National Consultant – Junior consultant to support a macroeconomic analysis of the impacts of Covid-19 and the Ukrainian crisis on the agriculture sector in Rwanda; Kigali (SRO-EA) at UNECA – United Nations Economic Commission for Africa: (Deadline 19 July 2022)

Work LocationKigali, Rwanda

The project is primarily home-based. Preference will be given to candidates who are based in Rwanda.

Expected durationSelected Consultant will be recruited for a period of two (2) months from the date of Contract and will be paid as per the following deliverable payment trenches:
• 50% of total Consultancy Service Fees upon submission and approval of dataset of required indicators report within 1 month from date of Consultancy Service Contract
• 50% of total Consultancy Service Fees upon submission and approval of draft inputs to final report, within 2 months from date of Consultancy Service Contract.

Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground

The emergence of the Covid-19 pandemic and its containment measures, and the Ukraine crisis created great uncertainties globally. The Government of Rwanda put in place necessary but stringent measures to prevent the rapid spread of the virus, measures which unavoidably had a negative impact on the economy and on business. Despite the rise in importance of the service sector, Rwanda’s economy is still quite heavily dependent on agriculture, which contributes 26% of the GDP and employs 65% of the labor force (according to NISR). The lockdown resulted in limited access to business sites and services, post-harvest losses, reduced demand for labor, social insecurity, disrupted business planning, and lack of financial means.

Against this background, Rwanda’s agrarian sector is of special interest due to: (1) the sector’s weight in the economy; (2) the possible asymmetric impact of coronavirus-related measures, due to a tighter nexus of farmer activities to seasons; and (3) the impact of border closures and the related slowdown of freight on agricultural inputs and trade.

While other entities have evaluated the pandemic’s impact on the global agriculture sector, and UNDP and the EABC have briefly touched upon the challenges that Rwanda’s agricultural sector faces following the pandemic, there is a need to understand in greater detail, the modalities which have influenced the performance and socio-economic contribution of the sector. This study is intended to assess the macroeconomic impact of Covid-19 and the Ukraine crisis on Rwanda’s agriculture sector to better provide policy recommendations.

Objective of the Study

Based on a request of the Government of Rwanda, the main objective of this study is to analyze the macroeconomic impact of Covid-19 and the Ukrainian crisis on Rwanda’s agricultural sector, and its implications on future strategic policy for the sector.

Duties and Responsibilities

In close consultation with and under the guidance of the senior consultant of the project and the project manager in the Sub-Regional Office for Eastern Africa (SRO-EA), the selected consultant will support the research and development of an in-depth assessment of the macroeconomic impact of Covid-19 and Ukrainian War on the Rwandan agricultural sector.

With the view to perform above duty, the research assistant will carry out the following tasks and activities:
1. Assists with desktop research, interviews, and liaising with local officials and development partners providing context and input for the study.
2. Compile information and macroeconomic data, relevant on Rwandan agricultural sector, as requested by the lead consultant.
3. Sorts, consolidates, extracts and processes data for the purpose of the study.
4. Support in drafting sections of the preliminary report, including preparing tables, charts and diagrams.
5. Performs other support work as requested by the lead consultant or project manager.
6. Assists with the presentation of the findings and recommendations to the Ministry.

Qualifications/special skillsAcademic Qualifications: A university degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in economics, agribusiness, sustainable development studies, social sciences, accounting, statistics, or a related field is required. A high school diploma in combination with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Advanced Degree (Master’s) is preferred.

Experience: At least two (2) years of experience in collecting and researching data across various areas of agriculture, social, economic, and sustainable development or related area is required.

Also, the consultant should have:
– Two years of experience in conducting statistical analysis on socio-economic issue is desirable.
– Experience researching development issues in Africa (Eastern Africa knowledge preferred).
– Familiarity with agricultural sector.
– Experience working with the national institutions (statistics, economic development, environment, ministry of agriculture), would be an asset.
– Work experience in a multicultural environment or in an international organization is desirable.
– Demonstrated experience working under tight deadlines and delivering high-quality outputs.
– Strong oral and written communication skills.
– Ability to work independently, proactively and with little supervision.

Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this post, fluency in English is required.

No FeeTHE 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.

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