Result of Service

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. In particular, the consultancy is expected to contribute to: (i) strengthened analytical and knowledge products on biodiversity, blue economy, circular economy and their links to climate mitigation and adaptation strategies; (ii) strengthened policy analysis and strategic positioning of African priorities in relevant international and regional processes, in particular in the context of the UNFCCC COP32; (iii) effective preparation and delivery of stakeholder consultations, technical meetings, workshops and other strategic engagements; (iv) strategic coordination and knowledge exchange among relevant African and international stakeholders; (v) development of strategic partnerships and initiatives supporting Africa's climate, biodiversity, ocean and circular economy priorities; (vi) timely preparation of substantive inputs for COP32 and related processes, including briefing materials, talking points, concept notes and other strategic documents; and (vii) improved coherence between ECA's work on climate action, biodiversity, natural capital, innovative finance, blue economy and circular economy. (viii) The consultant will contribute to specific analytical products, meetings, events, initiatives and other outputs identified in the Division's work programme during the period of the assignment. The precise outputs and sequencing of activities will be determined in consultation with ECA and may be adjusted in response to evolving priorities and developments in the COP32 preparation process.

Work Location

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Expected duration

Eight Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the Director of the Climate, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) and the direct guidance of the Chief of the Natural Resources, Food System Section (NRFSS), the consultant will provide technical and strategic support to the Division's work programme. The consultant's responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: 1. Policy analysis and knowledge generation (i) Conduct research and analysis on emerging policy issues at the intersection of climate change, biodiversity, blue economy, circular economy and sustainable development. (ii) Contribute to the preparation of analytical reports, policy briefs, background papers, technical notes and other knowledge products, as required by the Division. (iii) Provide substantive inputs to ongoing ECA analytical and policy work and contribute to the identification of new areas of research and engagement. (iv) Monitor relevant developments in international, continental and regional policy processes and assess their implications for Africa. (v) Support the development of evidence-based policy recommendations and strategic messages for African stakeholders. 2. Support to COP32 and related international processes (i) 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, in advancing Africa’s priorities and positioning key thematic issues. (ii) Contribute to the development of ECA's thematic priorities, messages and strategic positioning on biodiversity, blue economy, circular economy and climate action. (iii) Prepare or contribute to briefing materials, talking points, presentations, concept notes and other inputs required for high-level engagements. (iv) Support the organization and substantive preparation of ECA-led or ECA-supported events, dialogues and initiatives in the lead-up to COP32. (v) 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. 3. Stakeholder engagement and coordination (i) Support the organization and facilitation of consultations, expert meetings, technical workshops and other stakeholder engagements. (ii) Engage with African Member States, African Union institutions, regional economic communities, United Nations entities, development partners, research institutions, civil society and private sector stakeholders, as appropriate. (iii) Prepare relevant background materials, agendas, presentations and meeting documentation. (iv) Consolidate stakeholder inputs and support follow-up on agreed actions and recommendations. (v) Contribute to strengthening partnerships and networks around the Division's areas of work. 4. Strategic and programme support (i) Provide technical inputs to the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities under the Division's work programme. (ii) Support the preparation of project concepts, partnership proposals, funding proposals and other strategic documents, as required. (iii) Identify opportunities for collaboration and resource mobilization around climate, biodiversity, ocean resources and circular economy. (iv) Contribute to the development of initiatives that promote integrated approaches to climate action and sustainable development in Africa. (v) Provide technical support to other activities of the Division falling within the consultant's areas of expertise, as requested. 5. Knowledge sharing and communication (i) Support the dissemination and communication of ECA's analytical work and policy messages. (ii) Prepare concise and accessible materials for technical, policy and high-level audiences. (iii) Contribute to presentations, speaking points, communication products and other outreach materials. (iv) Facilitate the translation of technical findings into practical policy and strategic recommendations. The consultant will work closely with relevant staff within CFND and other ECA divisions and offices, as appropriate, to ensure coherence and complementarity with ongoing work.

Qualifications/special skills

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 yearsof work experience in environmental policy, green and blue economy, circular economy, natural capital, carbon and biodiversity credits, and sustainable development or related area is requried Experience in research, policy analysis, programme/project support, or capacity development at national, regional, or international levels is required

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this consultancy, fluent in English, both oral and written. Knowledge of French is highly desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language would be an advantage.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.

Consultancy on Integrated Climate, Biodiversity, Blue and Circular Economy Action towards COP32