About the Organization
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional commission of the United Nations, dedicated to promoting the economic and social development of its member states, fostering international cooperation, and supporting Africa''s sustainable development.
Job Summary
The consultancy is expected to contribute to the effective implementation of ECA’s work programme and to strengthen the organization’s substantive contribution to Africa’s climate and sustainable development priorities in the lead-up to COP32. The consultant will provide technical and strategic support to the Division’s work programme, focusing on integrated climate, biodiversity, blue and circular economy actions.
Key Responsibilities
Conduct research and analysis on emerging policy issues at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, blue economy, circular economy and sustainable development.
Contribute to the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, background papers, technical notes and other knowledge products.
Provide substantive inputs to ongoing ECA analytical and policy work and contribute to the identification of new areas of research and engagement.
Monitor relevant developments in international, continental and regional policy processes and assess their implications for Africa.
Support the development of evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic messages for African stakeholders.
Provide substantive technical and strategic support to ECA’s engagement in COP32 preparations, including direct support to the Government of Ethiopia, as the COP32 Presidency.
Contribute to the development of ECA’s thematic priorities, messages and strategic positioning on biodiversity, blue economy, circular economy and climate action.
Prepare or contribute to briefing materials, talking points, presentations, concept notes and other inputs required for high-level engagements.
Support the organization and substantive preparation of ECA-led or ECA-supported events, dialogues and initiatives in the lead-up to COP32.
Support coordination and linkages between ECA, the Government of Ethiopia, and relevant partners to ensure coherence across climate, biodiversity, ocean and sustainable development processes and negotiations.
Support the organization and facilitation of consultations, expert meetings, technical workshops and other stakeholder engagements.
Engage with African Member States, African Union institutions, regional economic communities, United Nations entities, development partners, research institutions, civil society and private sector stakeholders.
Prepare relevant background materials, agendas, presentations and meeting documentation.
Consolidate stakeholder inputs and support follow-up on agreed actions and recommendations.
Contribute to strengthening partnerships and networks around the Division’s areas of work.
Provide technical inputs to the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities under the Division’s work programme.
Support the preparation of project concepts, partnership proposals, funding proposals and other strategic documents.
Identify opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization around climate, biodiversity, ocean resources and circular economy.
Contribute to the development of initiatives that promote integrated approaches to climate action and sustainable development in Africa.
Provide technical support to other activities of the Division falling within the consultant’s areas of expertise.
Support the dissemination and communication of ECA’s analytical work and policy messages.
Prepare concise and accessible materials for technical, policy and high-level audiences.
Contribute to presentations, speaking points, communication products and other outreach materials.
Facilitate the translation of technical findings into practical policy and strategic recommendations.
Required Qualifications
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Environmental Policy, Political Sciences, International Relations or a closely related field is required.
A first-level university degree in combination with additional two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Minimum 5 years of work experience in environmental policy, green and blue economy, circular economy, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity credits, and sustainable development or related area is required.
Experience in research, policy analysis, programme/project support, or capacity development at national, regional, or international levels is required.
Required Skills and Competencies
Fluency in English, both oral and written, is required.
Knowledge of French is highly desirable.
Knowledge of another official United Nations language would be an advantage.