Background

Organizational Context:

The Aid for Trade initiative for the Arab States (AFTIAS) aims to achieve inclusive economic growth with increased employment opportunities and greater competitiveness through trade policy reforms in Arab countries as an integral part of the regional trade and economic integration agenda. 

The project focuses on helping countries and the main sub-regional and regional integration entities to accelerate the pace of trade reforms and regional economic integration, to strengthen the employment effects of those reforms with particular focus on women and youth. Economic integration through increased trade and foreign direct investment (FDI) are considered as means available in the short to medium term to policy makers to engage countries on a higher path of sustainable economic growth. 

As the implementing partner, responsible for the overall management and implementation of the project, UNDP works in close partnership with the League of Arab States (LAS), the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) and UN agencies from the CEB Trade and Productive Capacity Cluster (ILO, ITC, UNCTAD, UNDP, and UNIDO) responsible for leading work in specific result areas in coordination with partners in the region.   Building upon UN agencies’ expertise, ongoing technical assistance and capacity development interventions in the region, the initiative particularly supports the LAS to promote regional trade integration, as per the GAFTA commitments and the resolutions adopted by the 3rd Arab Economic and Social Development Summit.

The partnership and cooperation with the LAS is seen as such critical to advance and promote the regional trade integration agenda as re-affirmed in the Riyadh Declaration, renewing the commitment of the Arab leaders to “remove all barriers that stand in the way of inter-Arab trade”. To this end, the initiative also supports initiatives aiming at improving performance of cross border operations at selected border posts in the Arab countries, along specific trade/transport corridors to facilitate flow and movement of goods, means of transport and people.

The combination of policy instruments (in terms of policy measures, regulatory framework) with good, future-oriented practices would create a “virtual loop” contributing to the achievement of the project objective. This evidence-based policy approach would support the implementation of quality development solutions that best serve the needs of the Arab region and its member states.

Inclusive and sustainable growth through mainstreaming trade requires adequate attention to gender-related activities, particularly when deepening of regional economic integration requires more transparent and coordinated intervention to make sure that women have a more contributing and progressive contribution. It is also worth to point out that women already play a key role in Small and Medium Enterprises in Arab countries and in the Arab Maghreb Union. Along this line, the AfTIAS Project Board approved the proposal by UNDP on looking into the role of Women for cross border operations.

Duties and Responsibilities

Summary of Key Responsibilities:

Within the framework of the UNDP Regional Programme for the Arab States, and the Aid for Trade Initiative for the Arab States (AfTIAS), the project is looking for a suitable candidate to provide advisory services to ensure effective and efficient implementation of planned activities with the view to strengthen skills and abilities of key national partners to mainstream gender equality priorities into cross border trade policies in the AMU sub region.

The assignment relates to conduct of technical advisory services in the delivery of the following tasks:

  • Provide advisory and research services for the development of policy recommendations to further support women contribution into trade in the Maghreb region. A particular focus would be given to those related cross-border trade activities, between Mauritania and Morocco.
  • Ensure qualitative technical and advisory services to the AMU Secretariat in its efforts to integrate gender issues in the regional integration agenda through definition of directions and formulation of critical policy recommendations. This involves provision of dedicated support to draft/complete a gender strategy for the AMU General Secretariat. A particular focus would be given to women entrepreneurship development and promotion.
  • Promote and nurture strategic partnership with key stakeholders in the Maghreb region to further promote and advocate for gender based policies, analysis and programme/projects. A particular focus should be given to women private sector organizations, civil societies and parliamentarian women groups;
  • Other tasks as required by the Chief Technical Advisor in function of the assignment and of the work plan of the project. 

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

  • Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
  • Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
  • Treats all people fairly without favoritism;
  • Fulfills all obligations to gender sensitivity and zero tolerance for sexual harassment.

Functional Competencies:

  • Demonstrated ability to work in an independent manner; ability to organize work efficiently and deal with multiple tasks;
  • Demonstrated Management and Leadership competencies focusing on impact and result and responds positively to critical feedback;
  • Demonstrated strong partnership and communication skills.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

  • Masters’ Degree related to international development, or a related social science subjects.

Experience:

  • 7 years of relevant work experience in international development, including on trade and regional integration;
  • Extensive experience in research and policy-level analysis on trade and gender related issues;
  • Proven experience working on issues of gender equality and advocating for women’s needs/rights;
  • Experience in engaging with stakeholders, and working with diverse partners.

Languages:

  • Fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is a requirement.

Individual Consultant Procurement Notice: