Announcement for Engagement of Consultants

African Center for Gender and Social Development (ACGS)

Duration of contract: Two months

Deadline for Application: 27 June 2008

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The consultants will work under the general guidance of the Officer-in-Charge of the African Center for Gender and Social Development and the direct supervision of the Chief of MDGs/Poverty Analysis and Monitoring Section and the task team for the project entitled “ECA Peer Learning on PRSs/MDGs”. The Consultants are expected to commence their assignment in July.

Each Consultant will conduct a country study on each of the seven countries: Cameroon , Liberia , Nigeria , Mali , Morocco , Mozambique and South Africa . The consultants will conduct a desk review of existing PRS or national development plans and assess the degree to which the content of these documents and the processes guiding their formulation and implementation are effective in advancing countries' efforts to meet the MDG targets.

In particular, the consultants should:

•  Undertake a desk review and analysis of published country MDG-consistent PRSPs or national development plans, and other documents relevant to the MDG-consistent PRSPs or national development plans process;

•  Review the experience of the country of interest in formulating, implementing, monitoring and evaluating MDG-consistent poverty reduction or national development plans

•  Prepare a Report detailing the work undertaken and presenting an analysis and the results of research undertaken, with statistical annexes if any;

•  Present findings at the next PRSP/MDG Learning Group meeting, if asked. ECA shall be responsible for the participation of the consultant at the LG meeting. The Commission shall provide a round trip economy class air ticket and shall pay DSA at applicable UN rates

More detailed terms of reference will be provided to consultants upon their engagement.

COMPETENCIES

•  Professionalism : Proven technical expertise and understanding of social policy analysis and; proven ability to produce quality reports and publications in selected areas of social policy.

•  Planning and Organizing : Proven ability to prioritize, plan and organize own work and ability to integrate work into the work of the unit; ability to monitor and adjust plan and priorities as necessary and to work according to deadlines.

•  Communication : Effective written, oral and presentation skills, particularly ability to present information in a concise and accurate manner; ability to defend difficult issues and positions to senior officials; ability to interact with high-level government officials.

•  Teamwork : Good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.

•  Technological Awareness : Sound knowledge of the Internet and basic software for word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION:

Advanced degree in Economics or related field; Ph.D. preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

Ten or more years of experience in international development policy work with a focus on African development. Proven track record in development policy analysis and in-depth knowledge of country of interest.

LANGUAGES:

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For the work of the section, fluency in written and oral English or French is required. Knowledge of the other language is an advantage.

REMUMERATION

Remuneration will be based on educational qualifications, experience and the relevant UN guidelines.

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates who wish to be considered for the above post are requested to send their application to Ms. Susan Mokonyana, Chief, Human Resources Services Section/Division of Administration, United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), P.O. Box 3001 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, email: fax: 251-11 - 5 51 04 89, ecarecruitment@uneca.org .