Education:

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Industrial Policy, Development Economics, International Trade, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required.

About the Organization

The United Nations is a global institution dedicated to advancing peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Through its regional bodies, it supports countries in addressing economic, social, and environmental challenges in an integrated manner.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) serves as the UN’s regional arm for Africa. Established in 1958, ECA works to promote inclusive growth, structural transformation, and sustainable development across the continent. It partners with African governments, regional institutions, and development partners to design evidence-based policies that strengthen economic integration and industrialization.

ECA plays a critical role in advancing Africa’s industrial development agenda, particularly in the context of emerging global transitions such as climate change mitigation and the shift toward renewable energy systems. Through high-level research, policy advisory services, and technical assistance, ECA helps African countries harness their natural resources for long-term development impact.

This consultancy is embedded within ECA’s broader efforts to promote green industrialization and regional integration, particularly under the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Job Description

ECA is seeking an Expert Consultant in Industrial Policy to conduct a comprehensive study on how Africa can leverage its critical green minerals to drive inclusive and sustainable industrial development within the AfCFTA context.

Africa holds a significant share of global reserves of critical minerals such as cobalt, manganese, and other battery metals. However, much of these resources are exported in raw form, limiting value addition and industrial linkages within the continent. This consultancy aims to provide practical and actionable policy guidance to help reverse this trend.

The consultant will contribute to strengthening African countries’ capacity to harness mineral resources for value addition, economic diversification, and regional integration. The ultimate goal is to accelerate the effective implementation of AfCFTA through strategic industrial policy interventions.

The assignment will be carried out over four months and will be home-based, allowing flexibility while maintaining close coordination with ECA’s technical teams.

In Phase I, the consultant will develop an inception report outlining the methodology, analytical framework, and workplan. This phase will include a review of major continental and global frameworks such as the Africa Mining Vision, the African Green Minerals Strategy, the AfCFTA agreement, and the G20 Critical Minerals Framework.

The consultant will also identify priority green mineral value chains—such as battery minerals, rare earth elements, and green steel inputs—that are strategically relevant to AfCFTA implementation.

In Phase II, the consultant will conduct a detailed diagnostic and analytical study. This will include assessing the distribution of critical green minerals across the continent and identifying opportunities for regional value chain development.

The consultant will examine how AfCFTA protocols—including trade in goods, rules of origin, investment, and competition policy—can be leveraged to promote beneficiation, cross-border industrial clusters, infrastructure integration, and SME participation, including women- and youth-led enterprises.

Another key responsibility will be identifying barriers to intra-African trade in green mineral value chains and proposing policy solutions to address them.

The consultant will further assess investment and financing frameworks, identifying targeted opportunities along selected value chains and exploring alignment with climate finance mechanisms and development finance institutions.

Inclusive and equitable industrialization will be central to the analysis. The study must integrate considerations such as artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) integration, gender equality, environmental sustainability, and just transition principles.

In Phase III, the consultant will present preliminary findings to ECA and relevant stakeholders, incorporate feedback, and finalize a publication-ready report with clear, actionable recommendations. These recommendations will include national and regional policy options, institutional coordination mechanisms, and a sequencing roadmap for green mineral value chain development.

Through this consultancy, the selected expert will directly influence policy discussions at continental and global levels, contributing to Africa’s strategic positioning in the global energy transition.

Educational Qualification

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Industrial Policy, Development Economics, International Trade, Public Policy, or a closely related field is required.

A strong academic foundation in economic transformation, industrialization strategies, and trade integration frameworks is essential for this role.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in industrial policy, trade policy, mineral-based development, or closely related fields is required.

Candidates must demonstrate experience conducting high-level policy analysis and drafting comprehensive analytical reports suitable for publication and policy dialogue.

Proven expertise in regional value chains, economic integration in Africa, and mineral-based industrialization is highly desirable.

Experience working with African governments, regional economic communities, international organizations, or development finance institutions will be considered a strong advantage.

Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and quantitative skills, with the ability to translate complex industrial and trade policy issues into practical, actionable recommendations.

Excellent drafting and presentation skills are essential, as the final output must meet publication standards and inform high-level decision-making.

The consultant must be able to work independently, manage timelines effectively, and deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.

Strong knowledge of Africa’s green minerals agenda, regional integration frameworks, and global critical minerals governance is highly desirable.

Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, and adherence to UN values are required.

Fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Job Location

This is a home-based consultancy. The consultant will work remotely while maintaining regular communication with ECA’s Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) and the Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD).

Participation in virtual or hybrid validation workshops may be required.

Employment Type and Salary

This position is a short-term consultancy engagement with an expected duration of four months.

Compensation will be determined in accordance with UN consultancy guidelines and will reflect the consultant’s qualifications and experience.

This assignment offers a unique opportunity to shape continental industrial policy thinking and contribute to Africa’s green transformation. It provides exposure to high-level policy processes, regional integration strategies, and collaboration with leading experts in trade and industrial development.

Professionals engaged in this consultancy will strengthen their influence in global policy debates and expand their network across governments, regional institutions, and international organizations.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application through the official United Nations careers portal on or before March 3, 2026.

Applicants are advised to complete their online profile carefully, clearly highlighting relevant expertise and experience.

Scanned certificates or additional attachments are not required at the initial stage of application.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further consideration.

The United Nations does not charge any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

ECA is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Qualified women, professionals from underrepresented groups, and candidates from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.

If you are passionate about advancing Africa’s industrial transformation, strengthening regional value chains, and shaping green development strategies, this consultancy offers a meaningful platform to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth across the continent.

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