Duties and Responsibilities
Background and context Africa is endowed with significant deposits of green, critical, and transition minerals essential for the global energy transition, industrialization, and digital transformation. However, many African countries remain underexplored, and existing geoscientific and mineral data are often fragmented, outdated, inaccessible, or held externally, limiting policymakers' ability to design informed strategies for value addition, beneficiation, industrial policy, and regional value chains. In line with the Africa Mining Vision (AMV), the African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS), and emerging continental initiatives under the African Union and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), UNECA is supporting efforts to strengthen Africa’s geoscientific and mineral intelligence base. This includes the systematic mapping and consolidation of green minerals data to support evidence-based policymaking, regional cooperation, and strategic engagement with investors and partners. Within this context, UNECA seeks to engage an Expert Consultant to map green minerals across selected African countries and regions, consolidate available data, identify gaps, and develop a practical, policy-oriented mapping tool for policymakers, regional bodies, and development partners. Scope of work Under the overall supervision of UNECA’s Climate Change, Food Security and Natural Resources Division (CFND) and in particular the section on Natural Resources and Food Systems, and in collaboration with relevant partners, the Consultant will undertake the following tasks: Phase I: Inception and Desk Review 1. Conduct an inception review to clarify scope, country/region coverage, 2. Definition and classification of “green minerals” aligned with AGMS priorities, 3. Methodology for data collection, synthesis, and validation, 4. Policy use cases and intended decision-making applications. 5. Review existing continental, regional, and national frameworks relevant to green minerals, including: o Africa Mining Vision (AMV) o African Green Minerals Strategy (AGMS) o National mineral policies and strategies o Regional economic community (REC) minerals frameworks 6. Identify and justify a priority list of green/transition minerals relevant to Africa’s energy transition, industrialization, and climate goals. Phase II: Mapping and Data Consolidation 1. Compile and synthesize existing data on geoscientific, mineral occurrence, reserves, production, and exploration data from: o National geological surveys and mining ministries/authorities o Regional and continental institutions o International datasets and publily available geoscience databases 2. Map country and regional-level green minerals profiles, including: o Mineral type and classification o Geographic distribution o Stage of development (occurrence, exploration, production) o Known linkages to value chains (where available) 3. Identify and analyse key data gaps, inconsistencies, and institutional and capacity constraints in existing mineral information systems and opportunities for strengthening minerals intelligence for policy making Phase III: Policy-Oriented Analytical Tool Development 1. Design a policy-focused green minerals mapping tool tailored for decision-makers, which may include: o Country and regional mineral profiles o Comparative mineral endowment and readiness matrices o Visual maps and summary dashboards (non-technical) o Policy-relevant indicators aligned with AMV, AfCFTA and AGMS priorities 2. Ensure the tool is accessible, modular, scalable and adaptable for use by: o National governments o Regional economic communities o African Union and continental institutions o Development partners Phase IV: Validation and Finalization 1. Engage UNECA and selected stakeholders to validate findings and policy relevance. 2. Revise and finalize the mapping outputs and policy tool based on feedback. 3. Prepare concise policy briefs and presentations summarizing key findings and implications. Reporting and Supervision The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of UNECA’s Director of CFND, the Chief of the Section of Natural Resources and Food Systems and will report to the Economic Affairs Officer leading this assignment. Technical guidance will be provided by UNECA specialists in mineral resources, industrial policy, and regional integration.
Qualifications/special skills
Advanced university degree (Master’s or PhD) in Geology, Mineral Economics, Natural Resource Management, Earth Sciences, or a related field is required. A minimum of 10 years’ experience in minerals, extractives, or natural resource policy analysis is required. Demonstrated experience in geoscience or mineral mapping, inventories, or geoscience data synthesis is an advantage. Strong understanding of African mineral governance frameworks, including the AMV and related strategies is desirable. Proven experience working with African governments, regional institutions, or international organizations is desirable.
