National Policy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) 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. The ECA works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to address the continent's challenges and opportunities. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on sustainable development, economic growth, and social equity. It employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to advancing Africa's development agenda.

Job Overview:
The National Policy Consultant will play a crucial role in conducting a national policy and legislative gap analysis in South Africa, focusing on identifying barriers and reform opportunities that support the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the development of sustainable mineral industry value chains. This position is part of a larger initiative led by the ECA, which aims to facilitate inclusive governance of the mining sector and ensure that the extraction and processing of critical energy transition minerals are conducted sustainably and inclusively. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders, including government institutions, private sector actors, and civil society, to validate findings and gather inputs for the analysis. The consultant's work will contribute to the broader objectives of the project, which include promoting environmentally sustainable practices and addressing the socioeconomic impacts of industrialization on local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks over the course of the assignment. These include preparing an inception note that outlines the national context, scope of analysis, stakeholder mapping, and workplan. The consultant will conduct a comprehensive review of national policies related to trade, mining, industrialization, and environmental regulations, assessing their alignment with AfCFTA provisions. Additionally, the consultant will map existing and potential value chain segments within South Africa and identify bottlenecks that limit cross-border business opportunities. Stakeholder engagement is a critical component of this role, as the consultant will conduct consultations with key national stakeholders to validate preliminary findings and gather inputs. The consultant will also support the organization of a national validation workshop and participate in regular coordination meetings with the project team to ensure alignment of methodologies and findings. Deliverables include an inception report, stakeholder engagement reports, and a draft national policy gap analysis report.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in economics, trade law, public policy, mineral economics, minerals engineering, mining policy, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. Additionally, a minimum of five years of experience in trade policy, mineral value chains, or industrialization and industrial policy is required. Strong knowledge of national legislative and regulatory processes is desirable, as is demonstrated experience in conducting policy analysis and stakeholder consultations. Familiarity with SADC regional integration and industrialization frameworks, as well as the AfCFTA, is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced degree in a relevant field such as economics, trade law, public policy, mineral economics, minerals engineering, or mining policy. Candidates with a first-level university degree may be considered if they have sufficient qualifying experience. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of trade policies and the mining sector, as well as for conducting thorough policy analyses.

Experience:
The consultant should have a minimum of five years of relevant experience in trade policy, mineral value chains, or industrialization and industrial policy. This experience should include a strong understanding of national legislative and regulatory processes, as well as demonstrated capabilities in conducting policy analysis and engaging with stakeholders. Familiarity with regional integration efforts and frameworks, particularly those related to the SADC and AfCFTA, is also important for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with a broader range of stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage in regional discussions.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for four months. The consultant will be compensated based on the deliverables submitted, with payments structured around the completion of the inception report, stakeholder consultations, and the draft policy gap analysis report. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the hiring process is transparent and accessible.