Consultancy for Enhancing Namibia’s Capacity for Climate-compatible Industrial Policy to Overcome the Middle-Income Trap

Result of ServiceStrengthened institutional capacity in Namibia to design and implement green industrial policies that align economic diversification with climate resilience. This includes: Equipping national policymakers with actionable policy recommendations through a comprehensive policy brief. Enhancing data-driven decision-making and inter-agency coordination via policy dialogues and expert consultation. Contributing to Namibia’s long-term development goals by promoting climate-smart value chains and low-carbon industrial strategies. Supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth that reduces dependence on extractive industries and addresses structural economic challenges. Work LocationHome-based Expected duration4 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesNamibia, while classified as an upper-middle-income country, continues to face structural economic challenges such as dependence on primary commodity exports (particularly mining), limited value addition, lack of decent jobs and persistent inequality. At the same time, Namibia is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, with severe droughts, water scarcity, and rising temperatures threatening key sectors such as agriculture, energy, and tourism. The Economic Analysis and Policy Division, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, under this project, aims to strengthen Namibia’s institutional capacity through policy advisory missions and research to design and implement industrial policies that address both the urgent need for climate adaptation and the long-term goal of overcoming the middle-income trap. By focusing on green industrial transformation, the initiative will support the development of climate-smart value chains, promote renewable energy-linked industries and enable local enterprises to participate in a more diversified, low-carbon economy. The project will collaborate with key line Ministries and government offices, including the National Planning Commission, as well as academic institutions such as the University of Namibia. Activities will include: (1) an international expert’s travel to the country to collect data and conduct initial consultations with national counterparts; (2) a policy brief drafted by the expert under the guidance of EAPD, on best practices and policy advices relevant and customized to Namibia; and (3) the expert’s travel to the country for policy dialogues and technical discussions with policymakers on possible strategies for green industrialization. Emphasis will be placed on designing industrial policies that attract investment in sectors with both climate resilience and growth potential. Through a participatory and data-driven approach, the project aims to strengthen Namibia’s ability to align industrial development with its climate goals, reduce dependency on extractives, and chart a path toward inclusive and sustainable prosperity. Work Assignment: Output 1: A policy brief (not more than 10,000 words), including: 1) Executive Summary a) Key findings: The challenge of the middle-income trap and Namibia's development and climate goals. b) Key recommendations: Green industrial policy as a path to overcome the trap and meet climate objectives. c) Expected outcomes: Economic growth, job creation, and environmental sustainability. 2) Introduction a. Overview of Namibia’s current economic status. b. Summary of Namibia’s development and climate goals, such as long term development goals, existing and on-going industrial development strategies, existing support on industrial policies from other development partners (e.g., UN RCO, UN country team, ECA, UNIDO), commitments under the inter-governmental processes on climate change, national climate strategies, and other sustainable development objectives. 3) The Middle-Income Trap: challenges and opportunities for Namibia a. Economic development and the role of green industrial policy b. Analysis of Namibia’s structural issues and the regional and global context c. Identify priority sectors or focus areas for Namibia, taking into consideration of existing development policies d. Best practices from other countries e. Identify lessons learned and relevant aspects for Namibia 4) Green industrial policy recommendations for Namibia a. Suggest concrete steps for policy formulation in key areas b. Suggest implementation plans and a roadmap Output 2: Policy dialogues with national counterparts on the findings of the report and policy recommendations during the second mission to the country. Qualifications/special skillsA Master’s level university degree in public policy, development studies, economics, or related field. Minimum of 7 years’ experience in research and policy analysis related to industrial, sustainable and economic development. Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information. Experience in research on industrial policies, climate change, and national planning for middle income countries is desirable. LanguagesFluency in oral and written English is required. Knowledge of another official UN Language is an advantage. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.