UNDP Jobs - 49728- Investment Study Consultancy for Tuvalu

Investment Study Consultancy for Tuvalu

Location :

Funafuti, TUVALU

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

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

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

Four Months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

Four 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

This EIF Tier 1 Trade Capacity-Building and Institutional Strengthening Project in Tuvalu commenced implementation in February 2013 with the main objective 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. As part of the Tier 1 project, UNDP as the Main Implementing Entity is recruiting a suitable Technical consultant to review the overall investment regime in Tuvalu to strengthen legislation, regulations, policies and institutional arrangements appropriate for Tuvalu as a small island State.

The New Government Roadmap, initiated in 2013, includes incentives to encourage FDI. Under the Private Sector and Employment chapter, activities include reviewing existing investment-related legislations, business-related regulations that would assist in the improvement, development and sustainability of investment with the potential to increase sustainable economic growth and increase sustainable, opportunities for trade.

Duties and Responsibilities

There is basic investment-related legislation in place but neither investment regulations nor a formal investment policy. No investment promotional activities are being or have been undertaken and considerable capacity-building is required for relevant staff, especially those in the Business and Investment Department. Apart from a few modest investments in the fisheries sector and few from other sectors, some foreign direct investment proposals are still pending due to delays in receiving credentials check results. Usually, no more than three investment proposals are received each year, probably due, at least in part, to a lack of investment promotion and appropriate investment-related legislation. The Government of Tuvalu seeks to address this situation as a matter of priority. Given that situation, a number of key investment-related issues should be considered if investment is to contribute to Tuvalu’s sustainable development, including the following:

Domestic Investment;
Foreign Direct Investment;
Investment Promotion;
Barriers/Disincentives to Investment;
Legislation and other formal Investment and related institutional arrangements.

Competencies

Strong knowledge of policy issues, policy formulation and analysis relating to investment promotion, private sector development, private/public sector partnerships and inclusive economic growth;
Understanding of the unique situation in Tuvalu or small island developing states, in terms of 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

Qualifications

Minimum Advanced Degree in or Economics, Trade and Investment Promotion, International Trade Law and/or Investment Law, Private Sector Development, National Development Planning, Public/Private Sector Partnerships or related disciplines

Experience:

At least 7 years relevant experience in trade and investment policy review/development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries, preferably with Pacific Island experience.
Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners;
Strong knowledge of investment policy issues and policy formulation and analysis;
Experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes;
Understanding of the unique situation in Tuvalu, its isolation and its barriers to trade.

Languages:

Excellent oral and written English.