SRO-SA Junior National Consultant -Green Industrialization, MSMEs Upgrading and the Circular economy Mozambique

Result of ServiceThe Junior Consultant will provide research and data analysis support to the Senior Consultant in order to ensure that the regional study is evidence-based, comprehensive, and relevant for policymakers and other key stakeholders including the private sector and civil society organizations. Work LocationHybrid Expected duration3.0 Duties and Responsibilities1. Background The Development Account project “Innovative Climate Action to Accelerate Green and Inclusive Industrialization in the Southern Africa Region” is implemented by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) Subregional Office for Southern Africa, in collaboration with the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The project supports six countries—Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe—to design and implement innovative green economy policies that foster inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Southern Africa. It focuses on renewable energy adoption, circular economy practices, and technology-driven transformation, with particular attention to the role of MSMEs, and women- and youth-led enterprises in driving this shift. The role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) becomes pivotal, particularly as MSMEs occupy a vital and unique position in the transition towards a circular economy as their intrinsic features, such as proximity, flexibility, and ability to innovate, make them an important factor in market practices and norms. Unlike larger corporations, MSMEs often possess the agility to experiment with and adopt innovative business models, production methods, and sustainable practices with relatively less bureaucracy and resistance to change. In Southern Africa, beyond the economic and environmental benefits of a green industrialization for conventional MSMEs, the circular economy presents entirely new opportunities for MSMEs to become pioneers in fields such as recycling, renewable energy installation, green service provision, and green consulting. As part of this initiative, four regional studies will be undertaken entitled: • “Advancing Green Industrialization in Southern Africa for Inclusive Development and Transformation: Policy Options and Strategies” • “Evaluating sequencing approaches for upgrading industries, fostering innovation, and facilitating technology transfer in Southern Africa” • “The role of the private sector and MSMEs in advancing the circular economy” • “Exploring pathways to achieve a green energy transition and promote green growth in Southern Africa” These studies will inform the preparation and discussions of national workshops organized in each beneficiary country and focus on mapping green industrialization entry points, recommending policy frameworks to support green industrialization, developing innovative climate action strategies, MSME technology upgrading and role in the circular economy. Each regional study has a dedicated Terms of Reference which outlines core areas of investigation and the Scope of Work. Chosen national consultants will have access to the four study ToRs and Concept Note for the project Each of the four studies will be led by a senior regional consultant, with junior national consultants recruited to provide research support as well as contribute to delivery of the national validation workshops. Duties and Responsibilities Under the overall guidance of UNECA and the direct supervision of the Senior Consultant, the Junior Consultant will: 1. Conduct desk research and compile relevant literature, datasets, and national policy documents, 2. Draft short analytical summaries of country experiences and policy frameworks and strategies, 3. Support the dissemination of a survey instrument or questionnaire for enumeration on the circular economy and MSMEs through the ministries of green economies and MSMEs and private sector agencies on MSMEs financing, if required, 4. Prepare notes on financing mechanisms, innovation systems, and MSME integration in green value chains, 5. Contribute written inputs to designated sections of the draft regional study, as agreed by the Senior Regional Consultant and UNECA, 6. Develop supporting materials (tables, charts, annexes, PowerPoints) for workshops and briefings. Qualifications/special skillsAn Advanced University Degree in Economics, Development Studies ,Environmental Policy or related Field is required. A first Degree with 2 additional years of experience would be acceptable in lieu of the advanced degree. At least 3 years of experience in economic policy analysis, value chain analysis or development economics. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations, for this assignment ,Fluency in English both oral and written is required . Additional InformationThe Total Remuneration is USD 5000 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.