About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is a central force in the socio-economic transformation of the African continent. Established to promote regional integration and promote international cooperation for Africa’s development, UNECA serves as a vital link between global developmental goals and local implementation. The organization operates at the heart of Addis Ababa, providing high-level policy advice and technical assistance to member states to ensure a sustainable and prosperous future for all Africans.
At UNECA, the mission is guided by the principles of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the African Union’s Agenda 2063. The organization focuses on creating innovative solutions to complex challenges, ranging from macroeconomic policy to the sustainable management of natural resources. By fostering a culture of excellence and rigorous research, UNECA empowers governments to harness their resources for inclusive growth and industrialization.
The organization is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a variety of perspectives is essential for addressing the continent’s most pressing issues. UNECA provides a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment where professionals from diverse backgrounds work together to impact millions of lives. The work culture emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a shared dedication to the African Renaissance.
In keeping with the United Nations’ global mandate, UNECA actively promotes gender equality within its workforce and its programs. The organization understands that women play a pivotal role in Africa’s economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture and mining. Therefore, UNECA strives to create an inclusive workspace that mirrors the diverse societies it serves, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued in the pursuit of developmental excellence.
UNECA strongly encourages applications from women and underrepresented groups for this consultancy. The organization is committed to achieving a balanced and diverse team, believing that inclusive participation leads to more comprehensive and effective policy frameworks. We welcome candidates who bring unique perspectives and a passion for driving meaningful change across the African extractive landscape.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
This consultancy represents a critical intervention in Africa’s mineral economy. Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) is the second-largest employer on the continent after agriculture, supporting over 54 million people. Despite its scale, the sector remains largely informal and faces significant barriers to growth. This role is strategically designed to bridge the gap between informal mining activities and formal, sustainable mineral value chains.
The primary objective of this consultancy is to lead the conceptualization and launch of the African Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Enterprises (ASME) Hub. This Hub will serve as a continental platform to professionalize the sector, enhance financial inclusion, and ensure that local communities benefit directly from Africa’s mineral wealth. Your work will directly contribute to the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) and the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS).
As a consultant, you will have the unique opportunity to shape the institutional framework of a major continental initiative. Your day-to-day impact involves conducting deep-dive analytical research, engaging with high-level stakeholders, and drafting the blueprints for a multi-stakeholder governance structure. This role offers unparalleled visibility into the extractive sector and the chance to influence policy at a continental scale.
This assignment provides a significant platform for professional growth, allowing you to work closely with the African Union, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and national governments. By leading the design of the ASME Hub, you will demonstrate leadership in natural resource governance and multi-stakeholder platform design, positioning yourself as a leading expert in the African extractive industry.
Your contributions will help transform ASM from a subsistence activity into a driver of inclusive economic transformation. By identifying barriers to formalization and documenting best practices, you will help create a roadmap that integrates millions of artisanal miners into the global green energy transition. This is an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy on the governance and prosperity of Africa’s mining sector.
Job Positions and Requirements
Consultant on Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining in Africa
Educational Qualification: Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Natural Resource Governance, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field from a recognized institution.
Work Experience: At least 7 years of progressively responsible experience in the mining or extractive sector, with proven experience in designing multi-stakeholder platforms and conducting continental policy studies.
Job Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (UNECA Headquarters)
Salary: Negotiable/Per UN Consultant Scale
No. Required: 1
Required Skills and Competencies
The ideal candidate must possess exceptional analytical and research skills, with a proven ability to translate complex technical data into actionable policy recommendations. Deep expertise in Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining (ASM) policy and governance is essential, alongside a thorough understanding of the Africa Mining Vision and the African Green Minerals Strategy.
Strategic communication and facilitation skills are paramount, as the role involves leading consultations with diverse stakeholders including government officials, financial institutions, and civil society. Candidates must demonstrate strong policy drafting abilities and the capacity to work independently within a defined nine-month timeline to deliver high-quality institutional frameworks.
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a high-level consultancy position with an expected duration of 9 months. The role offers a competitive and growth-oriented compensation package, commensurate with the level of expertise required for continental-scale policy design. This contract provides the stability of a structured UN assignment while offering the flexibility to drive a major regional project from inception to launch.
The UN provides a professional environment that values the expertise of its consultants as vital contributors to the organization’s mission. While this is a temporary assignment, the impact of the work and the professional network gained within the UN Secretariat provide a strong foundation for future high-level international career opportunities.
How to Apply
To apply for this consultancy, candidates are required to submit their application through the official UN recruitment channels. Please note that scanned certificates or additional physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. The selection process will rely on the information provided in your digital application profile and your demonstrated expertise in the field.
Original documents, including academic degrees and proof of work experience, will be required only for physical verification at the interview stage for candidates under serious consideration. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that all information provided is accurate and reflects their professional history in detail.
The evaluation of qualified candidates may include a substantive assessment and a competency-based interview. This thorough process ensures that the selected consultant possesses both the technical knowledge and the strategic mindset necessary to operationalize the ASME Hub.
Please be aware that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by the recruitment team. Due to the high volume of applications, the organization cannot provide individual feedback to all applicants. If you are not contacted within a few weeks of the deadline, your application has likely not been moved to the next stage of the process.
Interested candidates should submit their application via the official United Nations Inspira online portal as the primary channel. Early submission is highly encouraged to ensure your application is registered before the closing date.
Application Deadline
April 5, 2026