Antecedentes
The project of Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development (AEISD), by UNDP, sets as objective, provision of technical assistance to the League of Arab States (LAS), specifically Economic Sector and relevant organs, and member states of Pan Arab Free Trade Area (PAFTA) in working towards a deepened integration, including preparations for the Arab Customs Union. The second important component relates to strengthening the Arab connectivity among economies in the region with the expectation, these efforts would be translated into more contribution of economic integration for better livelihood of people, more employment opportunity and participation by the private sector. Trade has significant potential to fight poverty in Arab countries through generation of more income and access to markets. Upgrading current preferential trade arrangements will contribute to the realization of strategic visions of Arab Common Market. The third component focuses on the promotion of inclusiveness and transparency as part of the development agenda, particularly on the economic empowerment of women, for regional economic integration.
Built on the progress achieved in the previous program of support to implementation of PAFTA (Executive Program of the agreement on Facilitating and Developing Trade among Arab Countries), the current project focuses on specific aspects of making trade an engine of inclusive and sustainable growth guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. In continuation, the Project will also focus on helping countries and the main sub-regional and regional integration entities to accelerate the pace of trade reforms and regional economic integration, to strengthen the employment effects of those reforms, with a particular focus on women and youth, and to mobilize additional resources for this purpose.
The project aims to address specific challenges and complexities that Arab countries (and League of Arab States) face to enhance regional economic integration, more specifically in the transition from an FTA- based framework towards making the customs union a reality. The following presents major areas of focus:
- Provide a structured and targeted technical support to LAS Secretariat and Arab negotiators on trade policy formulation and reform under PAFTA.
- Provide assistance to the LAS Secretariat with a view of strengthening its organizational capacity in the pursuit of further facilitation of the regional economic integration agenda as well as promotion of trade liberalization.
- Assist target Arab countries with collaboration with national policy makers in trade and economic fields in efforts of modernization and reform of trade policy in taking into consideration new developments.
- Facilitation of transport and trade activities constitutes one of key areas to support national programs of enhancement of national competitiveness and better market access and more integration of the value chain.
- Promotion of gender equality and women empowerment as well as generation of business and job opportunity for youth is also a key target of project activities. Moreover, good governance constitutes a pre-requisite in deepening Arab economic integration to a higher level of commitment with inclusiveness and sustainability.
- Promotion of the contribution of trade, as one of the pillars to achievement of SDGs at national and regional level.
These priority dimensions form the basis of the work program of the project and the overall working environment of the current assignment.
Specifically, the project targets the following result-oriented activities:
- Development of the technical framework and required instruments for the PAFTA Upgrading - an upgrade from the existing PAFTA, and for the Arab Customs Union (ACU) preparations, to deepen Arab economic integration.
- Reinforcement of mechanisms of policy design, measures of implementation and of systems of documenting the progress of implementation to secure smooth acceleration of realization of regional commitments.
- Building the technical capability and capacity of policy makers of Arab countries to support accelerated implementation of the PAFTA Upgrading and preparations for the ACU.
- Introduction of institutional arrangements that are necessary for the LAS to respond to the requirements of implementation of the PAFTA Upgrading, and consequently of designing and establishing the ACU.
- Delivery of awareness raising activities and provision of technical guidance on good governance and integrity approaches.
- Promotion of regulatory transparency, open dialogues and consultations with related stakeholders, targeting all social groups but particularly women, for more active participation to cross border operations and related economic activities, among others.
The project team also cooperates with several national authorities and regional organizations in the implementation of defined activities in taking into account requirements and priorities of national socio- economic development plans and strategies of Arab economic integration. The execution is carried out under rules and regulations by the UN applicable for Delegated Direct Implementation and fully aligned to UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP).
The assignment, to be delivered within the next 12 months, serves to support Arab negotiators and the League of Arab States in the modernization of trade policies and deepening Arab economic integration in response to new requirements of the on-going economic diversification. It is a continuation of the successfully completed support in the previous year to Arab policy-makers.
To that end, UNDP seeks professional services of one Trade Policy Expert, who will work under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development (AEISD) during a period of up to 264 working days over a period of 12 months from the commencement date.
