Background

Traditionally, the markets available to firms have been constrained by national borders. In the time of globalization, international markets can to a certain extent substitute the domestic markets, especially for small countries.

Numerous reports show that trade openness is positively associated with growth. There is a general sense that trade has a positive impact on growth, especially for countries with small domestic markets. The case of the European Union illustrates the importance of the market size for competitiveness, as important efficiency gains were achieved through closer integration. The reduction of trade barriers and the harmonization of standards within the European Union have contributed to raising exports within the region.
 
The “Private Sector Development Strategy” of the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) in Kosovo, indicates that the lack of SMEs competitiveness is the main factor influencing the negative balance of payments as imports significantly dominate the exports. Weak exports and non-competitive SMEs inhibit further contribution of SMEs to GDP, as well as creation of new jobs and the development of the country as a whole. Thus, MTI recognizes the ultimate role of export-oriented SMEs in addressing the macroeconomic indicators such as the trade imbalance. 
 
As such, the strategy puts a special focus on developing industry, investments and SMEs through:
  •  Orientation in strategic industry sector, giving priority to production and export;
  • Continuous support towards development of technical, innovative and managerial skills;
  • Continuous improvement of access to finances; and
  • Protection of industrial property. Additionally, the strategy also aims to further develop the quality infrastructure ensuring that goods produced in Kosovo meet the required international quality standards.
A baseline assessment study covering the following business sectors: Agricultural produce, Food processing, Construction materials, Wood processing, Artisanal crafts and Tourism in the South region of Kosovo, conducted by UNDP Aid for Trade project, revealed that shortcomings of the human capital to business development are perceived as one of the main obstacles in conducting international trade.

Human capital is the most important productivity-enhancing factor in international business. Henceforth, Aid for Trade project aims to assist local businesses in enhancing their competitiveness through capacity development since the gains from trade are numerous, and extends beyond the immediate commercial benefits. Trade can contribute to human development by helping to raise productivity, employment and economic growth.
 
Objectives of the Assignment
 
The overall objective of this assignment is to provide the businesses with concise and thorough information on specific subjects related to international markets. Specifically, the aim is to present information in a comprehensive and clear manner addressing important segments to assist local businesses in having better understanding of the relevant trade issues upon entering international markets.

The primary focus is to inform businesses on relevant subjects such as: marketing and communication in international business, laws and regulation, strategies/organization for international business, differences in culture, value chains in international markets, etc.  

In addition, Kosovo’s political and social context as well as the role of support organizations in meeting the requirements, namely regulatory bodies, public organizations, local agencies, financing institution, etc. should also be analyzed and presented.

The assignment will be conducted in line with the UN 8 Point Agenda and the UNDP Gender responsive mandate.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of work
 
Under the direct supervision of the  UNDP Aid for Trade project manager, in close cooperation with local business association and respective municipality representatives, and in accordance with the Kosovo context, the international consultant is expected to:
  • Meet relevant local stakeholders in order to identify potential businesses to be visited;
  • Define the selection technique for businesses to participate in workshop and specify the workshop organizing modality;
  • Finalize the list of participants in cooperation with local stakeholders;
  • Design pertinent workshop material including an overview of best practices applied by firms operating in similar business environments;
  • Organize workshop on specific international trade subjects ensuring direct involvement of representatives from the local business association ensuring that all concerns, comments and needs are properly addressed.
  • Submit a final report to UNDP for validation containing main findings and recommendations covering the above specified tasks.

Expected Results

Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Meetings with relevant local stakeholders conducted.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 5 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 25 – 29 August 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst.
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Selection technique and modality of workshop delivery is defined.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 3 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 01 – 03 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst.
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • List of workshop participants is finalized.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 2 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 04 – 05 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst.
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Workshop material is submitted
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 5 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 08 – 12 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst.
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Workshop to selected local businesses is delivered.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 2 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 22-23 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst.
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Final report is submitted and validated.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 2 w/days.

Target Due dates

  • 24-26 September 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager / Programme Analyst

Deliverables / Final Products Expected

The duration of the assignment is 19 working days. All deliverables are to be implemented in close cooperation with the local business association designated personnel, respective municipal representatives and UNDP Aid for Trade Project.

The final report incorporating main findings and recommendations covering the entire assignment is to be validated and approved by the Project Manager of the UNDP Aid for Trade project.

Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments
Lump sum payment schedule:
  • 20% upon signature of the contract;
  • 35% upon successful completion of the first three deliverables;
  • 45% upon successful completion of the remaining deliverables.
Recommended Presentation of Offer
 
The following documents may be requested:
  • Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references:
  • Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 
  • Provide a list of similar profiles prepared during previous work experience.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer
This section should indicate all the criteria which shall serve as basis for evaluating offers, which may be done in either of the following manner:
  • Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.
Application Instructions:
  • Click on the "Apply now" button.
  • Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box.
  • Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume. Instead of uploading your Resume, please submit a fully completed and signed UNDP Personal History Form (P-11).
  • System will only allow one attachment. All docs (P11, academic qualifications/diploma) should be included as one attachment
  • Without the completed and signed P11, your application may not be considered. The UNDP Personal History Form can be downloaded at this link: http://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/operations/jobs/ .

Competencies

  • Ability to synthesize research and draw conclusions on the related subjects;
  • Good analytical and report writing skills;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
  • Excellent and team-building skills;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability in the assigned process;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Responds positively to critical feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics or Business Administration.
Experience:
  • Minimum five years of demonstrated work experience with private sector in the related field;
  • Extensive experience in working with public institutions, international development agencies or NGO’s and substantive exposure to international trade matters;
  • Knowledge of the economic, political and social context of the Western Balkans with special focus on the business environment in Kosovo;
  • Experience in delivering workshops on subjects related to international trade.
Language:
  • Fluency in the English language.