UNDP Jobs - 70886- Consultant/EIF Advisor

Consultant/EIF Advisor

Location :

Home Based with a mission to Juba., SOUTH SUDAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

07-Mar-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

20 Days

Languages Required :

English

Expected Duration of Assignment :

4 Weeks

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

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) is a multi-donor programme which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system by helping them tackle supply-side constraints to trade. The programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helps lift more people out of poverty.

The EIF programme creates a genuine partnership among all EIF stakeholders to show results on the ground. Working in close cooperation are the donors, six core partner agencies, observer agencies, the Executive Secretariat (ES), the Trust Fund Manager (TFM) and other development partners supporting LDCs’ own drive towards their development objectives.

The intended overall objective of the EIF Tier 1 project is the integration of South Sudan into regional and global trading systems with a view to contributing to poverty reduction and sustainable development. The specific project purpose is to enable South Sudan to become fully integrated and an active player and beneficiary of the global trading system through mainstreaming of trade.

The expected outcomes of the Tier 1 project include the following:

Sufficient institutional and management capacity built in South Sudan to formulate and implement trade-related strategies and implementation plans;
Mainstream trade into national development strategies and plans;
Coordinated delivery of trade-related resources (funding, technical assistance, etc.) by donors and implementing agencies to implement country priorities following adoption of the DTIS Action Matrix;
Secures resources in support of initiatives that address DTIS Action Matrix priorities
Build capacity to trade, which also includes addressing critical supply-side constraints.

The EIF process in South Sudan

In June 2012, South Sudan acceded to the Enhanced Integrated Framework for trade related technical assistance for least developed countries (LDCs). EIF familiarization workshop was held in Juba from 13 to 14 November 2012 with active participation of key stakeholders. Overall, there was very good participation from Government stakeholders at the workshop including from subnational level.

In January 2013, the EIF Board approved the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) project for South Sudan to be undertaken by UNDP as the main Implementing entity. The DTIS final draft report was validated and launched by various sectors of South Sudan economy in February 2016 in Juba, South Sudan as a guiding framework for reform of the business climate and trade policy in the country. It has also provided a detailed analysis of trade constraints, opportunities and put forth policy recommendations.

In 2016, following an independent evaluation of Phase I, the EIF has launched a Phase II of the programme (2016-2022) with a strengthened and simplified logical framework. Main elements of Phase II include targeting sustainable results through more tailored support, reinforcing and making more accountable the partnership between the agencies, EIF countries and the donors. Phase II also focusses on strengthened programme management and governance to increase efficiency and effectiveness.

In the light of the new approach of Phase II of the EIF programme, there is a need to rapidly update and align the Tier 1 proposal submitted to the EIF Executive Secretariat earlier by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Republic of South Sudan including on the logical framework agreed under Phase II of the programme.

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will Work closely with EIF focal Point, the EIF Coordinator and the National Implementation Unit under the Department of external trade facilitated by UNDP. In coordination with the Ministry of Trade and Industry, s/he will be required to update EIF Tier 1 Project Proposal according to the EIF Guidelines. The following areas will be explored during the consultancy for inclusion under the updated Tier 1 project document:

Capacity building needs of different stakeholders, including government departments, the private sector and civil society organizations, pertaining trade policy formulation, implementation and assessment;
Review and update the situation analysis
Review and update the project strategy and include theory of change
Review and update the logical framework, risk log and work plan
Assess relevancy of the capacity building needs and priorities around trade negotiations and implementation and monitoring of trade agreements identified in the TIER1;
Review and update development of capacity for mapping of Tier 2 and Aid for Trade(AFT) projects;
Coordination of all AFT related initiatives in country, linkages to aid/donor coordination and planning.
Review the relevance of the proposed management arrangements for the Tier 1 project; and monitoring and evaluation mechanism of project activities and results;
Ensure optimal sequencing, timelines and indicative budgets for all activities.
Review and update the relevant sustainability and exit strategies as per EIF guidelines.
Recommendation on possible areas for Tier 2 proposals based on strategic areas of intervention for TIER 2 under DTIS.

Competencies

Excellent writing and oral skills in English
Strong analytical skills
Ability to interpret results and make recommendations.
Effective communication skills and proven leadership capacity
Ability to work in multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary environments
Demonstrated project management skills and ability to coordinate and manage cooperative research undertakings
Ability to work under tight deadlines
Sound negotiation and representational skills

Required Skills and Experience

Post-graduate qualifications in any of the following areas: economics, international economics, trade related, development or other relevant field.
At least 7 years of relevant working experience.
Research experience and publication record of a high professional standard in the fields of trade and development.
Strong understanding of the trade-related development challenges and relevant sectoral issues, especially in the context of LDCs
Experience in trade-related international cooperation, including the EIF, would be a distinct advantage.