[Hiring] Consultant @IISD

Role Description

IISD seeks a consultant to conduct research and draft a chapter of the study on the progress and remaining challenges in ESG implementation in the DRC’s copper and cobalt mining and mineral processing industries.

• Conduct stakeholder interviews and fieldwork, complemented by desk research.
• Provide targeted, up-to-date analysis of ESG standards and practices in the DRC’s mining industry.
• Focus on the extraction and processing of copper and cobalt.
• Characterize the current state of the copper and cobalt mining and processing industries in the DRC.
• Explain how the national legal and regulatory framework governs ESG practices.
• Identify progress and challenges in ESG performance.
• Inform recommendations on improving ESG performance of copper and cobalt companies in the DRC.

Qualifications

• A master’s degree in law, social sciences, public policy, environment, development studies, or a relevant interdisciplinary program or field.
• Authorization to work in the DRC (e.g., nationality, residence, valid work permit, or short-term visa).

Requirements

• At least 4 years of relevant professional experience in the DRC connected to mining governance, mining policy, ESG management, sustainable development, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience in research, analysis, and policy recommendations related to mining and sustainable development.
• Experience conducting multistakeholder consultations as part of policy research.
• Experience building relationships with government, civil society, or community groups.
• Strong analytical and writing skills.
• Working knowledge of policy research methods, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with sustainable development, policy theory, and current climate and energy policy issues.
• Computer literacy, including proficiency in Microsoft Office/Teams.
• Fluency in English and French (required).

Benefits

• Opportunity to contribute to significant research on ESG practices in the mining sector.
• Engagement with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and civil society.

Expected Length and Format

• Estimated chapter length: 2,000 words.
• Written in clear, professional English.
• Referencing style: APA 7th Edition.
• All data sources must be cited.
• Graphics, tables, and figures should be supplied in editable format where possible.

Expected Timeline

• Contract start: November 1, 2026
• Inception note: November 10, 2026
• Outline approved: November 15, 2026
• Summary report of stakeholder interviews: February 15, 2027
• First draft: March 15, 2027
• Comments returned: April 15, 2027
• Final draft: May 15, 2027

Proposal Requirements

• Submit a brief inception approach outlining proposed methodology, data sources, analytical framework, and draft chapter structure.
• Technical Proposal (maximum 5 pages) including:
  • Understanding of the assignment
  • Proposed methodology and research approach
  • Proposed chapter outline
  • Work plan and timeline
  • Relevant experience
• Financial Proposal: Daily rate and estimated level of effort for the entire consultancy.
• Supporting Materials: CV, two relevant writing samples, contact information for references (optional).

Application Process

• Application deadline: October 19, 2026, 4PM CST
• All applications must be submitted in English.
• Incomplete and late proposals will be automatically disqualified.