Nigeria: Consultancy, Imagining a Future beyond Oil


May 2, 2021 | Natural Resource Governance Institute
View Original

For the one billion people living in poverty in resource-rich countries, the oil, gas and mining sectors have failed to deliver on the promise of better quality of life. Instead of fact-based public debate, populist promises dominate many political systems. Corruption and state capture have spread, and democracy is under threat. Those who demand accountability face harassment and violence. The climate crisis looms large and the transition to green energy risks replicating governance misdeeds in the sector. Unless governance improves, half of the world’s poor will live in resource-rich countries by 2030.

The Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) mission is to secure a future where countries rich in oil, gas and minerals achieve sustainable, inclusive development - one where people receive lasting benefits from extractives, and the negative impacts associated with the sector are minimized.  Intelligent data, capacity building, policy analysis and advice are key tools to delivering impact.  Our international staff of more than 90 country and issue experts, lawyers, economists, and governance specialists contribute evidence-based knowledge, advocacy, and technical expertise to make gains for the public good.

In Africa, NRGI engages at the regional level in a more strategic and systematic manner, selectively choosing where the organization can add value, reinforce country objectives, and have impact.  Priority countries for NRGI are:  Republic of Guinea, DRC, Tanzania, Ghana, Nigeria, and Uganda. 

Purpose of Assignment:

In Nigeria, NRGI is about to start on a new, multi-year project called “Nigeria: Imagining a future beyond oil.” Nigeria’s dependency on oil has been well studied. The issues of “post-oil” and economic diversification received considerable attention after the 2014 commodity price crash, and much of the academic work done then remains relevant to the coronavirus pandemic context. Over the past five years, recognition of the dangers of dependency on oil have led to several civil society initiatives aimed at securing changes in government policy and/or public awareness of the problem. However, few, if any, of the various policy recommendations have gained traction This project aims at making a difference in the management of Nigeria’s economy. It has huge potentials to influence reform and shape policy debates on oil dependency.

The project will invite a range of stakeholders to re-think oil’s role in the country’s economy and politics, given the sector’s declining performance and the uncertainties caused by the global shift to cleaner energy. The project’s overall goal will be to find fresh ideas for how Nigeria can respond to the risks and capitalize on the opportunities that the looming decline of oil will bring. This project has immediate and long-term goals. For the immediate term, the project will involve data gathering and analysis, collaboration, partnership development, outreach and planning meetings with key institutions and partners. In the long term, the project will involve extensive research and analysis; engagements with actors in government, the private sector, civil society and elsewhere; and advocacy around a range of reforms.

The Assignment

This consultancy is for six months ending December 2021 and will focus on achieving the immediate term goal. The consultant will work with the West Africa Regional Manager and select global teams to lead in developing a structured road map for the program. H/she will lead in data generation and analysis, awareness creation and mobilization of critical support for the project. The information and analysis generated will inform future strategy development of the project.

Deliverables and compensation:

The eligible consultant is expected to deliver on the responsibilities outlined below and within the period of the consultancy.  The consultant must be available to complete the assignment by December 2021.  NRGI will compensate the consultant upon satisfactory performance of work at an agreed cost and payment schedule.  Compensation will be based on a competitive day rate. 

Responsibilities

The consultant will report to the West Africa regional manager and have the following responsibilities:

  1. Develop stakeholder database which should include analysis of the interests and motivations of key institutions and stakeholders. This should also include looking at existing data and map institutions doing similar work. This should help assess potential factors for success, obstacles, and project viability including strategy for engagement.
  2. Use the initial analysis and in consultation with NRGI colleagues, develop initial messaging for engaging relevant stakeholders in Nigeria on program direction and validation of program.
  3. Propose a road map for the program using analysis and data generated.

Produce end of consultancy report which will include recommendations for future strategy development for the program.  

Application procedures:

The successful consultant will have deep knowledge of the oil sector in Nigeria, including the political economy of oil and gas and the sector’s many ties to the local economy. They will have strong understanding of economics and familiar with economic concepts, be an excellent networker, relationship builder and with strong program planning and management background to fashion out a plan to advance strategies for governance of the oil sector in Nigeria. H/she must have experience working on extractive industry governance or at least one of the following fields: taxation, public financial management, state owned enterprise management, or energy transition.

Interested applicants should submit their application via the NRGI career page with a one page cover letter on their understanding of the program focus and how they will deliver the assignment. Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis and will close on 3 May 2021. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Duration

This consultancy is for six months from June 2021 ending December 2021 and will focus on achieving the immediate term goal.   The role is not expected to be full time.  The consultant will work with the West Africa Regional Manager and select global teams to lead in developing a structured road map for the program. H/she will lead in data generation and analysis, awareness creation and mobilization of critical support for the project. The information and analysis generated will inform future strategy development of the project