CONSULTANCY: GAP ANALYSIS IN THE AFRICA MINING VISION & NATURAL RESOURCE GOVERNANCE

Location :     Home based with travel to Johannesburg
Application Deadline :    22-Mar-13
Type of Contract :    Individual Contract
Post Level :    International Consultant
Languages Required :
    English 
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)    02-Apr-2013
Duration of Initial Contract :    3 months
Expected Duration of Assignment :    3 months


Background
Natural Resource Governance and Economic Development
There is consensus on the critical role that natural resources play in sustaining the livelihoods of the vast majority of the world’s poor, in generating economic growth and in advancing social justice and human progress. With the global demand for natural resources and commodities growing with significant increase in price, these sectors have become extremely important parts of national economic strategies of many resource-rich developing countries. These countries are embarking on ambitious plans to transform their economies and societies in terms of sustainable development. However, in the absence of robust accountability mechanisms, it will be difficult for these aspirations to materialize. In some instances, unfair and unjust exploitation of these resources have led countries to economic stagnation (Dutch disease) or outright conflict (resource curse).

The African Mining Vision (AMV)
In February 2009, African Heads of State at the AU adopted the Africa Mining Vision. It is Africa’s own response to tackling the paradox of great mineral wealth existing side by side with pervasive poverty.
The AMV adopts a holistic approach that advocates improving mining regimes by making sure that tax revenues are optimized and that income is well spent - although that is clearly important. It also advocates integrating mining much better into development policies at local, national and regional levels.

The AMV is thus based on the following pillars:

•     Optimizing knowledge and benefits of finite mineral resources at all levels of mining and for all minerals;
•     Harnessing the potential of small scale mining to improve livelihoods and integration into the rural and national economy;
•     Fostering sustainable development principles based on environmentally and socially responsible mining, which is safe and includes communities and all other stakeholders;
•     Building human and institutional capacities towards a knowledge economy that supports innovation, research and development;
•     Developing a diversified and globally competitive African mineral industry which contributes to broad economic and social growth through the creation of economic linkages;
•     Fostering a transparent and accountable mineral sector in which resource rents are optimized and utilized to promote broad economic and social development; and
•     Promoting good governance of the mineral sector in which communities and citizens participate in mineral assets and in which there is equity in the distribution of benefits
• Given its legitimacy, it is therefore critical that the AMV is a functioning and effective guideline and benchmark for progress on extractive industries in Africa.There is thus need to expedite the implementation of the AMV if its envisioned benefits are to be realized.

Duties and Responsibilities

Objective of Gap Analysis
It is on the basis of the above mandates that UNDP is undertaking a Gap Analysis of the AMV in 10 countries so as to provide AU and Member States with a snap-shot view, and recommendation frame work on their respective progress towards the goals of AMV and what can be done to expedite such progress.  The 10 countries will be Kenya, Mozambique, Malawi , Gambia, Tanzania , Uganda, Nigeria , Central African Republic, South Sudan  and Cameroon.

The Consultant will be responsible for:

•     Development of an inception report.
•     Undertake inclusive consultation of all NRG stakeholders including government, parliamentary committees, politicians, private sector, tax payers, citizens, Tax Authorities, Central Banks, Auditors, planning authorities, finance ministries, natural resource ministries, NRG experts and local governments among others.
•     Lead design and implementation of research at national level. This will include identifying and supervising various resource and expert inputs.
•     Develop and implement effective methodologies and tools including questionnaires to ensure all necessary information/knowledge is captured.
•     Undertake a comprehensive literature review of history, reports, policies and recommendation of various national experts and specialist institutions, and thereby consolidate existing national knowledge on NRG vis-à-vis the AMV
•     Lead local national level consultations on inception report, methodologies and tools, draft reports and recommendations.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

•     Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
•     Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
•     Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
•     Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
•     Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment

Knowledge Management and Learning

    In-depth practical knowledge of inter-disciplinary development issues

Development and Operational Effectiveness

    Ability to lead strategic planning, change processes, results-based management and reporting
    Ability to apply development theory to the specific country context to identify creative, practical approaches to overcome challenging situations

Management and Leadership

•     Builds strong relationships with clients, focus on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
•     Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
•     Ability to manage complexities
•     Ability to lead effectively, mentoring as well as conflict resolution skills
•     Demonstrates strong oral and written communication skills
•     Remains calm, in control and good humoured even under pressure
•     Proven networking, team-building, organizational and communication skills

Required Skills and Experience

Qualifications

    An Advanced University Degree in Governance, Economics, Development or related areas

Experience

    At least 10 years experience in Governance and/or Economic research. Experience in Economic Policy and Natural Resource Management would be an added advantage.
    At least 5 years experience leading policy research.

Language Requirements:

    Written and oral proficiency in English is required.

FC : 30000

To apply follow this link