Advancing Inclusive Regional Value Chains under the AfCFTA

Volunteering

Contract

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The UNDP Regional Service Centre for Africa (RSCA), based in Addis Ababa, supports 46 Country Offices in sub-Saharan Africa and is UNDP's principal interface with the African Union, the Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and continental institutions. Within RSCA, the Inclusive Growth and Extractives Team (IGET) contributes to the “Prosperity for All” objective of the UNDP Strategic Plan 2026–2029 by supporting structural transformation and economic resilience, notably through AfCFTA-aligned Regional Value Chains and SME participation, with a particular focus on youth and women's economic empowerment.

Africa's structural transformation hinges on building competitive, integrated and inclusive regional value chains under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The Online Volunteers will provide analytical, programmatic and knowledge support to IGET, contributing to the development of analytical tools and knowledge products, including a Regional Value Chains Toolkit aimed at strengthening SME participation, upgrading informal enterprises and linking local production systems to regional markets. Their contribution will support progress towards SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and inclusive economic transformation and resilience across Africa.

Under the overall supervision of the Regional Advisor on AfCFTA / Project Manager, Three (3) Online Volunteers will support the Inclusive Growth and Extractives Team in advancing inclusive regional value chains and AfCFTA implementation. Their responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to the development of a Regional Value Chains Toolkit aligned with AfCFTA implementation priorities. • Conduct analytical research on SME participation, informality upgrading and gender-responsive value chain integration, financial inclusion • Support stakeholder consultations with RECs, Member States, and private sector actors. • Draft technical notes and knowledge products on inclusive regional production systems and market integration. • Any other duties and responsibilities assigned by the Programme Manager.

The assignment will be undertaken remotely over a 3 months period. Through this assignment, volunteers will contribute to research, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement and knowledge development supporting regional economic integration and inclusive economic transformation in Africa.

• Candidates must be enrolled in a postgraduate degree programme (master's or higher) OR have recently graduated with a first university degree (bachelor's or equivalent) in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies or a related Social Science discipline

• Work experience is not required, but some relevant experience, especially in international development, is an asset. Candidates should understand, and ideally previous research on, issues related to international development such as SME participation, trade policy, financial inclusion and development. Proficiency in MS Office is required, and knowledge of the UN system is an asset.

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Added 18 days ago - Updated 4 days ago - Source: unv.org