Consultant for Strengthening the Migration-Development Nexus in Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The ECA aims to foster regional integration and promote sustainable development through various initiatives and programs. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on enhancing the capacity of member states to achieve their development goals. ECA has a diverse workforce comprising professionals from various fields, working collaboratively to address the continent's challenges and opportunities.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in providing continuous technical support and advisory services to the Economic Commission for Africa's Subregional Office for North Africa (ECA SRO-NA). The primary focus will be on enhancing the contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora to sustainable development in Ghana. This involves capacity building activities aimed at empowering national institutions and ministries to effectively leverage diaspora contributions. The consultant will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the implementation of programs designed to channel remittances into productive investments. The role requires the development of technical inputs and knowledge products that document Ghana's experiences and best practices, which can be adapted for use in other countries. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that diaspora contributions are integrated into national and medium-term development planning, thereby maximizing the socioeconomic benefits of migration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties and responsibilities include providing continuous technical and advisory support to the National Development Planning Commission (NDPC) and other Ghanaian institutions involved in diaspora contributions and remittances. This includes capacity building training for Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) on how to incorporate migration and diaspora contributions into their Medium-Term Development Plans (MTDPs) for 2026-202

• The consultant will also offer technical backstopping to MMDAs in preparing their respective action plans related to migration and diaspora contributions. Additionally, the consultant will coordinate with key government ministries and agencies, such as the Bank of Ghana and the Ministry of Finance, to develop appropriate instruments and tools for operationalizing migration and diaspora contributions. Monitoring and evaluation of program implementation will be a critical aspect of the role, ensuring that the results framework for migration and diaspora contributions is effectively implemented. The consultant will also promote south-south cooperation by sharing Ghana's experiences and best practices with other countries, assisting them in developing their own frameworks for integrating diaspora contributions into development planning.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in economics, social science, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree. A PhD in a relevant field is considered an advantage. Candidates must have a minimum of five years of experience in economic or social research and analysis, with a strong background in policy planning and analysis of migration trends. Experience working with national organizations in Ghana that focus on planning and migration issues, or with the African Union and United Nations, is desirable.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in fields such as economics, social science, statistics, development, sociology, demography, population studies, or migration. A first-level university degree may be accepted if accompanied by additional qualifying experience. A PhD in a related field is advantageous and may enhance a candidate's profile for this consultancy role.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in economic or social research and analysis. Experience in policy planning, particularly related to migration and its contributions to development, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the operations of national organizations in Ghana that deal with migration issues, as well as experience with the African Union or United Nations systems, will be beneficial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this consultancy position, as it is one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat. Knowledge of French or Arabic is considered desirable, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's effectiveness in the role.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of six months, during which the consultant will engage in full-time work. The position is focused on providing technical support and advisory services, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, or training stages, ensuring that the recruitment process is transparent and accessible to all qualified candidates.