Education:

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Environmental Policy, Development Economics, Sustainable Finance, Law, Mineral Economics, Public Policy, Governance, or a related field is required.

About the Organization

The United Nations is a global body committed to advancing sustainable development, peace, and international cooperation. Through its regional commissions, it supports member states in designing policies that promote inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) serves as the UN’s regional arm for Africa. Established in 1958, ECA works with African governments and institutions to promote economic transformation, industrialization, regional integration, and sustainable development across the continent.

As Africa’s role in global green mineral supply chains expands, the continent faces both opportunities and pressures related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. ECA is playing a strategic role in ensuring that African countries shape and lead the development of standards that reflect their own priorities and development aspirations.

This consultancy forms part of ECA’s broader efforts to align mineral governance with Africa’s industrialization, climate resilience, and inclusive development objectives.

Job Description

ECA is seeking a highly experienced Consultant to lead the development of an African Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Framework and Compact. The goal is to establish a coherent, Africa-led ESG standard aligned with continental priorities and green industrialization strategies.

Africa is increasingly central to global critical mineral value chains, yet international ESG frameworks often impose fragmented and externally driven requirements. This consultancy aims to create a unified African approach that strengthens responsible resource governance and enhances Africa’s bargaining power in global markets.

The ultimate result of the assignment is an agreed and operational African ESG Framework and Compact aligned with the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy. The framework will support coherent adoption and implementation of ESG standards by African countries.

This is an eight-month, home-based consultancy that involves close collaboration with governments, private sector actors, investors, civil society, and regional institutions.

In Phase I, the consultant will conduct an inception review, clarify methodology, and map key stakeholders. The consultant will review continental frameworks such as the Africa Mining Vision, the African Green Minerals Strategy, and the AMV Private Sector Compact, as well as benchmark selected international ESG standards.

The consultant will define guiding principles anchored in value addition, climate stewardship, social inclusion, governance transparency, and regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area.

In Phase II, the consultant will draft a structured African ESG Framework, outlining core principles, ESG performance pillars, governance architecture, and monitoring and reporting mechanisms.

The consultant will also draft the African ESG Compact, clearly defining the roles and commitments of governments, firms, investors, financial institutions, and civil society actors. The framework must align with regional industrial policy objectives and local content strategies.

In Phase III, the consultant will design and facilitate structured consultations with a wide range of stakeholders, including government ministries, mining companies, SMEs, artisanal mining representatives, investors, development finance institutions, and regional bodies such as the African Union Commission and the AfCFTA Secretariat.

These consultations will aim to build consensus, address divergences, and refine the draft into a negotiated version reflecting broad agreement.

In Phase IV, the consultant will develop a comprehensive training curriculum and advocacy toolkit to support the adoption and implementation of the ESG Compact. This includes facilitator guides, case studies, policy briefs, communication materials, and monitoring templates.

In the final phase, the consultant will produce the finalized African ESG Framework and Compact, along with a roadmap for voluntary endorsement and potential continental adoption. The roadmap will outline pathways for pilot countries, early adopters, and monitoring mechanisms.

Through this assignment, the consultant will directly influence the governance architecture of Africa’s mineral sector and contribute to strengthening the continent’s voice in global sustainability debates.

Educational Qualification

An advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Environmental Policy, Development Economics, Sustainable Finance, Law, Mineral Economics, Public Policy, Governance, or a related field is required.

A strong academic background in mineral governance, sustainable development, or ESG policy frameworks is essential for the successful execution of this assignment.

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 to 15 years of professional experience in ESG, mineral governance, sustainable finance, development economics, or mining policy is required.

Demonstrated experience in drafting policy frameworks, compacts, or multi-stakeholder agreements is highly desirable.

Strong familiarity with African mineral governance frameworks, particularly the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy, is considered an advantage.

Experience working with African governments, regional organizations, private sector stakeholders, and international development institutions will strengthen an applicant’s candidacy.

Required Skills and Competencies

The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical and drafting skills, with the ability to synthesize complex policy issues into structured and practical frameworks.

High-level facilitation and negotiation skills are critical, as the consultant will manage politically sensitive, multi-stakeholder consultations.

The consultant must demonstrate the ability to translate global ESG norms into Africa-specific, development-oriented standards.

Excellent communication and presentation skills are required to engage senior policymakers and diverse stakeholder groups.

The ability to work independently, manage timelines, and maintain professional integrity in complex environments is essential.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is an asset.

Job Location

This is a home-based consultancy. The consultant will work remotely while coordinating closely with ECA’s Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division and other technical experts.

Participation in virtual and potentially in-person stakeholder consultations may be required during the assignment.

Employment Type and Salary

This is a short-term consultancy engagement with a duration of eight months.

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

This assignment offers a unique opportunity to shape Africa’s sustainability architecture in the minerals sector and influence continental policy alignment. It provides exposure to high-level negotiations, multi-stakeholder governance processes, and global ESG policy debates.

Professionals undertaking this consultancy will expand their strategic influence, strengthen their leadership in sustainable development policy, and contribute to long-term structural transformation across Africa.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit their application via the official United Nations careers portal no later than March 1, 2026.

Applicants are encouraged to complete their online profile thoroughly, clearly highlighting relevant experience and expertise.

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

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 sustainable resource governance, green industrialization, and strengthening Africa’s voice in global ESG standards, this consultancy offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to transformative continental impact while advancing your professional career.

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