The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for Trade related Technical Assistance in Least Developed Countries, is a multi-donor programme which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system. The programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty. It assists LDCs with the following objectives:

• mainstream trade into national development strategies;
• set up structures needed to coordinate the delivery of trade-related technical assistance; and
• build capacity to trade, which also includes addressing critical supply-side constraints.

The EIF has approved a Tier 1 ‘Enhancing Institutional Capacities for Trade Integration and Economic Diversification Project’ in South Sudan which commenced in July 2018. The main objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in South Sudan to formulate and implement trade policies that support poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and equitable sustainable development. The project aims to support the operations and activities of the National Implementation Unit (NIU) as lead agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of trade policy in South Sudan, 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.

 Under the Supervision of the EIF Focal Point, the guidance of the South Sudan EIF National Steering Committee (NSC) and the United Nations Development Programme, and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator, the International consultant will support the effective management of the South Sudan National Implementation Unit (NIU); the implementation of the NIU action plan; enhance the participation of national stakeholders in the EIF’s activities, including other ministerial departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners.

The international consultant will assist to identify and formulate EIF Tier 2 projects; support the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) and Action Matrix update; and facilitate the mainstreaming of trade in the national development plan and sectoral strategies. In addition, the consultant will provide technical assistance in the implementation of Trade Policy Framework (TPF) for South Sudan.

 In close collaboration with the NIU, the international consultant will support all stakeholders in South Sudan, including the Government, the NSC, private sector and Civil Society representatives to build capacity in the formulation and implementation of trade policy that supports poverty reduction and sustainable development.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 The International consultant will be responsible, in particular, for the following:

• Assisting the EIF Coordinator in the formulation of a strategic approach to the plan of action and activities of the NIU, in line with guidance provided by the NSC, the supervision of the Focal Point, and in collaboration with UNDP;
• Developing and supporting the implementation of a capacity development programme for members of the NIU and NSC for the management, monitoring, evaluation and analysis of trade-related programmes;
• Advising NIU/FP in overall implementation of EIF programme in South Sudan, including overseeing project identification, project formulation and financial and administrative matters;
• Supporting the EIF Coordinator for effective management of the NIU’s day-to-day activities;
• Participating in the identification and formulation of EIF Tier 2 and other Aid for Trade (AfT) programmes reflecting the priorities identified in the DTIS and its Action Matrix;
• Supporting the Ministry of Trade and Industry in trade policy work, providing technical assistance for:

                Support for adoption and implementation of TPF for South Sudan;
                Implementation of trade policies and strategies;
                Provision of advice to senior officials for regional and international trade agreement negotiations including EAC, WTO, COMESA and   IGAD.

• Assisting the Coordinator to develop and maintain effective working relations with other technical ministerial departments, especially the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP) which plays a critical role in mainstreaming trade in the national development plan and in poverty reduction strategies; and to 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 the NIU, in coordination with the Planning and Budget and the Aid Financial Management Departments of the MOFP, 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. This will also entail engagement with donors and development partners to ensure they are versed with development in the AfT environment;
• Building capacity of the NIU and coaching to NIU staff to increase the breadth of tasks local staff members can perform unaided to assume greater responsibility for project management, trade mainstreaming, donor coordination, reporting and project proposal formulation;
• Advising and assisting the NIU in the organisation of initial awareness raising events and effective consultation meetings with aid donor agencies, the DF and national stakeholders.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners.
• Strong knowledge of trade policy issues and policy formulation and analysis;
• Understanding of the unique situation in LDC, its isolation and its barriers to trade ;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with local population;
• Sound analytical skills; ability to research and organize background material; ability to prepare and review briefs and reports on trade-related issues.

Educational Qualifications:
Minimum Master’s in economics, international trade or related disciplines or proven relevant working experience equivalent to a master’s degree in economic development. 

Experience:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in economic policy and research particularly trade policy development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries;
• Relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development in East Africa particularly South Sudan would be an advantage;
• Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes;
• Previous work in working in Sub-Saharan Countries is desirable.

Language:

• Good English command in both oral and written. 

Documents to include in the application : 

• Interested individual consultant must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications:

A technical proposal: 

• Provide brief information reflecting understanding of the TORs, methodological approach proposed, and similar tasks implemented over the past 5 years with concrete experience from Africa and other regions - a maximum 500 words-long.  Evidence of key deliverables and results could be attached to the document;
• Filled P11 form including past experience in similar projects and contact details of referees;

A financial proposal: 

• Indicate the daily fee expected.
• The financial proposal shall specify a total lump sum amount (inclusive of travel costs) and payment terms around specific and measurable deliverables

Evaluation Criteria:
Candidates will be assessed based on the following technical criteria:
Technical Evaluation (70%):

• Relevant experience in economic policy and research particularly trade policy development and institutional capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries; Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes (40 points)
• Solid experience in implementation of trade-related programmes, including overseeing project identification, project formulation and financial and administrative matters (40 Points)
• Sound analytical skills; ability to research and organize background material; ability to prepare and review briefs and reports on accession and trade-related issues (20 points)
• Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 70 per cent of the total technical scores will be considered for the Financial Evaluation;

Financial Evaluation (30%): (the professional fee should be based on the understanding that there are 21.75 working days in a month. The fee should be quoted in US dollar only.
The following formula will be used to evaluate financial proposal: p = y (µ/z),
• p = points for the financial proposal being evaluated
• y = maximum number of points for the financial proposal
• µ = price of the lowest priced proposal
• z = price of the proposal being evaluated
The final evaluation method will be based on a cumulative analysis of both the technical and financial proposals.  When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract will be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:
• Responsive/compliant/acceptable; and
• Having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
• Technical Criteria weight: 70 per cent, Financial Criteria weight: 30 per cent