UN-Water Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations is an international organization founded in 1945, currently comprising 193 member states. Its mission is to promote peace, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, and cooperation among nations, addressing global challenges such as poverty, inequality, and climate change. The UN operates in various sectors, including humanitarian aid, development, and human rights, with a workforce of over 44,000 employees worldwide. The organization has a presence in nearly every country, working to implement its goals through various specialized agencies, including UN-Water, which focuses on water-related issues.

Job Overview:
The UN-Water Consultant position is focused on conducting a comprehensive analytical and policy-oriented assessment of water valuation in Africa. The consultant will develop a practical regional framework for implementing water valuation, which is crucial for achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6 (SDG 6) that aims to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. The role is essential in recognizing water as a natural capital and embedding its valuation into climate, economic, and development planning. The consultant will analyze current practices, identify gaps, and propose methodologies for integrating water valuation into national development plans and policies. This initiative is part of a broader effort to operationalize the Africa Water Vision 2063 and respond to the urgent need for improved water management across the continent.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a comprehensive assessment of water valuation practices across Africa, analyzing their contributions to improving water-use efficiency, integrated water resources management, and ecosystem protection. Key responsibilities include reviewing the integration of water into national development plans and climate policies, identifying economic implications of undervaluing water, and mapping existing valuation methodologies. The consultant will also develop a regional framework for water valuation that positions water as natural capital, providing practical guidance for policy, planning, and investment decisions. Stakeholder engagement is crucial, involving collaboration with the African Union, AMCOW, regional economic communities, and national ministries to validate findings and build consensus around the proposed framework. Expected outputs include an inception report, a regional assessment report, a stakeholder consultation summary report, and a final framework for water valuation in Africa.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in fields such as water economics, environmental economics, water resources management, natural resource economics, climate policy, or sustainable development. Demonstrated expertise in water valuation methodologies, ecosystem services valuation, and SDG 6 implementation is essential. Strong knowledge of African policy frameworks, including the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, is required, along with proven experience in conducting regional analytical studies and developing policy frameworks. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation processes at a regional or continental level is also necessary.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in relevant fields such as water economics, environmental economics, water resources management, natural resource economics, climate policy, or sustainable development is required for this consultancy position. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively assess water valuation practices and contribute to policy development.

Experience:
The position requires significant experience in the field of water valuation and policy development. Candidates should have a proven track record of conducting regional analytical studies and developing policy frameworks related to water management. Experience in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation processes at a regional or continental level is also essential, as stakeholder engagement is a critical component of the consultancy.

Languages:
English is the primary working language for this consultancy, and proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of French is considered an added advantage, as both English and French are working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. This bilingual capability may enhance communication and collaboration with a broader range of stakeholders across Africa.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is home-based and expected to last for a duration of 5 months. There are no additional notes regarding contract duration, seniority level, or compensation provided in the job description. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.