UN-Water Consultant
Organizational Context
The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), under the UN Secretariat, is seeking a consultant based in Addis Ababa to work on an initiative to accelerate progress towards SDG 6 and advance the Africa Water Vision 2063. This role focuses on strengthening the recognition of water as natural capital and embedding its valuation in climate, economic, and development planning across the continent.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this consultancy is to address the critical issue of water undervaluation in Africa, which hinders progress towards SDG 6 and broader development goals. The role aims to accelerate the recognition of water as natural capital by embedding its valuation into climate, economic, and development planning. By developing a practical regional framework, the consultant will support the operationalization of the Africa Water Vision 2063 and its First Implementation Plan. This initiative seeks to transform water valuation into a driver for investment, policy reform, and economic transformation, ultimately promoting sustainable water management, unlocking green growth, enhancing climate resilience, and supporting inclusive economic development and job creation across Africa.
Responsibilities
The consultant will conduct a comprehensive analytical and policy-oriented assessment of water valuation practices across Africa. This includes analyzing how water valuation contributes to improved water-use efficiency, integrated water resources management, and ecosystem protection. The role involves reviewing the integration of water into national development plans, climate policies, and green economy strategies, identifying economic implications of undervaluation and opportunities for policy coherence. A key responsibility is to map existing valuation methodologies, identify best practices and implementation gaps, and develop a practical regional framework for water valuation. This framework will guide the integration of valuation into policy, planning, and investment decisions, including methodologies, institutional arrangements, data requirements, and an implementation roadmap. Stakeholder engagement with the African Union, AMCOW, regional economic communities, and national ministries is crucial for validating findings and building consensus.
Work Experience
Proven experience in conducting regional analytical studies and developing policy frameworks is required. Experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultation processes at regional or continental levels is also necessary. Strong knowledge of African policy frameworks, including the Africa Water Vision 2063 and Policy, Agenda 2063, and continental climate and development frameworks is essential.
Skills
Expertise in water valuation methodologies, ecosystem services valuation, natural capital accounting, and SDG 6 implementation. Strong knowledge of African policy frameworks (Africa Water Vision 2063, Agenda 2063, continental climate/development frameworks). Experience in regional analytical studies and policy framework development. Skills in facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations. Proficiency in English is required; French is an advantage.