Economic Commission for Africa

ICT, Science and Technology Division

Science and Technology Section

National and sub-regional Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Development

Objectives

Science and technology have become pervasive in all sectors of human endeavour. They shape the way we grow our food, how we eat it, the way we dress, travel, learn and work, the way we communicate and the way we make war and peace. In the last century alone, science and technology generated more knowledge than in all the epochs of human existence put together.

A sound scientific and technological base, from which wealth-creating technological innovations and applications can develop, is essential to economic growth in a competitive international environment. In particular, concepts related to knowledge generation, knowledge accumulation, knowledge appropriation and knowledge flows are prominent features of these models. As part of ECA's repositioning, more emphasis is placed on strengthening the capacity of member states to harness Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) potentials for their socio-economic development.

The objective of the consultancy service is to support a country or a regional economic community to develop a Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Policy and Strategies to enable to put in place a guiding framework for the exploitation of STI to accelerate the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and in support to the Poverty Reduction Strategy Papers (PRSPs). The overall exercise would enhance specific country or sub-regional socio-economic development through effective implementation of various STI projects and programs.

Duties and Responsibilities of Consultant

•  Conduct a needs assessment exercise (baseline study) aimed at identifying the main features of the country's science, technology and innovation system, map how the elements of that system interact and define new requirements in the various sectors of the national economy; or

•  Conduct a needs assessment exercise (baseline study) aimed at identifying the main features of sub-regional harmonised STI platform to support regional integration ;

•  Organize high level workshops aimed at discussing and building consensus from all stakeholders on a national/or regional STI policy and strategies based on priorities identified during the needs assessment phase ;

•  Work closely with Government ministries and other stakeholders to advise on matters related to STI policy and plan development;

•  Prepare a proposal on the best approach on sustainable STI human resource development;

•  Review existing STI structures and prepare a proposal on the development of the most appropriate national STI structures and institutions responsible for the translation of policies, plans and strategies; and

•  Develop the draft of STI framework, policy and implementation plan documents and organise workshops to review and enrich the documents for adoption.

Qualifications

Education

A dvanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Science and Technology Electronics Engineering, Telecommunications or Information Systems with emphasis on policy development and/or analysis. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of academic qualifications and experience in the field of Science, Technology and Innovation may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible post-graduate experience in an area of relevance to the section's work. Experience in the African context will be an advantage.

Competencies:

Professionalism - Extensive knowledge of all aspects of science, technology and innovation (STI) policy development, management and monitoring. Conceptual and strategic analytical capacity to understand STI system and business operational issues so as to thoroughly analyze and evaluate critical systems matters; in-depth knowledge of specific country STI structure and governance status, poverty reduction strategy and other development agendas.
Creativity - Original and creative thinking in advising on and resolving major issues and problems related to mainstreaming policy in development agendas.
Teamwork - Good interpersonal skills; ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people of different national and cultural backgrounds.
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.
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.

Language

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.

HOW TO APPLY

Interested persons who wish to be considered for the roster are requested to complete the Personal History Form (Form P-11) and send it before 31 May 2008 by e-mail to: ecarecruitment@uneca.org . Kindly note that only applications submitted on Form P-11 will be reviewed.

The United Nations shall place no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs (Charter of the United Nations - Chapter 3, article 8).

After the initial screening process, persons found to meet the eligibility requirements indicated in the TORs will be contacted for verification of their academic and professional credentials. On completion of the verification process, those retained for roster will be advised accordingly. They will subsequently be contacted to undertake consultancy assignments whenever the need arises. The duration of such assignments ranges from one to six months.