Deberes y responsabilidades
Modernization of trade policies in Arab economies has become a necessity for numerous Arab economies in their efforts of diversifying economic and production activities with a view to reduce dependence on oils, gas, and raw materials and to embark on high value-added production. In addition to that, aligning of Arab agreements to international practices could form part of these modernization efforts.
Implementation of PAFTA and its progressive improvement
- Prepare analytical assessment of achievements, challenges of the implementation of PAFTA-related decisions, adopted by various committees under the LAS for Economic integration. This task also includes preparation of recommendations and technical proposals to deal with difficulty arisen, particularly issues of non-compliance.
- Provide support to the LAS regarding the use and completion of the progress report on the PAFTA implementation (using the standard format of Unified Report as approved by ECOSOC), including studies and working documents by the private sector and Chambers of Commerce as applicable.
- Provide thematic support (for example, in terms of coordination of thematic subjects of discussions of specific Committees such as the Monitoring and Compliance Committee, Committee on Rules of Origin for PAFTA and others).
- Assist the AEID to gather information and statistics for its analysis in support to the informed decision by the ECOSOC.
Monitoring of the implementation of regional decisions concerning determination of origin of good by concerned committees
- Conduct research in specific areas of determination of origin of goods as required by the AEID, as required, in accordance with new Arab policies in the matter.
- Coordination of activities of capacity building toward more simplification and standardization of rules of origin (ROOs).
- Monitoring activation of operational measures in implementing decisions undertaken by relevant bodies of LAS.
- Review of practical application of adopted ROOs in collaboration with trade and business associations.
Trade development activities
- Provide technical support and coordination to activities to mainstream gender into Arab economic integration. That includes ad-hoc assistance to organization of concerned interventions by the project.
- Contribution to related interventions in trade and gender.
- Preparation of the technical analysis of women and exportation activities.
Trade in services
- Review of offers by Arab countries for the participation to the Arab Agreement in trade in services (Arab Agreement in Services).
- Contribution to related interventions in trade in services such as capacity building, particularly to candidate countries to the said Arab Agreement in Services.
Other trade and trade-related matters
- Provide assistance to AEID in the coordination of thematic discussions in trade and trade-related matters for ECOSOC.
- Undertake responsibility of analysis and provision of technical advice to the AEID on trade and trade-related matters.
- Attend official meetings of technical committees of LAS as related to trade and concerned matters as part of the AEID in order to provide ad-hoc support.
- Serve as the coordinator in the organization of activities of capacity building in trade and concerned matters (for example, in rules of origin) towards its improvement in response to requirements of Arab countries.
- Undertake other assignments as requested by the Chief Technical Advisor.
Approach and Methodology
The Trade Expert will prepare technical analysis and documents in close cooperation with officials of the LAS, under the guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor of AEISD. Other types of documents, such as presentations, policy notes might be required in function of specific activities.
Quantitative and/or statistics analysis could also be required to support informed decision making in trade and trade-related policies. Furthermore, she/he would need to work with other experts of the AEISD technical team in the delivery of her/his assignment as well as to assist team members
EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND DELIVERABLES
Over the applicable period of the Terms of Reference, outputs and deliverables are identified as below. Due to evolving requirements of Arab countries, these tasks would be subject to further amendments, which would be consulted and agreed upon by the selected expert/consultant and the AEISD CTA on the basis of demands and requests by Arab countries.
In this regard and where applicable, a list of tasks (with estimated number of workdays required to complete the tasks), within the identified areas of technicality as below, would be identified by the selected expert/consultant and the AEISD CTA and would form part of this TOR. These arrangements are made in order to respond to new requirements and upgrades in trade policies.
UNDP does support Arab countries with preparation of the national teams in charge of the development, deployment and activation of a National Single Window on the basis of international standards and good practices. Furthermore, learning from successful applications and achievements are essential in the exercise.
Competencias
Corporate
- Demonstrates integrity and fairness, by modeling the UN/UNDP’s values and ethical standards;
- Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of UNDP;
- Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
Functional
- Time management and organizational skills, with the ability to undertake multiple tasks and deliver under pressure;
- Strong analytical and synthesis skills;
- Ability to work independently and achieve quality results with limited supervision and within tight schedules;
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills;
- Experience in reports production;
- Ability to write in a clear and concise manner;
- Good teamwork and interpersonal skills;
- Flexibility and ability to handle multiple tasks and work under pressure;
- Excellent computer skills especially Word, Excel and Power Point.
