Background

The Enhanced Integrated Framework for Trade Related Technical Assistance in Least Developed Countries (EIF) is a multi-donor programme which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system.  The programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty. It assists LDCs with the following objectives:

  • Mainstream trade into national development strategies;
  • Set up structures needed to coordinate the delivery of trade-related technical assistance; and
  • Build capacity to trade, which also includes addressing critical supply-side constraints.

The EIF has approved a Tier 1 Trade Capacity-Building and Institutional Strengthening Project in Tuvalu which commenced implementation in February 2013.   The main objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in Tuvalu to formulate and implement trade policies that support poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and equitable sustainable development.  The project aims to support the operations and activities of the Department of Trade (DoT) as lead agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of trade policy in Tuvalu, aligned to national development objectives.  It will also help improve donor coordination and Aid-for-Trade (AfT) delivery in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Forum Compact.

Under the Supervision of the EIF Focal Point, the guidance of the Tuvalu National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC), and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator the International Trade Advisor (ITA) will support the effective management of the Tuvalu DoT as the National Implementation Unit (NIU); the implementation of the DoT action plan; enhance the participation of national stakeholders in the EIF’s activities, including other ministerial departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners.

The ITA will assist to identify and formulate EIF Tier 2 projects; support the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) and Action Matrix update; and facilitate the mainstreaming of trade in the national development plan and sectoral strategies. In addition, the ITA will provide technical assistance in development and implementation of a Trade Policy Framework (TPF) for Tuvalu.

In close collaboration with the DoT, the ITA will support all stakeholders in Tuvalu, including the Government, the NTSC and Civil Society representatives to build capacity in the formulation and implementation of trade policy that supports poverty reduction and sustainable development.

Duties and Responsibilities

The ITA will be responsible, in particular, for the following:

  • Assisting the EIF Coordinator in the formulation of a strategic approach to the plan of action and activities of the DoT, in line with guidance provided by the NTSC and the supervision of the Focal Point;
  • Developing and supporting the implementation of a capacity development programme for members of the DoT and NTSC for the management, monitoring, evaluation and analysis of trade-related programmes;
  • Developing and supporting the implementation of an exit strategy for EIF support to trade in Tuvalu;
  • Supporting the EIF Coordinator for effective management of the  DoT’s day-to-day activities;
  • Participating in the identification and formulation of EIF Tier 2 and other AfT programmes reflecting the priorities identified in the DTIS and its Action Matrix.

Supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour (MFATTEL)  in trade policy work,  providing technical assistance for:

  • Development of a TPF for Tuvalu;
  • Implementation of trade policies and strategies;
  • Provision of advice to senior officials for regional and international trade agreement negotiations including PICTA, PACER and EPA.

Assisting the Coordinator to develop and maintain effective working relations with other technical ministerial departments, especially the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development  (MFED) which plays a critical role in mainstreaming trade in the national development plan and in poverty reduction strategies; and to develop and deliver capacity development programmes on trade mainstreaming, targeting planners in a “whole of Government” approach and non-government actors to trade policy implementation.

Assisting the DoT, in coordination with the Planning and Budget and the Aid Financial Management Departments of the MFED, to develop and implement a coherent plan for the coordination of development assistance related to trade and mobilize resources for trade-related priorities as reflected in the DTIS and its Action Matrix.

Institutional Arrangement:

  • The International Trade Advisor will work under the direct supervision of the EIF Focal Point (Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour), with guidance from the National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC) and in close collaboration with the EIF Coordinator (Trade Officer);
  • The International Trade Advisor will provide monthly reports on activities and progress.  Deliverables and quality of work will be reviewed jointly by the EIF Focal Point, the NTSC and UNDP;
  •  Specific reports should be provided on due dates as specified in the above table;
  •  All payments will be certified by UNDP;
  • The International Trade Advisor will need to consult widely throughout various Government ministries and departments; the National Trade Steering committee; the Tuvalu National Private Sector Organisation and other private sector players; and with civil society organisations to provide training and advocacy services as required by the TOR and Annual work plan;
  • The position will be based within the Department of Trade, with office space and IT facilities provided including internet connectivity, laptop computer and printer access;
  • The consultant is expected to report to the office within the normal working hours of the Department of Trade.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
  • Positive, constructive attitude to work;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Functional Competencies:

  • Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
  • Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
  • Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
  • Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills.
  • Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners;
  • Strong knowledge of trade policy issues and policy formulation and analysis;
  • Understanding of the unique situation in LDC, its isolation and its barriers to trade.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Minimum Master’s in economics, international trade or related disciplines or proven relevant working experience equivalent to a university degree in economic development.

Experience:

  • Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries;
  • Relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development, Proven experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes;
  • Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes;
  • Previous work in LDCs and/or other developing countries.

Language:

  • Fluency of English language is required.

Price Proposal and Schedule of Payments

Consultant must send a financial proposal based on a Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the IC´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the IC in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.

In general, UNDP shall not accept travel costs exceeding those of an economy class ticket. Should the IC wish to travel on a higher class he/she should do so using their own resources

In the event of unforeseeable travel not anticipated in this TOR, payment of travel costs including tickets, lodging and terminal expenses should be agreed upon, between the respective business unit and the Individual Consultant, prior to travel and will be reimbursed.

Evaluation Method and Criteria

Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology:

Cumulative analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as a) responsive/compliant/acceptable; and b) having received the highest score out of set of weighted technical criteria (70%). and financial criteria (30%). Financial score shall be computed as a ratio of the proposal being evaluated and the lowest priced proposal received by UNDP for the assignment.

Criteria:

Qualification:

Master’s degree in economics, international trade or related  disciplines. - 10%

Competencies:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of multilateral trade and trade programmes; trade policy issues, formulation and analysis, - 10%
  • Demonstrated strong knowledge international/regional trade agreements - 10%
  • Strong  team skills, communication skills and  ability to relate to stakeholders at all levels - 10%

Experience:

  • Relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development, Proven experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes - 10%;
  • Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes. - 10%;
  • Previous work in LDCs and/or other developing countries - 10%.

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.

Shortlisted candidates shall be called for an interview which will be used to confirm and/or adjust the technical scores awarded based on documentation submitted.

Documentation required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:

  • Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex II;
  • Personal CV or 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;
  • Technical proposal, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment; and b) a methodology, on how they will approach and complete the assignment;
  • Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex II.

Incomplete proposals may not be considered.

Annexes:

Relevant templates can be obtained from the UNDP Fiji website under the procurement section: www.fj.undp.org

For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to Ronald Kumar: procurement.fj@undp.org