SRO-SA Consultant to prepare Renewable Energy and Green Growth Regional Study

Result of ServiceThe consultant will prepare a regional study on renewable energy transition and green growth pathways in six countries, with actionable policy insights. Work LocationHybrid Expected duration3 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesDuties and responsibilities The Development Account project on Innovative Climate Action to Accelerate Green and Inclusive Industrialization in the Southern Africa Region aims to strengthen the capacity of selected countries to develop and implement innovative green economy policies and strategies that foster inclusive and sustainable industrialization in Southern Africa. Led by UNECA’s Subregional Office for Southern Africa with UNCTAD acting as a key technical partner, the project will provide technical assistance to 6 Southern African countries (Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe). Under the supervision of ECA’s project officer and UNCTAD’s focal point, the consultant will prepare a regional study exploring pathways to achieve a green energy transition and promote green growth in the six beneficiary countries, providing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The study will inform the preparation and the discussions of national workshops organized in each beneficiary country and focus on mapping green industrialization entry points, recommending policy frameworks to support green industrialization, identifying resource mobilization options, and developing innovative climate action strategies. Conducted through desk research and online interviews, the study will cover the six beneficiary countries. It will also identify relevant/applicable policy and technical options at the regional and international levels. The regional study will look into the following core areas: a) National and regional policy frameworks to promote renewable energy adoption for green industrialization; b) Trade flows of renewable energy equipment, associated raw material, and green electricity to, from, and among project countries; c) Challenges, opportunities (including grid connectivity both at national and regional levels), and entry points to improve availability, affordability, and use of renewable energy solutions; d) Best practices and innovations — including in the areas of trade in both goods and services (e.g. training, engineering), finance, and industrial policy— to promote the deployment renewable energy solutions (including green hydrogen) in support of green industrialisation; e) Linkages between renewable energy uptake, green industrialization, and green growth. With regard to each of the above core elements, the study will provide information on the current situation, challenges, and opportunities in the Southern African context, using concrete examples from beneficiary countries, and highlighting best practices with the purpose of providing actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders. The study will also explore synergies with the other focus areas of the project, i.e. agrifood value chains; green minerals and energy extractives; circular economy practices, and carbon credit markets. Specific issues of interest to be considered during the preparation of the study include: Linkages between Nationally Determined Contributions, trade, and green industrial policy; Sustainable biomass production and use in agrifood industries; Renewable energy potential within ocean economy sectors; Key support services (e.g., finance, training, engineering, and research) required to enhance and support renewable energy deployment. In the context of the study, particular attention will be paid to MSMEs, cooperatives, women and youth entrepreneurs. As part of her/his assignment the consultant will regularly share findings and information, and participate in coordination meetings with experts in charge of preparing other regional studies on green industrial policy, MSMEs and circular economy, and technology upgrading, as part of the UNDA 17th Tranche project on Innovative Climate Action to Accelerate Green and Inclusive Industrialization in the Southern Africa Region. These exchanges and meetings will aim to avoid duplication and maximize synergies between the consultant’s work and that of the other three regional experts. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced Degree in Economics, Agronomy, Engineering, Climatology, Environmental Science, Policy Analysis or related fields is required .A first level degree with additional Three years experience will be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree . A PhD would be desirable . At least 1 year of experience in the field of trade or policy analysis, development economics, or value chain analysis. Experience in relation with renewable energy, backward linkages and sustainable trade is highly desirable. Research experience in Southern Africa is a strong asset. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations ,for this assignment ,Fluency in English is required .Knowledge of French would be an added advantage. 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.