Antecedentes

 

Background

With shifting global economy and the rapid technology advancement the world is seeing, countries in the GCC including Bahrain are transitioning into knowledge-based economies. Business need to update and upgrade their products and services and to be agile by identifying trends and new opportunities within and outside Bahrain which requires a better informed and more enlightened private sector.

In view of the above, Bahrain Chamber for Commerce and Industry (BCCI); the main representative of the private sector in Bahrain has a prominent role to play in increasing and enhancing the quality of the private sector contribution in the structure of the national economy.

The recent election in BCCI’s updated the chairman and the board of directors and they change their new direction in changing the chamber, this update has led to dramatic change in terms of BCCI vision. The transformation process includes the ultimate goal of keeping the chamber abreast of technological advancement and economic changes. The importance of upgrading local businesses, embracing technological advancement, utilizing the benefits and opportunities of e-commerce, and thus creating a robust and resilient economy.

The Economic Research Department at the BCCI – specifically and briefly – represents the supporting arm to the BCCI in its’ representative and consultative endeavors, to be derived from the department specialized and professional nature of exhibited tasks and responsibilities which is very much depending on Scientific Research and Aimed Studies.

The center consists of 3 employees (Head of the Department and 2 economic researchers). However, all of the employees have more than 5 years working in BCCI and have a good experience in delivering the requested outcome in the deadlines with a good quality, moreover all of them are graduated from qualified universities.

The chamber has formed 10 committees to represent the leading non-oil sectors in the national economy.  The center is working alongside all departments in BCCI and working closely with BCCI committees in order to provide research papers, surveys and questionnaires, statistics and analysis and economical Speeches.

The BCCI is looking to rejuvenate its traditional role through the modernization of its current structure and upgrading of its functions and capacities in order to provide Bahrain’s private sector with state-of-the-art thinking and knowledge products. For more on BCCI, please see the link https://www.bcci.bh/en. For more about Bahrain please see the following links: http://bahrainedb.com/, http://www.data.gov.bh/, https://www.cbb.gov.bh/

Towards that end, UNDP will support the Bahrain Chamber for Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in the initial phases of the establishment of a knowledge and research centre within the BCCI aimed at promoting and disseminating knowledge on topics that are most relevant to its business community, with high-quality products and state of the art thinking.

The center will work to achieve the following goals:

Make available knowledge on economic and relevant topics will focus on the micro level. Act as a decision-making support system for BCCI and its committees. Show new trends (state of the art thinking) of business opportunities at regional and global level and prepare forecasts for decision-making according to the economic sectors. Organize events for knowledge transfer. Provide and facilitate access to knowledge platforms.

The Centre will also support BCCI thematic committees by providing information, statistics and analyses according to the topics discussed on those committees’ agendas. There are 10 committees covering the following themes; Industry and Energy; Real Estate and Construction; Transportation and Logistics; Health; Finance, Insurance and Tax; Food Wealth; Technology; Hospitality and Tourism; Commercial Markets; and Education.

Deberes y responsabilidades

 

The duties and responsibilities of the Consultant include:

  • Hold meetings and consultations with partners and stakeholders

  • Conduct a needs assessment in BCCI to identify the required functions of a BCCI research and knowledge center

  • Define the functions needed to cater BCCI research needs

  • Recommend and describe the research methodology to be used to conduct research and produce knowledge

  • Identify knowledge products for the first year of the establishment of the center

  • Outline a quarterly publication to be issued by the center

  • Find examples of similar structures and best practices from other countries with institutionalized framework for knowledge and research

  • Present options and make recommendation to BCCI on the framework suitable for BCCI, including the required capacities

  • Suggest an implementation plan for the recommended structure, including resources required and potential partners; e.g. think tanks, academic institutions and consultancy groups.

Methodology:

At the time of application, the expert will submit a proposal including the methodology for carrying out the assignment. The expert may choose to work with a team of consultants with specialized expertise to complete the assignment. One proposal will however be submitted for the group of experts. A consortium may also apply.

 

Deliverables:

 

  • Needs assessment

  • Summary review of similar centers around the world, and their mandate, functions and structure

  • Report on alternative institutional structures for the BCCI Centre - including pros and cons, required capacities and operating annual costs - and final recommendation.

  • Report on the research methodology and outline of four quarterly reports produced by the centre based on the recommended structure

  • An implementation plan for the establishment of the centre for the first two years

Competencias

Core Competencies:

  • Systems thinking and technical expertise on research centres and research methodology

  • Awareness of emerging trends in innovative research methodology

  • Demonstration of values of integrity, ethics and cultural sensitivity

Habilidades y experiencia requeridas

Education:

A minimum of a master’s degree in business or any other related field. 

Work Experience and Other Qualifications:

  • At least seven years of experience in research methodology, both traditional and innovative;

  • Previous experience in research framework development;

  • Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel, etc.) and advance knowledge of spreadsheet and database packages, experience in handling of web-based management systems;

  • Strong administrative skills; Well organized, methodical, ability to set priorities and pay attention to detail;

  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal skills and collaborative managerial style; Ability to work in a multicultural team;

  • Excellent analytical and communication skills;

  • The experience of creating a research center will be an advantage

Language Requirements:

Fluency in written and spoken English; knowledge of Arabic is an advantage