International Consultant Japanese GX–DX Partnership and Technology Liaison Advis

Country: Eswatini

Description of the Assignment:

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) and with support from the Government of Japan, is implementing the project Demonstrating Japanese Green and Digital Solutions for Sustainable Airport Logistics in Southern Africa. The project seeks to position King Mswati III International Airport (KMIII) as a demonstration site for Japanese Green Transformation (GX) and Digital Transformation (DX) technologies, including renewable energy systems, smart airport infrastructure, and energy-efficient logistics solutions. In addition to technology deployment, the project aims to strengthen cooperation between Eswatini and Japan through technology transfer, knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and investment promotion. This includes facilitating engagement with Japanese companies, airports, research institutions, industry associations, and other stakeholders that can support the implementation and future scaling of the project.

To support these objectives, UNDP seeks to engage a Japan GX–DX Partnership and Business Promotion Advisor to serve as the primary interface between the project and the Japanese ecosystem. The Advisor will support partnership development, stakeholder engagement, knowledge exchange, visibility activities, and facilitate access to Japanese technologies, institutions, and expertise relevant to the KMIII Green Airport Programme

SCOPE OF WORK

The purpose of this assignment is to support UNDP and ESWACAA in strengthening partnerships and collaboration with the Japanese GX–DX ecosystem in support of the KMIII Green Airport Programme

1. Identify and engage Japanese companies, MSMEs, research institutions, airports, industry associations, investors, and government entities relevant to renewable energy, smart airport infrastructure, sustainable logistics, and GX–DX technologies. 2. Facilitate introductions and strategic engagements between UNDP, ESWACAA, and Japanese stakeholders that can support the implementation and scaling of the KMIII Green Airport Programme. 3. Support the identification of suitable Japanese technologies, suppliers, and solution providers aligned with the objectives of the project. 4. Facilitate knowledge exchange and institutional cooperation between KMIII and relevant Japanese airports, technology demonstration sites, and innovation institutions. 5. Support the planning and coordination of exposure visits, study tours, conferences, symposiums, and learning events in Japan relevant to the project. 6. Support the organization and visibility of the KMIII Japanese GX–DX Technology Showcase and related project promotion activities. 7. Identify opportunities for future partnerships, investment, and technical cooperation between Eswatini and Japanese stakeholders that can support the scaling of renewable energy and smart infrastructure systems at KMIII. 8. Support project documentation, reporting, and knowledge management, including capturing and communicating project results, outputs, outcomes, lessons learned, partnerships established, and impact generated through the KMIII Green Airport Programme.

The ideal candidate should meet / exceed the below requirements;

Poses an a dvanced university degree Masters degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, International Relations, Economics, Sustainable Development, Engineering, Renewable Energy, Innovation Management, Public Policy, or a related field. Additional qualifications or training in renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, technology commercialization, investment promotion, or international business development will be an added advantage have a minimum of seven (10 years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, business development, investment promotion, technology transfer, international cooperation, or stakeholder engagement. Demonstrated experience working within Japan or supporting international engagement with Japanese companies, MSMEs, airports, research institutions, industry associations, investors, government agencies, or innovation ecosystems. Strong networking and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage effectively with senior representatives from government, business, academia, and development organizations. Ability to identify practical opportunities for technology transfer, knowledge exchange, business partnerships, and investment cooperation between Eswatini and Japan. Strong stakeholder engagement, facilitation, negotiation, and communication skills. Strong report writing, documentation, and knowledge management skills, including the ability to capture and communicate project results, outputs, outcomes, lessons learned, and impact. Ability to support visibility, communications, and strategic positioning of the KMIII Green Airport Programme within Japanese and international platforms. The consultant must demonstrate an established professional networks within Japan such as industry associations, investors, or government entities relevant to the objectives of this assignment. Demonstrated experience organizing and facilitating business matchmaking, technology transfer initiatives, trade missions, study tours, exposure visits, conferences, exhibitions, symposiums, or knowledge exchange programmes involving Japanese stakeholders.

Period of assignment/services: 70 Working days Spread over 10 Months.

"UNDP welcomes diverse consultants and service providers and encourages inclusive approaches that reflect gender equality and disability inclusion.”

Proposal should be submitted directly in the portal no later than indicated deadline. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing via messaging functionality in the portal. UNDP will respond in writing including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry.

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