UNDP Jobs - 73720- International Consultant for Ministry of Economic

International Consultant for Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan

Location :

home based, with one mission to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, TAJIKISTAN

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Starting Date :

Application Deadline :

14-Aug-17 (Midnight New York, USA)

Post Level :

International Consultant

Duration of Initial Contract :

20 working days within 3 months

Languages Required :

Russian

Expected Duration of Assignment :

August – October 2017

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 UNDP-implemented regional project “Wider Europe Initiative - Aid for Trade for Central Asia” in its third phase was designed in line with Finland’s Development Policy programme and UNDP’s development vision. It promotes inclusive, green economic growth through promoting trade and enhancing national competitiveness and sustainable development, by helping poor and vulnerable communities to share in the gains from trade.

Aid for Trade (AfT) is a global initiative that strengthens developing countries’ abilities to capture gains from international trade. Much of this agenda is focused on strengthening domestic production and competitiveness, via the creation of enabling business environments and building economic infrastructure. Activities coming under AfT fall into five categories: (1) trade policy and regulation; (2) trade development; (3) economic infrastructure; (4) productive capacity; and (5) adjustment costs, of which the project is focusing on 1, 2, and 4

UNDP’s approach uses a human centric approach to trade. By helping poor and vulnerable households and communities start, expand, and formalize small and medium-sized companies that can participate in cross-border and regional trade and global value chains, this project expands people’s capacities, as well as promoting trade and reducing poverty. By helping trade policy makers to take advantage of the development opportunities presented by preferential trading arrangements, and to better understand the socio-economic and environmental consequences of trade policies; this project strengthens the institutional capacities needed for inclusive growth and sustainable development. Trade and human development can therefore be mutually beneficial.

Phase III of the regional AFT project (2014-2017) will build on the experiences and lessons learned of Phases I and II. The AFT needs assessments undertaken under Phase I in Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Western CIS identified policy recommendations and technical assistance activities to help trade better contribute to human development and poverty reduction. In contrast to previous phases, Phase III will focus exclusively on three countries located in Central Asia.

In 2013, Tajikistan became the 159th member of the World Trade Organization. With the accession to this in 2013, the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan adopted a Law “On trade and consumer services”. During elaboration of several by-laws of this Law, experience of neighboring countries with similar legislation was used. In this regard in 2015, the Ministry of economic development and trade (MEDT) of the Republic of Tajikistan requested Russian Embassy in Tajikistan in provision of technical expertise in improvement the above-mentioned Law. Unfortunately, at that time no actions followed yet.

Since 2015, UNDP has been supporting MEDT in improvement of Law and elaboration of by-laws for implementation of law at the places. The inter-ministerial Working Group, which has been established under MEDT, has elaborated 5 by-laws that are currently under consideration at the government. MEDT is currently facing difficulties in justification of needs in adoptions of these by-laws.

Duties and Responsibilities

Goals and objectives:

Provide technical expertise in improvement Law on trade and since Russian Federation has similar law, which experience was widely used during elaboration, the provision of expertise on implementation of law would be useful. Specifically, analysis of elaborated law, recommendation of its improvement, regulative impact assessment of law and drafted by-laws, Russian experience of its law implementation, seminar/training for the MEDT staff and WG members would benefit towards approval of pending by-laws

Duties and responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision AfT Trade Policy Specialist, the International Consultant will closely work with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade of the Republic of Tajikistan and will be responsible for following:

Conduct analysis of Law on Trade and consumer services and its 2 drafted by-laws;
Conduct 2 days training/seminar for the MEDT staff on Russian Federation experience of Law on Trade (or similar legislation) and findings from the conducted analysis;
Review an adopted by government Plan on improvement and development of trade, public catering and consumer services in light of implementation of Law on Trade and consumer services and provide recommendations on improving the by-laws.

For detailed information, please refer to annex 1- Terms of Reference of the below link.

Competencies

Functional Competencies:

Having skills and knowledge to the modern information technologies and to the analysis of statistic data;
Extensive knowledge of computer applications;
Excellent communication skills;
Excellent analytical skills;
Strong oral and writing skills;
Ability to operate under strict time limits.

Corporate Competencies:

Knowledge of and ability to transfer Russian expertise in the area of trade and economics;
Proven problem-solving skills creative thinking to develop and implement smart business solutions in a challenging economic environment;
Proven ability to develop high-level policy briefs, strategies, including experience in conducting cost effectiveness analysis;
Ability to plan and organize his/her work, efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results;
Ability to receive/integrate feedback;
Focuses on result for the client and responds positively to feedback;
Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude;
Ability to work independently as well as part of a fairly big team.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

Master’s degree in economics, marketing or other relevant education (availability of scientific degree is welcomed).

Experience:

Minimum three (5) years’ of proven experience in conducting analysis in the field of trade and consumer services, previous experience in carrying out similar assignments is preferable;
Experience and understanding of the principles and knowledge in the field of provision of legislative recommendations;
At least 5 years demonstrated experience in working with governmental agencies and interagency working groups; Ability to hold discussions with government officials, representatives of state agencies and the private sector;
Knowledge of the global trade system and institutions such as WTO; Demonstrated experience in the collection and analysis of economic data; Good knowledge of the private sector in Tajikistan and Central Asia; Good communication and analytical skills and excellent skills for the preparation of reports.

Language:

Knowledge of Russian is mandatory;
Knowledge of English is a strong asset.

Application Procedure:

Please follow the link to the Individual Consultant Procurement Notice:

http://www.undp.tj/va/upload/va/ICPN%20International%20Consultant%20for%20MEDT.docx