National Consultant to Conduct the Technology Needs Assessment (TNA) in Zambia

The National Consultant will support the preparation of the Zambia Technology Needs Assessment by facilitating country-level data collection, stakeholder consultations, validation processes and short analytical inputs to inform the assessment. The role involves liaising with government institutions, supporting participatory assessment processes, and preparing analytical reports to inform the TNA chapters.

Responsibilities

• Support country-level data collection and stakeholder consultations to inform the analysis of Zambia’s development context, sectors, sub-sectors, economic activities and STI entry points identified for the TNA.
• Liaise and follow up with national counterparts, including government institutions, statistical agencies, sector ministries, research institutions, private sector actors and other data holders, to obtain relevant sectoral, sub-sectoral and productivity-related information.
• Collect, compile and organise available productivity-related information and related evidence, and document data sources, gaps and limitations where information is incomplete, dispersed or unavailable.
• Facilitate in-country participatory processes, including interviews, focus group discussions, workshops and surveys, to support the collection of qualitative and quantitative information required for the TNA.
• Support stakeholder consultations to identify relevant technologies and technical know-how capable of addressing sectoral development challenges and supporting sustainable structural transformation.
• Collect stakeholder inputs on how relevant technologies can be implemented and scaled up within the national context, considering existing capacities, institutional arrangements, market conditions and investment considerations.
• Collect and synthesise information on barriers and challenges hindering the acquisition, deployment, diffusion and scale-up of relevant technologies, including policy, regulatory, institutional, financing, skills, capacity, infrastructure, market and investment-related constraints.
• Support the integration of cross-cutting considerations, including trade and export diversification, reduction of import dependence, gender equality, social inclusion, environmental sustainability and climate-related considerations, where relevant to the TNA analysis.
• Liaise closely with the UN Technology Bank, Zambia’s Ministry of Technology and Science (MoTS) and the International Consultant to coordinate data collection, stakeholder consultations, validation processes and inputs to the TNA report.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in Economics, Business Administration, International Development and Trade, Science, Technology and Innovation Policy or related areas is required.
• A first-level university degree in similar fields, in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience, may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
• At least three (3) years of relevant working experience in international development, trade, science, technology and innovation, or in one or more sectors relevant to Zambia’s development agenda and potential TNA priorities is required.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, data collection, and data analysis techniques is required.
• Knowledge of technologies and key issues/policies in science, technology, and innovation is required.
• A good understanding of the local context, including the national development agenda, science, technology and innovation policies and LDC transition strategy, as well as well-established networks in the country, is required.
• Strong analytical writing and communication skills are required.
• Demonstrated knowledge of one or more relevant sectors, sub-sectors or thematic areas in Zambia, including related value chains, public institutions and private sector stakeholders, is desirable.
• Publications on international development-related matters are desirable.
• Previous work experience with the United Nations or other international organisations is desirable.

Skills

• Technology Needs Assessment
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Data Collection
• Data Analysis Techniques
• Science Technology Innovation Policy
• International Development
• Trade Analysis
• Analytical Report Production
• Multi-Stakeholder Consultation
• National Development Policies
• Sectoral Analysis
• Value Chain Analysis
• Private Sector Liaison
• Private Sector Engagement

Languages

English