UNDP Jobs - 49727- Trade Policy Framework Consultancy for Tuvalu

Trade Policy Framework Consultancy for Tuvalu

Location :

Funafuti, TUVALU

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

01-Oct-2014

Application Deadline :

29-Sep-14 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Three Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Three Months

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence. UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.

Background

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) Tier 1 Project is a Trade Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening Project in Tuvalu which will commence implementation in February 2013. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour (MFATTEL) is the National Implementing Entity and UNDP is the Main Implementing Entity of the EIF project. The project aims 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 In collaboration with the Pacific Islands Forum secretariat will assist the Government of Tuvalu to finalize the draft Trade Policy Framework and thereafter develop a concise Trade Policy Statement and an Implementation Plan and Matrix that can be used to drive Tuvalu’s trade development and assist with the implementation of supportive domestic policies to enhance and facilitate trade and guide the nation in trade negotiations.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Individual Consultant is required to produce the following outputs, each outlining the current situation in Tuvalu with recommendations to the Government on the following:

A revised Trade Policy Framework for Tuvalu that takes into account the current and future trade interests of Tuvalu to reflect both domestic and external trade and is, consistent with the Tuvalu National Sustainable Development Strategy and its National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD-Te Kakeega II 2005-2015), as well as, other existing regional and international trade agreements;
A Trade Policy Statement that provides strategic vision and direction on how to assist the private sector to enhance its productive capacity and develop competitiveness in the production of niche goods and services that can be traded domestically, regionally and globally and enable the Tuvalu to benefit from the global supply chain. It should also provide practical guidance and direction to Government officials and stakeholders on the relevant trade rules and regulations, developments and restrictions that are easily understood and where appropriate, referenced for additional guidance and depth;
The reforms required for other trade-related policies and laws to support this policy;
An Implementation Plan for the policy and related reforms on a framework for the interim National Trade Steering committee (NTSC) to drive and coordinate trade policy formulation, implementation, monitoring and review, and briefing and explanatory notes on the proposed Trade Policy Framework to facilitate submission to Cabinet;
An Implementation Matrix that provides practical guidance on how to implement the Trade Policy Framework that essentially identifies lead agencies, timeframes involved potential sources of funding from donor agencies/development partners, and outputs and outcomes that are measurable.

Competencies

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 Tuvalu, its isolation and its barriers to trade;
Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills;
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, ability to relate to stakeholders at all levels;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Highest standards of integrity, discretion and loyalty.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Have an advanced degree in international trade, trade law and/or economics or related disciplines.

Experience:

Have at least 7 years’ experience in trade policy work at a senior level and have an understanding and appreciation of Trade Policy work including the WTO, especially the Trade Policy Review, the Diagnostics Trade Integration Studies (DTIS), and any other related trade policy work at the regional and multilateral level as well as knowledge on the EPA, PACER Plus and PICTA;
Have experience in formulating a TPF and in designing a results-based implementation matrix of a Trade Policy to ensure that the document produced will be practical, easy to understand and implement; and be able to meet strict deadlines.
Experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes.

Language:

Fluency in written and spoken in English.