IGF - Research Consultant

IGF – Research Consultant

Evidence-Based Research on the Impact of New Technologies on the Mining Sector

(Location is flexible, see guidelines below)

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is an independent think tank that delivers the knowledge to act. Our mission is to promote human development and environmental sustainability. Our big-picture view allows us to address the root causes of some of the greatest challenges facing our planet today—ecological destruction, social exclusion, unfair laws and economic rules, a changing climate. With offices in Winnipeg, Geneva, Ottawa, Toronto and New York, our work affects lives in nearly 100 countries. We are currently looking for a Consultant to work in our IGF Program.

IISD serves as the Secretariat for the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and

Sustainable Development (IGF). The IGF is a member-driven organization aimed at providing national

governments committed to leveraging mining for sustainable development the opportunity to work

collectively to achieve their goals. It is devoted to optimizing the benefits of mining to achieve poverty

reduction, inclusive growth, social development and environmental stewardship. The IGF serves as a

unique global venue for dialogue between its 80 member country governments, mining companies,

industry associations and civil society.

This position is a short-term consultancy.

Context

In 2018, the IGF completed a 2-year research project called New Tech, New Deal that focused on the impacts of new technologies on the large-scale mining sector.

The New Tech, New Deal research consisted of two components. In the first year, a Technology Impact Review was published that mapped the key disruptive technologies being adopted by the mining sector. The research sought to deepen the understanding of the speed, scope, and potential impacts of technological changes in the mining sector.

In the second year, the outcomes of the technology mapping led to the publication of a policy paper that focused on the likely impacts that those technological changes would have in mining-dependent countries. This research was informed by case studies from the Andean Region, Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and South Africa. The South Africa case study was done through a series of focused multistakeholder dialogues whose outcomes were mainstreamed in the report. The Andean Region research and the Burkina Faso and DRC case studies were published as stand-alone reports.

Policy recommendations from the main report were provided for governments to help them better anticipate and minimize the negative implications—and better leverage the opportunities—arising from new technologies.

Objectives of the research

The IGF intends to conduct an empirical analysis on new technologies already adopted in large-scale mining. The objective is to gather evidence on what the impact has been so far on:

• The dynamics of the labour market, focusing particularly on employment creation and destruction as well as shifting skills profiles.
• Mining supply chains and to what extent technologies have impacted the ability to source locally.
• Host communities: What measures have companies and governments taken (individually and/or collectively) to bring new value to communities affected by new mining technologies?

Scope and methodology

This study will survey up to six mining operations across different jurisdictions (from both developing and emerging countries) that have, to varying degrees, adopted new technologies in their operations. In fact, several technologies have been in operation long enough to assemble some empirical data on their protocols and real impacts on mining communities and local economies.

Desk research will survey industry journals (as well as press releases and announcements from mining companies and technology suppliers), newspapers, and relevant research to help answer the questions above.

Structured interviews and consultations with mining companies, technology suppliers, and other stakeholders will assess the observed impacts of new technologies in various areas, such the labour force, local procurement, taxation, and community relations, among others.

Expected output

The assessment will provide evidence of impacts and offer lessons for governments, industries, and communities to help them better anticipate and plan for sustainable outcomes on all sides.

A report will be published (maximum 30 pages excluding annexes), highlighting the results of the impacts observed and measures taken by different stakeholders to navigate challenges and prepare for transitions. The report will include summary case studies from selected countries and/or companies.

Consultants’ skills

• At least 10 years of experience working on mining technologies and their impacts on local economic development.
• Familiarity with new and disruptive technologies applied in large-scale mining.
• Advanced degree in relevant area and/or a referenceable track record of experience with relevant content knowledge and research, especially in the African context.
• Flexibility and ability to work independently to a deadline.

Terms of consultancy:

The consultancy will be conducted between January and May 2023.

Location: remote. IISD will not be applying for residency and work permits for this position on behalf of the applicant.

Budget (lump sum): EUR 24,500

Application deadline: January 10, 2023

Start date: January 23, 2023

Application Procedure

All submissions must be in English. Accommodations for job applicants with disabilities are available on request.

Candidates must hold appropriate work authorization for the place located.

Applications will only be accepted through Bamboo HR.

Please include the following:

• A CV (no longer than two pages)
• A cover letter (one page)
• IISD Voluntary Self-Identification Questionnaire (optional)

Only those candidates we wish to interview will be contacted. Resumes will be kept on file for 1 year.

IISD has implemented a COVID-19 vaccination policy that requires employees who are required or choose to be at an office or participate in in-person team events or in-person meetings/events to be fully vaccinated. Anyone unable to be fully vaccinated, either because of a sincerely held religious belief or a medical condition or a disability that prevents them from being fully vaccinated, can request a reasonable accommodation.

IISD is committed to fostering a more equitable and sustainable world and welcomes candidates who uphold our values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. In addition, to correct the conditions of social injustice and disadvantage in employment around the world, we encourage candidates from historically marginalized groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples, people with disabilities, people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds, and those who identify themselves as 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply for this position. Preference will be given to the equity-deserving groups during the hiring process. We offer reasonable accommodations in our recruitment process and seek applicants' advice on how best to accommodate their needs. Please self-identify and answer our employment equity questionnaire on our applicant tracking system when you apply.

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