Individual Contractor for project on Innovative Digital Trade under the AfCFTA for Promoting Food Security and Agricultural Value Chains in Africa

Result of Service

This project aims to address the challenges of food insecurity, high food prices, and inefficient food distribution mechanisms in targeted countries (Congo , Comoros, Cote D’Ivoire, Malawi, and Uganda) by leveraging digital technologies and the opportunities presented under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Work Location

Office based with travel

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: Agriculture in Africa is a significant economic activity, but food insecurity persists. In this regard, it is important to rethink how food is traded in Africa. The use of digital technology platforms in international and regional trade can help reduce food insecurity by connecting regions with limited agricultural potential or large populations facing climate changes, pandemic shocks, and security constraints to regions with surplus food production. The growing usage of cell phones, the internet and other digital innovations could help support food security and agricultural value chains in Africa by facilitating communication about food availability in surplus countries and shortages in others. This project aims to address the challenges of food insecurity, high food prices, and inefficient food distribution mechanisms in targeted countries (Congo, Comoros, Cote D’Ivoire, Malawi, and Uganda) by leveraging digital technologies and the opportunities presented under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It is expected that the project will address these challenges by raising awareness and building capacities on the use of new trade digital technologies. It will strengthen the capacities of selected countries and their stakeholders to use digital technologies to buy and sell food products and foster cross-border food value chains that will help ensure regional food security. Objective of the Assignment: The Project aims to reduce food insecurity by connecting agricultural markets in selected countries using digital technologies and opportunities presented under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). More specifically the project envisions empowering targeted countries to: 1. Use digital supply chain management and digital branding tools and techniques under AfCFTA 2. Use digital technologies and eCommerce platforms to remedy food market information asymmetries 3. Use regional agricultural markets, commodity exchange markets and ecommerce platforms Duties and responsibilities 1) Facilitation of Training Seminars: a) Develop and adapt training materials in collaboration with project teams, tailored to the needs of target countries. b) Facilitate the delivery of training on the use of digital tools to improve production systems, digital marketing, branding, and addressing food market information asymmetries. 2) Coordination of Workshops: a) Organize and facilitate regional and national workshops on digital supply chain management, digital marketing, and branding. b) Engage with stakeholders including government officials, private sector representatives, and agricultural value chain actors to ensure effective participation and knowledge transfer. 3)Support National Field Missions: a) Provide logistical and administrative support for field missions aimed at advising government officials and private sector entities on integrating digital technologies in agricultural productivity. 4)Execution of National Workshops: a) Facilitate national workshops focusing on digital solutions for agricultural supply chain management and addressing market and investment opportunities in regional agricultural value chains. b) Support participants in diagnosing value chain gaps and identifying suitable digital solutions.

Qualifications/special skills

High School diploma is required. Degree in economics, international trade, or a related field is desirable At least 7 years of experience is required in Economic Development, Digital Economy, Agricultural value chains, or related areas preferably in Africa. Proven experience in working with international organizations, preferably within the UN system

Languages

French and English are the working languages of the United Nations; for the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Working knowledge of French is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.