Background
The Government of Tuvalu joined the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) in 2007 with the first Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) formulated with an implementation timeframe of five years to provide the basis for setting priorities related to trade development. The lead government agency is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism and Environment and Labour (MFATTEL) whose Department of Trade (DOT) is responsible for trade promotion and development, trade negotiations, trade facilitation, policy formulation and public information and capacity building. Significant activities following the DTIS included a Tier 1 project (Phase 1) for three years (2013-2017) including no-cost extension) aimed at building capacity of the government, private sector institutions and civil society; mainstreaming trade in national and sectoral policies and strategies; building linkages with development partners to carry forward Tuvalu’s trade agenda; and strengthening program management. The National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC) is a multi-sectoral coordinating body that was established as part of the project to oversee implementation of the trade agenda as defined in the DTIS Action Matrix. The NTSC is chaired by the Focal Point and co-chaired by the President of the Tuvalu National Private Sector Organisation (TNPSO).
Other important tasks achieved in Phase 1 included the formulation of a Trade Policy Framework (TPF) in 2015, an update of the DTIS in 2016, a mid-term evaluation (MTE) of Phase 1 of the project in 2016 and the conclusion of negotiations and entering into force of the PACER Plus trade agreement. Additionally, project proposals to be implemented during Phase 2 of the EIF were developed including a follow-up Tier 1 project for two years and two Tier 2 projects in the agriculture and tourism sectors. The TPF, which is aligned with TK III and sets the basic policies and governance mechanisms to facilitate export trade and investment with an emphasis on transparency and norms compatible with WTO rules, has identified agriculture, fisheries, tourism and labour mobility as the priority sectors for development. This is supported by the Action Matrix of the DTIS Update (2016) which highlights critical bottlenecks as well as the potential of private sector-led value chain development in priority sectors including the blue/oceans economy. The PACER Plus trade agreement contains a development chapter which commits Australia and New Zealand to committing resources to building the capacity of member states to take advantage of expanded market access opportunities, address supply-side constraints and build their capacity to trade, attract investment and fulfil their commitments. In addition to the above, the main conclusion of the MTE is for Phase 2 of the project to put more emphasis on the role of the private sector through its participation in the NTSC and promoting small enterprise development to ensure greater impact and sustainability of the project’s overall results.
The development and adoption of Tuvalu’s Trade Policy Framework (TPF) by the NTSC and the Cabinet Minister has been a crucial step in setting national trade priorities and mainstreaming trade in national policy. The TPF is now an integral part of all the decisions and policies of MFATTEL and also serves as a benchmark for donor funding. The TPF includes an implementation matrix of priority actions that is the result of wide-ranging consultations with national actors and development partners. Lead agencies will be tasked to work towards implementation of the TPF implementation matrix and report periodically on progress to the NTSC to ensure that bottlenecks affecting approvals and funding from the government or donor are addressed and resolved quickly.
The Tier 1 Phase 2 project is a continuation of Phase 1 of the project, building on the achievements realised to date, aiming at strengthening the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in Tuvalu to implement trade policies that support poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and equitable sustainable development as well as the implementation of the Updated DTIS that aligned to national development objectives. It will also help improve donor coordination and Aid-for-Trade (AfT) delivery in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Forum Compact as well as the EIF guidelines and Strategic Plan (2019 – 2022) for LDCs in global and regional trade.
One of the main capacity constraints within the DOT and the Ministry is the lack of technical expertise to support the preparation and technical review of Tier 2/AfT proposals. In the absence of technical assistance, the remaining two staff members in the department cannot fulfil all the scheduled tasks in the work plan and the activities associated with implementation of the Trade Policy and the DTIS Update.
Therefore, in Phase 2 the project will need additional technical assistance, preferably through a full-time resident technical adviser for about twelve months to assist the Trade Officer who is also the EIF’s NIU Coordinator and the Assistant Trade Officer with the implementation of the Trade Policy and the DTIS Update Action Matrix. At the same time, technical assistance will be crucial for proposal preparation, review and implementation of Tier 2/AfT projects and supporting the restructuring/expansion of the DOT toward project sustainability at the conclusion of Phase 2 of EIF assistance. The project has made provision for technical assistance (a full-time ITA) for a period of 18 months.
