Principal Consultant - Technology Assessment of Zambia

The services of the consultant will contribute to the production of high quality outputs related to TA exercise in the energy and/or agricultural sectors in Zambia and successful implementation of the TA exercise within project timelines.

Zambia

15/02-29/11/2023

In the context of UNCTAD’s project “Technology assessment in the energy and agricultural sectors in Africa to accelerate progress on Science, Technology and Innovation’’, and at the request of the Government of Zambia, a technology assessment (TA) will be undertaken in Zambia. The principal consultant engaged under these Terms of Reference will help to implement the TA in the energy sector in Zambia together with a second consultant who will mainly provide organizational and logistical support to this assessment.

1. The principal consultant engaged under these Terms of Reference will provide support to the Zambia technology assessment exercise, specifically in supporting the implementation of steps 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 of Zambia’s TA roadmap and in drafting substantive outputs.

2. Under the guidance of the UNCTAD TA project team, the principal consultant will contribute to the production of the project outputs by undertaking the following activities:
a. Liaise with counterparts at the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) of the Higher Education, Science and Innovation of Zambia, UNCTAD staff and the second consultant as necessary to ensure effective planning and organization of meetings and participation of stakeholders, and effective follow-up in Zambia;
b. Participate in all meetings of the TA steering committee (SC) and expert group (EG);
c. Collect and assemble relevant policy documents, quantitative and qualitative information and data, and perform desk research, including by organizing and performing fact-finding interviews;
d. Write a review of the relevant national development plans, national vision documents or specific sector plans, and a review determining specific technologies relevant for the TA exercise, based on an analysis of social, economic, and environmental challenges to which technological solutions are required, and on innovations and related opportunities and threats that happen worldwide;
e. Review a draft note prepared by the second consultant mapping the actors directly involved in developing, regulating, adopting/using and governing the specific technology, as well as stakeholders affected by the implementation of the new technology, by analyzing the discourses and debates around the focus technologies within society, and the National Innovation System and national capabilities;
f. Write a report on potential goals and expected impacts to be achieved by the TA exercise, including a review of available resources and the presence or absence of international support;
g. Write a report describing the methods, instruments and models used to develop the evidence base, as well as synthesizing the core features, risks, and opportunities of the technology in assessed, and validating these findings;
h. Write a final TA report including policy options and recommendations;
i. Participate in discussions with the DSI, UNCTAD and the second consultant for the Zambia TA project on the implementation of the TA project as required.

An advanced university degree (PhD preferred) in Science, Technology, Innovation or STI policy, Economics, International Development or related fields.
At least 10 years of work experience, with a minimum of 5 years of work experience in Research, Science, Technology or Innovation. Experience in drafting socio-economic analysis on the impact of technologies is required. Experience in working on issues related to development in sub-Saharan Africa is an advantage.

Excellent drafting skills are required.

Written and oral fluency in English are required.

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.