The lead consultant will deliver the following documents (in electronic form): O1. global and regional literature review synthesis note Analytical synthesis of global and regional literature on sustainability transitions, agri-food systems, SMEs, and just transition, highlighting key conceptual debates, empirical evidence, and policy lessons relevant to the project. O2. conceptual framework for sustainability and just transition in agri-food SMEs Core conceptual framework defining the scope, objectives, and structure of a just sustainability transition in the agri-food SMEs sector, including its economic, environmental, social, institutional, and resilience dimensions. O3. vision and transformation pathways note for the agri-food sector in the selected countries Strategic note articulating a long-term vision for a just sustainability transition in the agri-food industry, aligned with climate change impacts, sectoral risks, and future-oriented transformation pathways. This vision should define a target for the agrifood sector by 2040 and a road map for its transformation. O4. conceptual indicators and typologies framework and measurement methodology Conceptual framework defining policy-relevant indicators and typologies of firms, clarifying what should be measured and why, and providing guidance for methodological operationalization.

Remotely

6 months

This consultancy is undertaken under the Project: “Empowering African SMEs in the agri-food industry for Climate and Social Resilient Transition” 1) Introduction Despite contributing a mere 4% to global emissions, Africa, set to constitute 25% of the global population by 2050, bears the significant brunt of climate change repercussions. The extreme weather, rising temperatures, and changing precipitation patterns are amplifying the social and economic implications of the last crises (COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and the tighter global financial markets). Today, we need paradigm shifts in Africa's development approach to help African countries move away from conventional models to novel, sustainable frameworks that help the continent deliver on its engagement in the context of the Paris Agreement. To this end, the private sector's role is crucial in amplifying public sector efforts towards community and ecosystem protection, especially considering constrained government resources exacerbated by climate change-induced risks. In Africa, A pivotal sector for this transformation is the realm of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) which account for 90 percent of businesses and approximately 80% of jobs. In Africa, SMEs perceive environmental risks as significant, and a mere 38% act to mitigate these risks (International Trade Center SMEs Competitiveness Report 2021). This underscores an opportunity for targeted interventions to aid SMEs in transitioning towards eco-friendlier and makes SMEs a significant mechanism for socio-economic growth. This project aims to enhance the capabilities of Algeria, Tunisia and Senegal to plan and implement sustainable transitions in the agri-food industry. It identifies current challenges and opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in this sector to adapt to climate change. The project will support these nations in creating social policies that facilitate the sustainable transition of SMEs. Additionally, it will develop guidelines for a just sustainable transition, including methodologies and tools to analyze climate-related changes and define sustainable objectives and policies for SME transformation. Furthermore, the project is expected to strengthen the capacity of the selected countries to design and execute policies tailored to the sustainable transition of SMEs in the agri-food industry. This will be evidenced by member states that have developed a well-informed vision for this transition and have updated their sectoral and social policies accordingly. The development of this vision will involve collaborative efforts, including virtual workshops, to ensure that the participating countries take ownership of the proposed reforms. The strategy aims to strengthen national capacities and assist SMEs through policy design, emphasizing sustainability frameworks, based firm-level data collection, to navigate climate-related challenges. It also focuses on addressing social inequalities and fostering inclusive policies for sustainable development. Key activities include workshops, policy papers, and targeted roadmaps to guide evidence-based, sustainable transitions in SMEs, ultimately strengthening the agri-food sector's resilience and sustainability in the participating countries. 2) Objective of the project The objective of the project is to strengthen the capacity of selected African countries to design and implement policies on small and medium-sized enterprises to support sustainable transition in the agrifood industry. It has two outcomes: - Enhanced national capacity of the targeted countries to assess gaps, vulnerabilities and opportunities for sustainability transition of SMEs in the agri-food industry - Improved national capacity of targeted countries to design social policies to support SMEs sustainable transition in the agri-food industry 3) Consultancy services The completion of this study will be entrusted with 2 international consultants and 2 national consultants per country covered who will work under the general supervision of the Director of the Sub-regional Office for North Africa of the ECA (ECA SRO-NA) and under the direct supervision of the expert of the Office in charge of the project. Tasks of the lead international consultant The main tasks expected are: • Lead and synthesize the global and regional literature review on sustainability transitions, agri-food systems, SMEs, and just transition. • Lead the development of the conceptual framework for sustainability and just transition in the agri-food SMEs sector. • Define the long-term vision of a just sustainability transition for the agri-food industry, aligned with climate change impacts and sectoral transformation challenges. • Identify and structure the core dimensions of the framework (economic, environmental, social, institutional, resilience). • Define the economic and policy logic linking sustainability, employment, skills development, and social protection. • Provide strategic guidance and validation for the integration of existing country-level tools and projects (e.g. UNIDO TEST, ILO just transition guidelines), ensuring alignment with the conceptual framework.

An advanced university degree (Master's degree at least) in economics, environmental economics, agricultural economics or related field is required. A PhD would be an advantage At least five years of relevant experience/or academic work in sectoral sustainability transition in the agrifood system or related fields is required Analytical skills is desirable

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. Fluency in the other language is an advantage

Not available.

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.