Result of Service

The consultant shall, within the relevant time-frame, provide to the ECA SRO-NA with a partnership framework, workshop and policy dialogue and a final report and recommendations as specified in the ToRs

Work Location

MOROCCO / DRC / ZAMBIA

Expected duration

6 MONTHS

Duties and Responsibilities

ECA’s mission is to deliver ideas and actions for an empowered and transformed Africa; informed by the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063. The mission will be guided by ECA’s five new strategic directions which are: Advancing ECA’s position as a premier knowledge institution that builds on its unique position and privilege to bring global solutions to the continent’s problems and take local solutions to the continent; Developing macroeconomic and structural policy options to accelerate economic diversification and job creation; Designing and implementing innovative financing models for infrastructure, and for human, physical and social assets for a transforming Africa; Contributing solutions to regional and trans-boundary challenges, with a focus on peace security and social inclusion as an important development nexus; Advocating Africa’s position at the global level and developing regional responses as a contribution to global governance issues. The Sub-regional Office for North Africa of the ECA (ECA SRO-NA) is located in Rabat (Morocco), and serves seven member states: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mauritania, Morocco, Sudan, and Tunisia. Its core functions are: Strengthening the capacity of member states in the sub-region to design and implement national policies and strategies for sustainable employment creation; Contributing to the implementation of sub-regional development priorities in line with the 2030 Agenda and Agenda 2063 with due consideration for youth and gender perspectives; Improving macroeconomic and fiscal policies, and to ensure sustainable growth; Providing relevant technical assistance to member states and to regional economic communities and intergovernmental organizations in building their capacities to sustain economic, social and political transformation, with a particular focus on employment, skills and balanced development, with the aim of ensuring inclusive growth, taking into consideration access to equal opportunities for women and young people. Background and rationale for support The ECA SRO-NA is launching this consultancy which aims to enhance the technical capacity of Member States (MS) in Africa to develop the electric mobility value chains. Electric mobility is gaining global interest for its potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality. In Africa, this emerging sector could revolutionize transportation and drive sustainable economic growth by leveraging the continent’s resources to develop a competitive electric mobility value chain. One of the key objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is to enhance regional value chains in Africa. Regional value chains refer to the production networks that link firms, industries, and countries in a particular region, enabling them to specialize in different stages of the production process and create higher value-added products. By promoting regional value chains, the AfCFTA aims to enhance the competitiveness of African firms, increase productivity, create jobs, and promote economic diversification and structural transformation. The development of regional value chains in Africa is particularly relevant in the context of electric mobility. The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) presents significant opportunities for Africa, as the continent is rich in critical minerals such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, which are used in the production of batteries. However, to fully harness the potential of electric mobility, African countries need to develop the necessary infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and skills and R&D capabilities, as well as strengthen their capacity to participate in regional and global value chains. This requires targeted policies and investments, as well as effective initiatives enhancing collaboration among different stakeholders, including governments, the private sector, and civil society. This project aims to develop and implement effective business-enabling environments for the electric mobility industry value chain, in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement. In 2023, the initial phase of the Development of an E-Mobility Regional Value Chain between DRC, Morocco, and Zambia, made significant strides with field missions, focus groups, and meetings, fostering strong stakeholder commitment. Key outcomes included an analytical study and three technical briefs on collaboration areas, value chains, markets, AfCFTA implementation, and regulatory frameworks. A capacity-building workshop in January 2024 helped policymakers validate key findings. This second phase aims to enhance technical capacity and establish a partnership framework, disseminating knowledge products, and providing technical inputs related to the roadmap for the implementation of three regional value chain platforms in targeted countries namely Morocco, DRC, and Zambia. Scope and tasks of work Under the direct supervision of the Chief of section of Employment and skills development and the overall guidance of the Director of ECA SRO-NA, the International Consultant will undertake the following tasks: 1. Conduct research and analysis to develop a partnership framework, roadmap for electric mobility value chain development. 2. Provide technical expertise and guidance on electric mobility value chains development, industrial opportunities, R&D cooperation, and regulatory frameworks. 3. Deliver a detailed implementation plan for each regional value chain identified detailing key activities, timeline, responsible and risks with key performance indicators and monitoring tools. 4. Facilitate a capacity building workshop for stakeholders from the three targeted Member States (MS), including policymakers and private sector representatives, in Zambia to discuss and finalize the partnership framework and Roadmap, validate the key deliverables, and ensure the appropriation of action plans by each technical committee. 5. Support the implementation roadmap of the three regional value chain platforms among targeted countries by coordinating with both public and private sector technical committees working groups. 6. Facilitate the discussions during the policy dialogue on E mobility and automotive sectors through presentations of E mobility key deliverables and raise awareness regarding potential industrial opportunities, R&D cooperation, business environment, and regulatory frameworks. 7. Facilitate a study tour for policymakers and private sector representatives from the targeted countries in Morocco. 8. Prepare comprehensive reports documenting activities, outcomes, and recommendations. Anticipated Deliverables and Implementation schedule The following deliverables are expected from the International Consultant: 1. Partnership Framework and Roadmap Development: Develop a comprehensive partnership framework and roadmap for electric mobility value chain development Outline key strategies and action plans for collaboration among targeted countries. (Expected completion: September 15th, 2024) 2. Detailed Implementation Plan for the Regional Value Chains: Prepare a detailed implementation plan outlining steps for establishing regional value chains between the targeted countries. identify timelines, responsibilities, and resource requirements for each phase of implementation as well as monitoring tools and Key performance indicators. (Expected completion: September 15th, 2024). 3. Contribute to organizing a study tour in Morocco to facilitate South-South cooperation on the development of E-mobility value chain platforms. (Expected completion: September 2024). 4. Capacity Building Workshop and Policy Dialogue in Zambia: Facilitate a capacity-building workshop and Policy Dialogue for high-level senior policymakers and private sector representatives. Contribute to the workshop sessions to enhance understanding of electric mobility value chains and validate partnership framework as well as key deliverables, provide implementation plans to support the implementation of regional value chains platforms engaging policymakers and private sector representatives. Facilitate the policy dialogue by providing presentations regarding firsthand insights and E-mobility key deliverables. Prepare the Workshop and Policy dialogue reports. (Expected completion: November 2024) 5. Final Report: Prepare a comprehensive final report summarizing all activities, outcomes, and recommendations. Include an executive summary highlighting key points. (Expected completion: December 20th, 2024) The final plan and deadlines for the deliverables will be discussed and decided in consultation between the International Consultant and ECA SRO-NA

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) or an engineering diploma in economics or related area is required. A first level university degree in a combination of additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master’s degree A minimum of 7 years of experience in Economic development and research is required Experience in electric mobility, value chain development, and partnership frameworks is desirable Experience in engaging with different policy makers and stakeholders from private and public sectors is desirable Experience working in African countries, particularly RDC, Morocco, or Zambia, is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the UN Secretariat. For this consultancy, Fluency in one of the working languages of the UN Secretariat is required. The knowledge of the other is desirable

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.