Consultant to Support the Implementation of the Programme of ECASRO WA

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is a regional arm of the United Nations. Established to promote economic and social development in African countries, the ECA works to foster regional integration and cooperation among member states. The organization aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing economic growth through various initiatives. The ECA operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on policy formulation, research, and capacity building to address the continent's unique challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant to Support the Implementation of the Programme of ECASRO WA is crucial for advancing economic diversification and resilience in West Africa. The consultant will be responsible for providing tools, relevant inputs, studies, and recommendations aimed at strengthening value chains development, macroeconomic stability, and intra-African trade. The role involves working closely with the Team Leader on subregional initiatives and the Director of SRO WA to prepare assessments of regional and national value chains, collect economic data, and support policy formulation on emerging issues in West Africa. The consultant will also be expected to perform additional tasks as requested by the Director, ensuring that the consultancy aligns with the broader goals of the ECA.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Preparing assessments of two critical value chains and their associated policy frameworks to promote economic diversification and industrialization in West Africa.
• Collecting and analyzing economic data and information to support analysis and policy formulation on pressing issues such as debt management, domestic resource mobilization, and the implementation of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
• Delivering specific outputs, including comprehensive assessments and data analyses that support priority projects in debt management and AfCFTA implementation.
• Collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure that the consultancy's objectives are met effectively and efficiently.
• Performing any other tasks as may be requested by the Director, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness to the needs of the organization.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this consultancy position should possess a Master's degree or higher in economics, statistics, international development, or a related field. Additionally, the consultant should have a minimum of 7 years of relevant working experience in sustainable development, economic research and analysis, macroeconomic modeling, policy formulation, project management, and evaluation. A strong understanding of economic principles, particularly in macroeconomics and development programs, is essential. The candidate should also have experience in value chain analysis, economic diversification strategies, and the ability to support long-term strategic plans and policies for countries or regional organizations. Proven experience in strategic report writing is also required, highlighting the importance of effective communication skills in this role.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as economics, statistics, international development, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is critical for understanding complex economic issues and contributing effectively to the consultancy's objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of professional experience in areas related to sustainable development, economic research and analysis, macroeconomic modeling, policy formulation, project management, and evaluation. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to the organization's goals and provide valuable insights into economic diversification and resilience strategies in West Africa.

Languages:
Fluency in either English or French is required, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Knowledge of an additional UN language is considered desirable, which could enhance communication and collaboration within the international context of the consultancy.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of 3 months, providing a focused timeframe for the consultant to deliver on the outlined responsibilities and objectives. The position is likely to be full-time, requiring the consultant to dedicate their efforts to the tasks at hand. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is accessible and transparent for all candidates.