IGF – Research Consultant

IGF – Research Consultant

New Technologies and the ASM 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 (LSM) 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 objective of the research was to deepen the understanding of the speed, scope, and potential impacts of technological changes in the LSM 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.

The purpose of this research is to conduct a detailed study on the impact of automation and digital technologies, this time focused on the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector. The study will provide a thorough analysis of new technologies that are relevant to the ASM sector. It will unpack likely challenges and opportunities, including taking a closer look at the gendered implications of continued technological advancements. The study is motivated by the outcomes of country case studies and the findings in the previous work, which pointed to important issues that need to be addressed in more detail, including:

• Exploring the unique impacts of digital technology in ASM, with a particular focus on women and marginalized populations. The research will also pay particular attention to environmental impacts.
• As digital technologies displace workers from LSM, does it drive more labourers into informal mining?  Does technology-driven boosted efficiency in LSM present fundamental competition to the ASM sector?
• Opportunities to use programs of technology dissemination as a gateway to bringing informal operators into more formal legal and economic systems.
• Opportunities to use digital technology for governance and enforcement (e.g., drones or biometrics for formalization).
• Opportunities to manufacture locally some of the intermediate tech appropriate for ASM.
• Opportunities for LSM to transfer its obsolete equipment to ASM and mid-sized operations.

The findings of the study will be used to develop a supplement to the IGF Guidance for Governments on Managing the ASM sector.

Methodology

• Desk-based research on technologies relevant to the study, including four short case studies from four countries to be selected from Africa (two), Asia (one) and Latin America (one), to analyze what technologies are being deployed and what impacts they will have.
• Consultants will consult with local ASM actors to feed into the report.
• Engagement with IGF membership**:** An interactive session will be organized at the 2023 IGF AGM to discuss the study.

Expected outcomes

• A report (30 pages excluding annexes) that unpacks what technologies are coming and how they will impact the ASM sector in various ways.
• A short guidance note to governments with key steps for policy-making, relevant for managing and leveraging impacts of new technologies for ASM.

Consultants’ skills

• At least 10 years of experience focusing on the ASM sector, including issues related to gender.
• Familiarity with mining sector technologies relevant to the ASM sector.
• Advanced degree in relevant area and/or a referenceable track record of experience with relevant content knowledge, research, dialogue convening and reporting, 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 21,000

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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