Economic Commission for Africa
Sub-Regional Office, Southern Africa

Infrastructure and Sustainable Development for Regional Integration Cluster

Objective

The work program of the Sub-Regional Office, Southern Africa (SRO-SA) focuses on activities aimed at harmonizing national policies and programs in various sectors in support of integration efforts in the Southern Africa sub-region within the overall framework of the African Union and the regional economic communities and in addressing issues within the context of achieving the MDGs and emerging global challenges. An aspect of the work of the office is clustered around Infrastructure and Sustainable Development for Regional Integration (ISDRI). The ISDRI Cluster aims to develop frameworks for contributing to the realization of regional integration on a sustainable basis, focusing on policy, institutional and advocacy issues related to mining, energy, transit transport facilitation, food security and information communications technology.

Infrastructure and Sustainable Development for Regional Integration Cluster

Duties and Responsibilities of Consultant

•  Conduct policy oriented research on developmental issues related to the focus areas;

•  Analyze trends, issues and challenges in the development of the sectors and develop strategies for addressing them;

•  Design templates for guiding RECs and Member States in developing sound policies and implementing institutional reforms;

•  Undertake in-depth studies to develop frameworks for harmonizing policies, standards, legislation and regulations;

•  Track and monitor progress achieved in the harmonization efforts and their impact on regional integration;

•  Identify and disseminate through workshops strategies for developing PPPs in the provision of infrastructure and sustainable development;

•  Design innovative ways for infrastructure and sustainable development including support services;

•  Develop guidelines/manuals for assisting the Member States in implementing infrastructure and sustainable development policies and programs;

•  Facilitate/present reports to workshops, seminars organized by the office;

•  Strengthen the in-house capacity for the cluster;

•  Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation mechanisms including impact analysis;

•  Assist in facilitating technical meetings, seminars and consultations that contribute to finalization of SRO-SA staff outputs;

•  Design templates for websites and databases for the management and dissemination of information and other materials;

•  Assist in designing and managing communication and outreach through the use of various medial channels and opportunities.

Qualifications

Education

Advanced University Degree preferably a Doctorate in economics, agricultural economics, mining, energy, ICT, transport or development economics with an emphasis on regional integration related issues or closely related issues.

Work Experience

Five to seven years of progressively responsible experience required in regional integration related issues and challenges in the context of Africa. Practical experience in at least one of the following areas: economics, agricultural economics, development economics, mining, energy, ICT or transport. A record of publications would be an asset.

Competencies

Professionalism - In-depth understanding of economic theories, principles and application; demonstrated technical knowledge and proven research and analytical skills on issues related to agricultural economics, mining, energy, ICT and transport. Technological Awareness - Ability to use relevant computer technology . Teamwork - Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations internally as a team leader or member as well as with clients and partners; and work effectively in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity. Communication - Good interpersonal skills; excellent drafting ability and communication skills, ability to present complex concepts in a concise and accurate manner, ability to prepare written reports and papers that are clear, concise and meaningful. 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.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English or French is required and working knowledge of the other language is an advantage.

Other desirable/required Skills

Strong computer skills including the use spreadsheets and database applications as well as facility with word processing, presentation programs, Internet and relevant software packages are desirable.

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.