UNDP Jobs - 63584- Consultancy - Kiribati International Trade Facilit

Consultancy - Kiribati International Trade Facilitator

Location :

Tarawa, KIRIBATI

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

15-Mar-2016

Application Deadline :

17-Feb-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

12 months

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

15/03/2016 to 14/03/2017

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

Consultancy Proposal should be mailed to C/- UNDP Fiji MCO, Private Mail Bag, Suva, Fiji or sent via email to procurement.fj@undp.org no later than 17th February, 2016 (Fiji Time) clearly stating the title of consultancy applied for. Any proposals received after this date/time will not be accepted. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to the address or e-mail indicated above. UNDP will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Incomplete, late and joint proposals will not be considered and only offers for which there is further interest will be contacted. Failure to submit your application as stated as per the application submission guide (Procurement Notice) on the above link will be considered incomplete and therefore application will not be considered.

Objective

The main objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in Kiribati 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 Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives (MCIC) as lead agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of trade policy framework and Investment Policy, 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.

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 Kiribati. The main objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in Kiribati 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 Ministry of Commerce, Industries and Cooperatives (MCIC) as lead agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of trade policy framework and Investment Policy, 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 National Trade Steering Committee, and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator the International Trade Facilitator (ITF) will support the effective management of the MCIC as the National Implementation Unit (NIU); the implementation of the BPC 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) and Investment Policy for Kiribati.

In close collaboration with the MCIC, the ITA will support all stakeholders in Kiribati, 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

Scope of work:

The consultantwill 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 BPC, 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 MCIC, BPC 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 Kiribati;
Supporting the EIF Coordinator for effective management of theBPCs 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 commerce, Industries and Cooperativesin trade and investment policy work,providing technical assistance for:
Development of a TPF for Kiribati;
Development of an Investment Policy for Kiribati;
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 BPC, 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.

Competencies

Strong interpersonal and communication skills, ability to relate to stakeholders at all levels;
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;
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Knowledge of with developing and delivery of capacity development programmes;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
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:

Master’s in Economics/Economic Development, International Trade, Development Studies, Trade Law or related disciplines.

Experience:

Minimum of 7 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:

Fluent in English.

Offerors must send the following documents:

Signed P11 form including names of at least 2 referees;
Cover letter setting out;
How the proposer meets the qualifications and experience required.

Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal

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.

Important

All proposals must be sent via email to procurement.fj@undp.org no later than 17th February, 2016 (Fiji Time) clearly stating the title of consultancy applied for. Failure to submit your application as stated as per the application submission guide (Procurement Notice) on the above link will be considered incomplete and therefore application will not be considered.

The P11 form and Template for confirmation of interest and Submission of Financial Proposal is available under the procurement section of UNDP Fiji website (www.fj.undp.org)