International Consultant for the development of Local Content Policy Framework Toolkit

The overall objective of this consultancy is to develop a comprehensive Local Content Policy Framework and Supplier Development Programme Toolkit that provides structured, practical, and research-based guidance to policymakers for the design, implementation, and monitoring of LCPs and SDPs.

Hybrid

4 Months

Background Rationale for Local Content Policies Local Content Policies (LCPs) have emerged as critical instruments for promoting economic transformation in both developed and developing countries. Their primary objectives are to stimulate domestic industrial development, create jobs, and foster the use of local labour, capital, goods, and services. By embedding local participation within value chains, LCPs aim to generate lasting socio-economic benefits, reduce dependence on imports, and enhance resilience to external shocks. Although there is no universally agreed definition, local content is broadly understood as the extent to which domestic resources—such as labour, goods, services, partnerships, and infrastructure—are used or developed in the course of a project. Local content requirements therefore compel or encourage companies to source a share of production inputs from domestic economies. This not only drives industrial linkages but also strengthens knowledge transfer, skills development, and value creation for the national population. Economic Benefits and Strategic Importance Deepening access to domestic markets is vital because local producers face fewer barriers to entry and are more familiar with local operating environments. Competitive participation in domestic markets can serve as a stepping stone toward entry into regional and international markets. Additionally, by adding value to raw materials within national borders, countries can increase export revenues, strengthen trade balances, generate tax income, and stimulate employment. LCPs can be implemented through both regulatory enforcement and incentivization. On the demand side, companies may be encouraged or required to procure a specific share of goods and services locally. On the supply side, governments may focus on enhancing the competitiveness of domestic firms through financing, training, and registration systems. Policy tools include fiscal incentives, such as reduced tax rates or subsidies, alongside restrictions on unprocessed exports, thereby encouraging local value addition. Designing Effective Frameworks A Local Content Policy Framework typically combines laws, policies, and institutions to ensure effective implementation and monitoring. Well-designed frameworks promote productivity growth, strengthen comparative advantage, and enhance international competitiveness. They also encourage cooperation between national and foreign enterprises, improve the capacity of financial institutions, and build cross-sectoral linkages across global value chains. However, successful implementation depends on tailoring frameworks to national contexts. Countries adopting LCPs for their extractive or industrial sectors must design realistic and targeted strategies. Without careful design, LCPs risk being cost-inflationary, undermining sectoral competitiveness, or placing unrealistic burdens on firms—particularly MSMEs. Challenges and Constraints A number of challenges can hinder effective implementation of LCPs. Information asymmetry between buyers and suppliers often undermines trust, as buyers may doubt the ability of domestic firms to deliver on quality, timeliness, and price. MSMEs in particular face difficulties in meeting international standards without targeted support. Institutional readiness is also critical. Countries require strong regulatory frameworks and effective monitoring mechanisms to deliver on LCP promises. Without supportive legislation and appropriate incentives or sanctions, local content initiatives risk stalling. Furthermore, hidden costs of doing business, skill shortages, and limited access to finance are additional barriers preventing small and medium enterprises from scaling up to compete with international suppliers. Role of Supplier Development Programmes Supplier Development Programmes (SDPs) are essential to overcoming these challenges. By enhancing entrepreneurial and technical capacity, expanding access to markets and finance, and upgrading business practices, SDPs support MSMEs to meet global competitiveness standards. In doing so, they align closely with the broader objectives of local content policies, creating a more enabling environment for sustainable industrialization. Regional Context and Initiative In the Southern African region, LCPs are particularly relevant for advancing industrialization and integrating MSMEs into regional value chains. The COMESA Local Content Policy Framework on Industrialization (2019–2026) underscores the importance of local content in building inclusive industrial development. However, the key challenge for member states remains the transition from high-level declarations to practical implementation, including the establishment of platforms that enable linkages between multinational corporations, large firms, and MSMEs. Recognizing this, the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has identified the need to strengthen policymaker capacity in the region through the development of a Local Content Policy Framework and Supplier Development Programme Toolkit. This toolkit will provide structured, research-based guidance and practical policy tools to assist governments in designing, implementing, and monitoring LCPs and SDPs. As a first step, after the drafting of the toolkit, ECA and UNDP propose; 1. A Technical Working Group (TWG) to be set up made up of representatives from respective countries’ Ministries, Business Associations and Business Development Agencies. This would be in addition to UNDP AND ECA representatives. 1 per participating institution 2. A TWG meeting to validate the consultancy report and give further input for an inclusive final report 3. A pilot training workshop to test the toolkit, gather feedback, and refine its content before scaling up. Ultimately, the initiative aims to equip governments with practical tools to design context-specific LCPs and SDPs that maximize economic benefits, support local industries, and accelerate regional industrialization. The above will involve up to five selected member states from the Southern African subregion, including Botswana, Mozambique, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia Duties and Responsibilities The consultant will report to the ECA Sub-Regional Office for Southern Africa (SRO-SA) in close collaboration with UNDP Regional/local office. Regular progress updates will be required. The Consultant will specifically: 1. Conduct a literature review and gap analysis of LCP practices globally, regionally, and nationally. 2. Identify best practice case studies from country experiences – globally and nearest neighbours to serve as a future benchmark 3. Develop a structured methodology for LCP design, implementation, and monitoring. 4. Draft a Local Content Policy Framework Toolkit, including practical tools such as: o Sample regulations and guidelines o Procurement agreement frameworks o Incentive and reward mechanisms o Monitoring and evaluation tools o Supplier Development Programme integration approaches o Explore and report on the 5 top sectors/value chain, per selected country, with potential to transform respective economies through an organized local content policy 5. Present the draft toolkit in a validation workshop with stakeholders. 6. Finalize the toolkit based on stakeholder feedback. 7. Conduct a masterclass training workshop on the Toolkit for stakeholders 8. Produce a concise summary brief (5–10 pages) outlining the toolkit’s key features and recommendations. Deliverables • Inception Report (methodology, work plan, and timeline) • Draft Local Content Policy Toolkit • Validation Meeting with the TWG • Final Local Content Policy Toolkit • Pilot training – masterclass on the Toolkit • Summary Brief (5–10 pages) Applicant to submit Technical proposal (approach and methodology) a spart of the application process.

An advanced University Degree in Economics, Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Industrial Policy, or related fields is required .A first level degree with Two additional years of experience would be acceptable in lieu of the advanced university degree At least 10 years of experience in policy development, industrialization, or local content policy. • Demonstrated knowledge of African industrialization and regional integration. • Experience developing toolkits, guidelines, or capacity-building resources. • Strong research, writing, and analytical skills. • Experience working with governments, RECs, and development partners.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations ,for this assignment Fluency in English is required .

Not available.

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.