SRO/SA Consultant Project Management Assistant - Fostering an environmentally sound, inclusive, and transformative raw materials extraction and processing in the SADC region

The ultimate objective of the project is to ensure that the raw materials extraction and processing to be undertaken in the ‘green’ minerals boom are done so inclusively and in an environmentally sustainable manner. This aligns closely with the regional and participating countries’ priorities for resource-based sustainable development and socioeconomic transformation, and is consistent with various international and regional frameworks, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Africa Mining Vision, the Green Minerals Strategy of the African Union, the African Continental Free Trade Area, the SADC Industrialization Strategy and Roadmap, the COMESA Industrialization Policy Framework and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. It is imperative that the energy transition benefits the owners of natural resources and producers fairly and addresses potentially negative impacts of industrialization on the environment and concerns of local communities at all stages of the project.

Lusaka

6 Months

Background and Rationale In the fight against climate change, the world is transitioning to low-carbon energy generation sources and storage technology, leading to a rise in the global demand for minerals essential for renewable energy technologies, such as electric vehicle batteries and wind turbines. This will require an unprecedented increase in the production of critical minerals of which Africa is a key global source. However, it is imperative that increased mining activity minimizes environmental impact and contributes to creation of new, higher-value and job-creating industries across Africa, fuelling the region’s green economy for the well-being of local communities – a priority of African policy makers. Led by the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), a consortium of six implementing partners, including the African Union Commission-African Minerals Development Centre, University of Witwatersrand, World Wildlife Fund, German Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources, and Projekt Consult, secured funding from the German International Climate Initiative (IKI) to implement a 5-year project entitled "Initiative on Fostering Environmentally and Socially Responsible Decarbonized, Inclusive, and Transformative Value Chains for Energy Transition Minerals in the SADC Region". The project commenced with a preparatory phase running from October 2024 to February 2025, leading to the main implementation phase from March 2025 to February 2033. The project aims to facilitate inclusive governance of the mining sector involving local groups, youth, women, African governments, and the private sector. It will be implemented in six SADC countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Duties and Responsibilities The assignment will be undertaken by one consultant, under the overall joint supervision of the Chief of Green and Blue Economy Section (GBES) and the Chief of the Inclusive Industrialization Section, sub regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) and the direct supervision of the Focal-persons for this initiative from both the Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND and SRO-SA. The Consultant will : - Review and finalise technical reports submitted by short term contractors under the project and provide feedback, - Provide logistical, administrative, and operational support for meetings, trainings, and missions. - Coordinate travel arrangements, hotel bookings, and visa support for staff, consultants, and participants/ - Gather quotations and prepare purchase requests in line with ECA and project procurement rules, in coordination with relevant CFND and SRO-SA staff. - Manage participant lists, invitations, and follow-up communications for project events. - Support preparation of event materials, attendance sheets, and logistical notes. - Maintain organized records of correspondence, activity reports, and administrative documents. - Maintain contact with focal persons in the participating countries through periodic communication on any project updates. - Provide on-site logistical support during regional workshops, conferences, Consortium meetings and Steering Committee meetings. - Liaise closely with the Communications Consultant to ensure visibility and branding compliance at events.

A first level degree in Business Administration ,Management, development and or related field is required for this consultancy. Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in project management support and administrative support in international organizations Demonstrate strong organizational skills and expertise in supporting multi-country projects Demonstrate experience in supervising consultants and producing high level technical reports and national policies.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this assignment, fluency in English is required.

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.