National Policy Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job is posted by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which is a regional arm of the United Nations established in 195

• ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance the quality of life of African people. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa and has a diverse workforce dedicated to addressing the continent's challenges and opportunities. ECA collaborates with various partners, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to implement projects that align with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The National Policy Consultant will be responsible for conducting a national policy and legislative gap analysis in Zambia, 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 role is crucial in the context of the global transition to low-carbon energy sources, which has led to an increased demand for critical minerals. The consultant will work closely with a consortium of partners to ensure that mining activities are environmentally sustainable and contribute to the socio-economic development of local communities. The position requires a comprehensive understanding of national policies related to trade, mining, and environmental regulations, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to validate findings and gather inputs for the analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include preparing an inception note that outlines the national context and scope of analysis, conducting a comprehensive review of relevant national policies, assessing the alignment of these policies with AfCFTA provisions, and mapping existing and potential value chain segments within Zambia. The consultant will also identify bottlenecks limiting cross-border business opportunities, analyze the impact of national trade measures on market access, and assess barriers related to gender equality and youth participation in value chains. Additionally, the consultant will conduct stakeholder consultations to validate findings and prepare a draft National Policy Gap Analysis Report. The validation process will involve organizing a national workshop to engage stakeholders and gather feedback on the preliminary recommendations. Throughout the assignment, the consultant will participate in regular coordination meetings and contribute to cross-country knowledge exchange.

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 the advanced degree. 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, along with 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 educational background required for this position includes 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 in the relevant areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant experience in trade policy, mineral value chains, or industrialization and industrial policy. Candidates should have a strong understanding of national legislative and regulatory processes and demonstrated experience in conducting policy analysis and stakeholder consultations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency in French is considered an asset, as it may enhance communication with stakeholders and partners in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and expected to last for four months. The consultant will be compensated based on the submission of deliverables, with payments structured around the completion of the inception report, stakeholder consultations, and the draft National 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 applicants are not required to provide any financial information or pay any fees.