Consultant on the role of commodity exchanges in Sevilla Commitment follow-up

Result of ServiceThe ultimate result of this initiative is to transform the existing global commodity landscape from a system with deep-seated inequities into one that is more fair, transparent, and resilient. The consultant's work will produce an evidence-based analysis that will directly inform policy reform. By mapping key actors, identifying regulatory gaps, and exposing the outsized role of financial speculation, the background paper will provide the detailed, factual basis needed for change. The policy brief will then translate these findings into concrete, actionable recommendations that will serve as a blueprint for implementing the Sevilla Commitment. Ultimately, this work is designed to give commodity-dependent developing countries a greater voice and more control over their economic destinies, ensuring that international trade becomes a genuine engine for poverty eradication and sustainable development for all, not just a few. Work LocationIn-person Expected durationThree months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The Sevilla Commitment, adopted at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), recognizes international trade as a key engine for inclusive economic growth, poverty eradication, and sustainable development. It emphasizes the importance of transparency and accountability across financial and trading systems, and calls for collaborative efforts involving Governments, regulators, industry stakeholders and civil society to foster fair, transparent and resilient commodity markets that benefit all participants in a fair way and contribute positively to global economic stability and sustainability at all levels. Despite greater trade integration, structural inequities persist in the global commodities landscape. Many developing countries remain trapped in low-value segments of commodity production, heavily reliant on exports of primary products. From 2019 to 2021, 73.9% of least developed countries (LDCs), 60.5% of small island developing States (SIDS), and 81.5% of landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) were classified as commodity-dependent, in contrast to just 12.5% of developed countries. At the same time, multinational enterprises and financial actors have consolidated significant market power over commodity trade and pricing. The increasing financialization of commodity markets, with speculators playing outsized roles, has amplified price volatility and disconnected market prices from real supply-demand fundamentals. Weak or fragmented regulatory frameworks allow for unregulated or under-regulated activity in commodity exchanges, often enabling market abuses and reinforcing asymmetric outcomes. The lack of transparency, oversight, and inclusive governance across commodity exchange systems presents a critical barrier to sustainable development for producer countries. Many are relegated to the role of price takers in systems they have little ability to influence, with consequences for domestic fiscal stability, food security, and long-term sustainable development. To support the implementation of the Sevilla Commitment and provide an evidence-based approach for policy dialogue and reform. FSDO will engage a consultant to produce a comprehensive global analysis of commodity exchange markets, identify governance and regulatory gaps, and propose concrete, actionable recommendations to enhance fairness, transparency, and developmental impact. Work Assignment Under the supervision of the Chief of the Strategic Engagement and Policy Integration Branch, FSDO, the consultant will be responsible for the following: • Prepare a background paper with an overview of the key actors, structures, and practices across global commodity exchanges and analysis of implications for commodity-dependent countries by: o Mapping the institutional landscape of major global commodity exchanges, identifying key actors, ownership structures, and market concentration trends; o Assessing the roles of financial actors in influencing commodity prices, volatility, and access for commodity-dependent developing countries; o Analyzing existing governance and regulatory frameworks across key jurisdictions and identify transparency gaps and potential regulatory arbitrage; o Examining the implications of commodity exchange structures for value addition, domestic resource mobilization, and fiscal policy space in commodity-dependent countries. • Prepare a policy brief with recommendations to support implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, containing concrete proposals to enhance transparency, equity, and oversight in commodity exchanges by formulating a set of policy recommendations to improve market governance, transparency, and equitable participation, consistent with the objectives of the Sevilla Commitment and the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Expected Outputs and Delivery Dates The consultant will be responsible for producing the following outputs, which will be delivered throughout the contract period in a timely manner: 1. Background paper (7-12 pages, with complete citation and referencing) with an overview of the key actors, structures, and practices across global commodity exchanges and analysis of implications for commodity-dependent countries by 14 November 2025. 2. Policy brief with recommendations (5-10 pages, with complete citation and referencing) to support implementation of the Sevilla Commitment, containing concrete proposals to enhance transparency, equity, and oversight in commodity exchanges by 31 December 2025. All works are considered to be the sole property of the United Nations. Qualifications/special skillsA first-level university degree in economics, international affairs, communications or a related field A minimum of two years of progressively responsible work experience in development finance, international development and/or related area; Familiarity with the work of the United Nations on sustainable development and financing for development issues is desirable; Prior experience with the UN system and/or other international organizations is desirable; A proven ability to produce research and publications is desirable. LanguagesFluency in (oral and written) English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is desirable. 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.