Background
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The African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) Group was formed following the conclusion of the first Lomé Convention with the EU in 1975. It has since then negotiated and concluded five Conventions characterized by three inter-linked pillars, namely political dialogue, trade, financial and economic cooperation. It is a unique trans-regional North-South cooperation model consisting of:
- 79 member countries of which 48 from sub-Saharan Africa, 16 Caribbean states and 15 Pacific Island States
- An inter-governmental framework
- Wide geographical base, comprising LDC, land-locked and small island states
- Formal contractual Partnership Agreement with a group of developed and highly integrated countries of the EU
- Its own secretariat, structure and supporting organs.
Since 1975, however, there have been many global developments including changes within the institutional architecture of Europe which is the ACP’s primary development partner, the pressures of globalization and international competitiveness and the emergence of the new global economic powers which provide new opportunities as well as challenges for the Group. Subsequently, the ACP Council of Ministers decided in November 2010, to set up a Working Group on the Future Perspectives of the ACP Group with the overall objective of formulating perspectives on how the ACP Group can maintain its unity, strengths and solidarity to ensure its role in the 21st Century.
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Duties and Responsibilities
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General objective and scope of the assignment
The overall objective of the Assignment is to help the ACP Group prepare for the period prior to the expiry of the latest agreement (Cotonou Agreement) in 2020 as well as the future of the Group in the post-2020 era. More specifically the scope of the assignment is to support the work of the Working Group on the Future of the ACP Group through a study which establishes options and delineates scenarios on the basis of a comprehensive review of the essence and value of the ACP Group. Taking into account all the political, economic, and institutional and other parameters within the context of the Georgetown and the Cotonou Agreements. This also includes work already done by the previous Working Groups on the Future of the ACP Group and decisions of the current Working Group as well as consultations with member states and the ACP regional bodies.
At the end of the assignment, the Consultant will outline recommendations for various options and scenarios on the future perspectives of the ACP Group which will serve as a basis for the Working Group’s report to the ACP Heads of State Summit in 2013.
Specific Objectives of the Assignment
Working under the supervision of the ACP Secretariat, the Consultant is expected to undertake the following:
- Examination of the continued relevance and achievements of the ACP as a Group and the functioning of its Organs in the new and evolving global environment.
- Review of the ACP’s privileged relations and cooperation with the EU taking account of the Second Revised Cotonou Partnership Agreement, the Economic Partnership Agreements, the Lisbon Treaty as well as relations with other development partners.
- Identification of the comparative advantages that the ACP Group possesses and their relevance for the future as well as its weaknesses, opportunities and strengths (SWOT Analysis).
- Review and examination of the relevance, performance and achievements of the institutions of the ACP Group, including the CTA and CDE and their legal status, mandate and financial situation
- Examination of the ACP Group’s relations with ACP regional organisations and others including the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Commonwealth Secretariat and others
- Prospects for the integration of the ACP Group through an effective Intra-ACP Cooperation Programme on the basis of the ACP Summit Declaration 1982 and 1985 Intra-ACP Plan of Action.
- Opening of the ACP Group to include other developing countries, LDCs and islands or countries with similar characteristics
- Examination of various options and scenarios for post-2020 when the Cotonou Agreement expires, while taking into account the privileged relations between the ACP and EU.
Location
The project location is the Head Office of the ACP Secretariat in Brussels. The duration of the short term consultancy will be 75 days. The number of days for the assignment is the number of days spent at the place of assignment, including week end and public holidays, plus the days needed for briefing debriefing, and reporting. Activities may only be carried out elsewhere under explicit authorization of the Secretary General or the Chairman of the Working Group on Future Perspectives.
Deliverables
- Inception Report submitted not later than 2 weeks after commencement of the assignment. The report will outline a work plan detailing the activities and consultations to elicit opinions and ideas from all stakeholders including the EU and ACP regional organizations, other developing countries and organizations of developing countries (G77, G24, Non-Aligned Movements, etc.) and all ACP level.
- A first draft report on the outreach/consultation exercise, including conclusions and concrete proposals on the future perspectives of the ACP Group.
- Present the report at a stakeholders’ workshop. Based on feedback from the workshop and the development partners, the Consultant will finalize the report.
The final report should be presented within a period of one month following the workshop to the Working Group. The specific date for completion of the assignment will be determined at the date of signature of the contract.
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Competencies
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- Excellent analytical, organizational and inter-personal skills.
- Excellent presentation and communication skills in English or French.
- Knowledge of the other language an asset.
- Ability to work independently.
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Required Skills and Experience
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Education:
- Master’s degree in development, law, economics and international relations or political science
Experience: - At least 15 years experience working with governments, institutions and regional and international organisation - extensive experience on institutional reform an asset;
- Prior practical experience with the EU-ACP partnership preferable.
Language: - Fluency in spoken and written English and /or French with a good working knowledge of the other language;
- Excellent drafting skills, with the ability to prepare documents (such as reports and questionnaires) that are clear, easily understandable and translated into the other working language;
- Good IT skills.
Application Package - CV including past experience in similar projects and contact details of at least 2 referees
- Explaining why they are the most suitable for the work
- Provide a brief methodology on how they will approach and conduct the work
- A financial proposal which includes a breakdown of this lump sum amount (including travel, per diems) on the basis of an assignment of 75 working days).
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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.
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