UNDP Jobs - 65635- International Expert - Assistance with Drafting th

International Expert - Assistance with Drafting the Memorandum of Foreign Trade Regime for Application to the World Trade Organization (WTO)

Location :

Prishtinë/Priština, Kosovo, UNSCR 1244 (1999)

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

03-May-2016

Application Deadline :

25-Apr-16 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

May 2016 - June 2016 (17 working days during the period)

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

May 2016 - June 2016 (17 working days during the period)

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

World Trade Organization (WTO) drafts legal basis of global trade rules between members and provides a system for international trade. Due to the beneficial effects on trade and market environment, the commencement of accession process of Kosovo to the WTO has become one of the priorities of Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI). In 2014-2015, initial steps and preparations regarding information and accompanying documents for application were conducted with the support of EU project “Trade Policy“. However, the project concluded in November 2015 and in order to continue with the application process to the WTO, MTI requires expert assistance with finalising the preparation of Memorandum for Application and with undertaking other measures on aligning legislation or other policies necessary for application and negotiation for accession in WTO.

UNDP has been working closely together with the MTI since 2012 when “Aid for Trade” project commenced. Its objective is threefold: 1. to enhance capacity among relevant decision-makers to develop and implement evidence-based, pro-poor policies, 2. to enable market access for SMEs along the trade corridors access to markets, and 3. to increase the productivity of businesses/farmers in the Economic Region South and Mitrovicë/a. Therefore, UNDP wishes to extend the cooperation to contracting an expert to support the accession process of Kosovo to the WTO.

The assignment comprises a technical assistance activity to assist the MTI and other relevant authorities to develop a deeper and better-founded understanding of WTO as an institution, with particular focus on the effects, the role and functions it affects trade relations and trade disputes between states, and consequently the secondary effects this entails on commercial operators. Moreover, the activity should further provide insights into the options and implications for Kosovo to obtain a closer stance with the WTO.

Objectives of Assignment

The main objectives of this assignment are: assessment of current situation, preparation of recommendations and action plan for the relevant institutions and private sector in cooperation with the MTI / Department of Trade, and finalizing the draft of Memorandum of Foreign Trade Regime for application to the WTO. Furthermore, in order to ensure sustainability of the process, knowledge transfer should be established by a) working directly with the person in charge designated by MTI, b) regular meetings with officials of the Department of Trade, and c) presentation of final recommendations to all involved stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following tasks will be performed by the expert in close cooperation with and under direct supervision of the Department of Trade of MTI and UNDP Programme team:

Review the relevant documents including the draft of the Memorandum and write a report on the current state and steps that will need to follow in order to finalize the Memorandum.
Meet with various relevant institutions and stakeholders further collecting necessary information.
Drafting of the Memorandum, presenting it to the Department of Trade and other relevant institutions, and finalizing the document.
Prepare an Action Plan for activities required to file a formal application for accession to WTO and suggest the structures that need to be in place for implementation of the Action Plan.

Expected Results:

Relevant documents reviewed, report on the current state of preparing the Memorandum completed.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

3 w/d

Tentative due dates (latest by):

9th May 2016

Review and Approvals Required:

Programme Analyst/MTI Dept. of Trade

Expected Results:

Meetings with various relevant institutions and stakeholders further collecting necessary information conducted.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

5 w/d

Tentative due dates (latest by):

20th May 2016

Review and Approvals Required:

Programme Analyst/MTI Dept. of Trade

Expected Results:

The draft Memorandum is completed.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

5 w/d

Tentative due dates (latest by):

5th June 2016

Review and Approvals Required:

Programme Analyst/MTI Dept. of Trade

Expected Results:

Final presentation for all the relevant actors delivered and the Memorandum finalized

Estimated Duration to Complete:

2 w/d

Tentative due dates (latest by):

24th June 2016

Review and Approvals Required:

Programme Analyst/MTI Dept. of Trade

Expected Results:

Action Plan for further activities prepared, including suggested structures for its implementation.

Estimated Duration to Complete:

2 w/d

Tentative due dates (latest by):

30th June 2016

Review and Approvals Required:

Programme Analyst/MTI Dept. of Trade

Deliverables / Final Products Expected

Review the relevant documents including the draft of the Memorandum completed, report on the current state and steps that will need to follow in order to finalize the Memorandum submitted.
Regular meetings with MTI and other relevant institutions conducted; Draft Memorandum on Foreign Trade Regime, submitted to the Ministry of Trade and Industry / Department of Trade.
Final presentation for all the relevant actors delivered.
Action Plan for activities required to file a formal application for accession to WTO and suggest the structures that need to be in place for implementation of the Action Plan.

Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments:

Remuneration - Lump Sum Amount

The Contract is based on lump sum remuneration and shall be processed subject to deliverables as per the schedule listed below:

Desk review report submitted and endorsed by MTI/UNDP (35%)
Draft of the memorandum submitted and endorsed by MTI/UNDP (50%)
Action plan for further activities submitted and endorsed by MTI/UNDP (15%)

Required Presentation of Offer:

The following documents must be submitted:

Availability,
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 professional references (P11 can be downloaded in UNDP web site: http://www.ks.undp.org/content/kosovo/en/home/operations/jobs/);
Financial proposal: The consultant is expected to provide a lump sum amount/financial proposal. Please note that the contract price is fixed regardless of changes in the cost components;
Technical proposal, a max. 2 page document briefly explaining the approach and method to be utilized for delivering the expected results within the indicated timeframe
Only those applications which are responsive and compliant will be evaluated. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications (50%) and technical proposal (20%) will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.

Application Instructions:

Click on the "Apply now" button;
Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation; You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box;
Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume;
Applicants must reply to the mandatory questions asked by the system when submitting the application.
System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).

Competencies

Corporate Competencies

Demonstrates integrity by modelling the UN’s values and ethical standards;
Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
Actively promotes gender equality in all project activities;
Treats all people fairly without favouritism.

Functional competencies

Strong negotiations and presentation skills;
Good analytical and report writing skills;
Good communication skills;
Good mentoring skills, ability to transfer knowledge;
Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
Responds positively to critical feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in International Relations, Trade, Economics, Social Sciences, and other related fields is required

Experience:

At least 5 years of proven experience in international relations, trade and economic policies is required
Proven experience in WTO accession process or related negotiations is required
Previous experience in providing technical assistance to government institutions is an asset

Language requirements:

Excellent knowledge of English is required
Knowledge of Albanian and/or Serbian is considered an asset