Under the Supervision of the EIF Focal Point, the guidance of the Tuvalu National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC), and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator the International Trade Advisor (ITA) will support the effective management of the Tuvalu Department of Trade (DoT) as the National Implementation Unit (NIU); the implementation of the DoT work plan; the DTIS Update matrix, Trade Policy and other related activities required by the EIF Strategic Plan (2019 – 2022) and enhance the participation of national stakeholders in the EIF’s activities, including other ministerial departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners.
Duties and Responsibilities
The ITA will be responsible, in particular, for the followings:
Supporting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade, Tourism, Environment and Labour (MFATTEL) through DoT with implementation of the Trade Policy Framework and DTIS Update Acton Matrix
Supporting DoT with Tier 2 proposal preparation and review as identified by NTSC and DoT, implementation of Tier 2 and AfT projects reflecting the priorities identified in the DTIS and its Action Matrix as well as the Trade Policy Framework.
Assisting the EIF Coordinator in the formulation of a strategic approach to the plan of action and activities of the DoT, in line with guidance provided by the NTSC and the supervision of the Focal Point;
Developing and supporting the implementation of a capacity development programme for members of the DoT and NTSC for the management, monitoring, evaluation and analysis of trade-related programmes;
Provision of advice to senior officials for regional and international trade agreement negotiations including PICTA, PACER and EPA.
Assisting the EIF Coordinator to develop and maintain effective working relations with other technical ministerial departments, especially the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MFED) which plays a critical role in mainstreaming trade in the national development plan and in poverty reduction strategies; and
Develop and deliver capacity development programmes on trade mainstreaming, targeting planners in a “whole of Government” approach and non-government actors to trade policy implementation.
Assisting DoT, in coordination with the Planning, Budget and the Aid Financial Management Departments of the MFED, to develop and implement a coherent plan for the coordination of development assistance related to trade and mobilize resources for trade-related priorities as reflected in the DTIS and its Action Matrix.
Supporting DoT with development of a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan and a Communication Strategy
Developing and supporting the implementation of an Exit Strategy for EIF support to trade in Tuvalu in collaboration closely with the Human Resource Management Unit.
Supporting the EIF Coordinator on effective management of the DoT’s day-to-day activities
For a detailed terms of reference ,please visit UNDP website www.pacific.undp.org
Competencies
- Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries.
Relevant experience in trade policy development, implementation and strong knowledge of trade policy issues and policy formulation and analysis
Proven experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes
- Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes.
- Previous work in Pacific Island Countries is an advantage
Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners.
Understanding of the unique situation in Tuvalu, its isolation and its barriers to trade
Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills.
Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, ability to relate to stakeholders at all leve.
Language requirements:
Fluency in written and spoken English is essential
Required Skills and Experience
- Minimum having Master’s in Economics/Economic Development, International Trade, Development Studies, Trade Law or related disciplines.
Offerors must send the following documents.
i) Signed CV including names /email contacts of at least 3 professional referees.
ii) Cover letter setting out: A statement of how the applicant meets the qualifications and experience requirements.
iii) Completed template for confirmation of Interest and Submission of Financial Proposal
Applicants must send a financial proposal based on a Lump Sum Amount. The total amount quoted shall be all-inclusive and include all costs components required to perform the deliverables identified in the TOR, including professional fee, travel costs, living allowance (if any work is to be done outside the Individual Consultant´s duty station) and any other applicable cost to be incurred by the Individual Consultant in completing the assignment. The contract price will be fixed output-based price regardless of extension of the herein specified duration. Payments will be done upon completion of the deliverables/outputs.
Consultancy Proposal should be sent via email to etenderbox.pacific@undp.org no later than, 22nd April 2019 (Fiji Time) clearly stating the title of consultancy applied for. Any proposals received after this date/time will not be accepted. Any request for clarification must be sent in writing, or by standard electronic communication to procurement.fj@undp.org. UNDP will respond in writing or by standard electronic mail and will send written copies of the response, including an explanation of the query without identifying the source of inquiry, to all consultants. Incomplete, late and joint proposals will not be considered and only offers for which there is further interest will be contacted. Failure to submit your application as stated as per the application submission guide (Procurement Notice) on the above link will be considered incomplete and therefore application will not be considered.