Technical Study and Policy Brief on Carbon Pricing and its Potential to Finance Green Transition 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. ECA's mission is to foster the economic and social development of its member states, promote regional integration, and enhance the capacity of African countries to achieve sustainable development. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent and collaborates with various stakeholders, including governments, regional organizations, and international partners. ECA has a significant number of employees dedicated to research, policy analysis, and capacity building in various sectors, including finance, trade, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing a comprehensive study on carbon pricing and its potential to finance Africa's green transition. The consultant will be responsible for conducting an empirical assessment of carbon pricing mechanisms and their contributions to trade optimization and decarbonization. This includes utilizing Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling to simulate various carbon price scenarios. The consultant will also analyze how revenues generated from carbon pricing can be effectively channeled towards supporting a green economy in Africa. The role requires collaboration with the Africa High-level Working Group on the Global Financial Architecture (HLWG-GFA) and entails producing a technical study and policy brief that will inform policymakers in African finance ministries. The consultant will also provide substantive support to the HLWG-GFA secretariat and engage in advocacy efforts related to the study.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a range of responsibilities, including: conducting an empirical assessment of carbon pricing mechanisms; utilizing Dynamic Computable General Equilibrium (CGE) modeling to simulate different carbon price scenarios; assessing the use of revenues from carbon pricing systems for green transition; mapping existing carbon pricing instruments across African countries; identifying carbon pricing mechanisms that accept international carbon credits; assessing the implications of border carbon adjustment measures for African export competitiveness; proposing an implementation pathway for carbon pricing in African contexts; developing a technical study and policy brief for African finance ministries; providing support to the HLWG-GFA secretariat; and submitting monthly progress updates to the Deputy Executive Secretary (Programmes).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in Economics, Finance, Environmental Economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with a minimum of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A PhD in a related field is desirable. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research and analysis, and the application of economic principles in development programmes. Demonstrated experience in building and running dynamic Computable General Equilibrium models is required, along with proficiency in recognized modeling environments such as GAMS or GEMPACK. Candidates should also have substantial experience in carbon markets and carbon pricing mechanisms, as well as relevant work experience in developing countries.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree (Master's degree) in Economics, Finance, Environmental Economics, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with additional relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree. A PhD in a related field is considered desirable, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the relevant areas.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of fifteen years of progressively responsible experience in macroeconomic policy, economic research and analysis, and the application of economic principles in development programmes. This experience should include demonstrated proficiency in building, calibrating, and running dynamic Computable General Equilibrium models, as well as substantial experience in carbon markets and carbon pricing mechanisms. Relevant work experience in developing countries and in policy advisory roles for inter-governmental organizations or governments is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. A working knowledge of French is desirable, as it may enhance communication and collaboration with French-speaking stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based and is expected to last for a duration of five months. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to pay for application, interview, or training processes. This position is part of a broader initiative to support the HLWG-GFA and its efforts to reform the global financial architecture in response to economic challenges faced by African countries.