Background

Exporting is considered to be one of the main drivers towards economic development and growth, in particular for small developing countries like Kosovo. Increasing exports provides new opportunities for enterprises and entrepreneurs to further increase their productivity levels, expand and upgrade their production, and create more and better jobs.
 
Several most pressing economic and labour market challenges that Kosovo is facing include the high unemployment rate, the low employment rate, the increasing inactivity rate among unemployed and the lack of skilled workforce as well as low production and processing capacity of the operating businesses. Although exports have experienced a positive increase in the last decade, imports have been continuously high resulting in persisting trade deficit.
 
Aid for Trade (AfT) acknowledges the importance of exporting in employment generation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth and tries to tackle the issue through several interventions within the project’s framework.
 
The first step towards expanding the geographical scope of doing business is gathering information on potential export markets. A baseline assessment study covering the following business sectors: Agricultural produce, Food processing, Construction materials, Wood processing, Artisanal crafts and Tourism in the South region of Kosovo, conducted by UNDP Aid for Trade project, highlighted the need of businesses for greater flow of information on potential export markets.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under direct supervision of the UNDP Aid for Trade project manager, in close cooperation with two local consultants assigned to prepare draft market-entry and subject-specific studies, in consultation with designated local authorities in respective municipalities, and in accordance with the Kosovo context, the international consultant is expected to:
  • Review and comment the comprehensive analysis of the general economic situation and trend developments in Kosovo focusing on the negotiated and on-going trade arrangements drafted by local experts;
  • Assess and remark the subject relevant mapping exercises; summary of the relevant documents, namely legislation, regulation, standards, licensing and export procedures and the overview of the past and current development interventions implemented by local and international entities including objectives and results achieved compiled by local experts;
  • Check the lists of relevant policymakers and other stakeholders to be met ensuring representative participation;
  • Examine the draft list of issues for discussion to ensure incorporation of all important aspects;
  • Analyze the draft structure and content of market entry studies and subject-specific studies on potential export markets, and propose the form to be applied;
  • Review draft reports and incorporate an overview of best practices/approach applied in regional countries and other countries relevant to the Kosovo context;
  • Review and finalize reports, ensuring recommendations for fulfilling the required conditions and criteria for export, and, the role of relevant institutions and organizations in accomplishing them, are feasible and clearly stipulated;
  • Participate in the validation workshop to discuss the main findings of the reports;
  • Findings on all of the above will be part of a final report that will be delivered for validation to UNDP. 
Expected Results
Deliverables/ Outputs
  • The two comprehensive analysis on general economic development and trade arrangements drafted by local consultants are reviewed and commented 
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 3 w/days 
Target Due Dates
  • 02 – 04 Jun 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.
 Deliverables/ Outputs
  • Lists of representatives and issues for discussion are examined .
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 1 w/day 
Target Due Dates
  • 02 – 04 Jun 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • Both mapping exercises of relevant materials and overviews of developments compiled by local consultants are assessed and remarked.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 3 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 06  – 10 Jun 2014.
 Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • Structure and content of subject-specific and market-entry studies are reviewed and analyzed and final form is decided.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 2 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 18 – 19 Jun 2014.
Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • First draft of studies is reviewed and overview of best practices relevant to subjects analyzed is incorporated.
 Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 6 w/days
Target Due Dates
  • 30 Jun – 07 Jul 2014.
 Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • Review and finalize both studies ensuring inclusion of feasible and clearly stipulated recommendations.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 4 w/days.
Target Due Dates
  • 11 – 16 Jul 2014.
 Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • Validation workshop is organized;
 Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 4 w/days
 Target Due Dates
  • 17-18 July 2014;
 Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst.

Deliverables/ Outputs

  • Final report is submitted and validated.
Estimated Duration to Complete
  • 2 w/days.
 Target Due Dates
  • 23– 24 July 2014.
 Review and Approvals Required
  • Project Manager/ Programme Analyst .
 Deliverables / Final Products Expected
The duration of the assignment is 22 working days. The principal role of the international consultant is to support and advise the local consultants and the project team during the entire assignment, as well as finalize the reports/studies produced by the local consultants, verifying and ensuring that high qualitative deliverables are produced.
Reports have to be validated and approved by the Project Manager of the UNDP Aid for Trade Project.
Findings from the report presented and elaborated with relevant stakeholders through organized discussion/workshop.
 
Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments
Lump sum payment schedule:
  • 20% upon signature of the contract;
  • 20% upon successful completion of first three deliverables;
  • 25% upon successful completion of the fourth, fifth and sixth deliverable;
  • 35% upon successful completion of last two deliverables.
Recommended Presentation of Offer

The following documents may be requested:
  • Personal CV and 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 (3) professional references;
  • Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP. 
  • Provide a list of similar profiles prepared during previous work experience.
Criteria for Selection of the Best Offer

This section should indicate all the criteria which shall serve as basis for evaluating offers, which may be done in either of the following manner :
  • Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology 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;
  • System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).

Competencies

  • Knowledge of the economic, political and social context of the Western Balkans with special focus on the business environment in Kosovo;
  • In-depth understanding of general information on export target markets and specific issues on potential export markets especially for countries relevant to the Kosovo context;
  • Ability to synthesize research and draw conclusions on the related subjects;
  • Good analytical and report writing skills;
  • Good communication skills;
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;
  • Excellent and team-building skills;
  • Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability in the assigned process;
  • Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;
  • Responds positively to critical feedback.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:
  • Master degree in International Trade with extensive professional knowledge on development of market entry studies and subject-specific studies on potential export markets.
 Experience:
  • Minimum five years of demonstrated work experience with private sector, international development agencies or NGO’s and substantive exposure to international trade matters and export-related projects;
  • Proven extensive knowledge and expertise in the regional and national competitiveness issues;   
  • Knowledge and experience working with private sector officials at national level;
Language:
  • Fluency in the English language.