariat are English and French. For this position, proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French is considered an asset. This bilingual requirement reflects the diverse linguistic landscape of the African continent and the need for effective communication with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 9 months, during which the consultant will engage in various phases of work to establish the ASME Hub. The role is likely to involve full-time commitment, and the consultant will be expected to work collaboratively with UNECA and its partners. The recruitment process is conducted without any fees, ensuring transparency and accessibility for all applicants.