Knowledge Management and Learning
- Ability to strongly promote and build knowledge products;
- Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example;
- Seeks and applies knowledge, information and best practices from within and outside of UNDP;
- Demonstrates a strong capacity for innovation and creativity in providing strategic policy advice and direction.
Leadership
- Demonstrated ability to think strategically and to provide credible leadership;
- Demonstrated flexibility in leadership by performing and/or overseeing the analysis/resolution of complex issues.
Habilidades y experiencia requeridas
Academic qualification
- Master’s degree in business administration, economics international trade, trade and development, or related fields.
Work Experience
- Minimum 8 years of practical experience in the conduct of economic studies, research in international trade, operations and industrial policies within the customs unions, customs operations, revenue management and taxation;
- Experiences in the design, establishment of trade policies in the promotion of infant, emerging industries/sectors at either national or regional level are an asset;
- Demonstrated experience in providing technical advices to Arab trade policy makers is an asset;
- Previous experience working for the UN is a plus.
Language Requirements
- proficiency in both written and oral English is required. Knowledge of Arabic is a plus.
INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENT
- The individual is required to exhibit his or her full-time commitment with UNDP-RBAS;
- S/He shall perform tasks under the general guidance of the Regional Programme Coordinator and the direct supervision of the Chief Technical Advisor (CTA) of the Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development (AEISD) regional project. The supervision will include approvals/acceptance of the outputs as identified in the previous section;
- The individual is expected to liaise and collaborate in the course of performing the work with other consultants, suppliers and UN colleagues, as required;
- The individual is required to provide periodical progress reports on regular and needed basis throughout the assignment in order to monitor progress;
- The individual is required to maintain close communication with the UNDP-RBAS on regular and needed basis at any period throughout the assignment in order to monitor progress. In the event of any delay, S/He will inform UNDP promptly so that decisions and remedial action may be taken accordingly. Delays that would affect the flow of the collaborative work and the delivery of outputs on schedule will lead to termination of contract;
- Should UNDP deem it necessary, it reserves the right to commission additional inputs, reviews or revisions, as needed to ensure the quality and relevance of the work.
DURATION OF THE WORK
The duration of the assignment is expected to be 264 working days over a period of 12 months from contract signature date.
DUTY STATION AND TRAVEL PLAN
This individual will be based at the Headquarters of the League of Arab States in Cairo, Egypt. Part of this assignment may require the individual to travel to Arab and non-Arab countries. In such cases, unforeseen travel will be arranged and covered in accordance with corporate regulations and rules.
SCOPE OF PRICE PROPOSAL AND SCHEDULE OF PAYMENTS
Interested candidates should provide professional fees for 264 working days over a period of 12 months (up to 22 working days per month). If there is any travel during the contract period, it will be covered by unforeseen travel. If an Offeror is employed by an organization/company/institution, and he/she expects his/her employer to charge a management fee in the process of releasing him/her to UNDP under Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA), the Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.
Payments shall be made to the consultant after satisfactory completion required deliverables and based on the submission of a duly certified Certification of Payment (CoP) and signed time sheet report
DOCUMENTS TO BE INCLUDED WHEN SUBMITTING THE PROPOSALS
Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Candidates that fail to submit the required information will not be considered.
- Duly accomplished Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided by UNDP;
- Personal CV or P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;
- Brief Description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment, including references to how she/he will approach and complete the assignment.
- Technical Proposal A half page technical proposal detailing how they will approach the assignment, prioritizing activities to meet the deliverables as set above in the most efficient and effective manner;
- One previous sample of similar work: to demonstrate the individual’s competencies to undertake this assignment;
Interested candidates shall submit above documents to the Job Advertisement Website: https://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_jobs.cfm as one document not later than 29 May 2019
Interested candidates can find Procurement notice, letter of confirmation of interest and availability and P11 http://procurement-notices.undp.org/
Please do not submit financial proposal in this stage. Financial proposal shall be requested from Candidates who are considered technically responsive
CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF THE BEST OFFERS
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodologies:
Step I: Screening and desk review:
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the following methodology.
Applications will be first screened and only candidates meeting the following minimum requirements will progress to the pool for shortlisting:
- Master’s degree in business administration, economics international trade, trade and development, or related fields.
- Minimum 8 years of practical experience in the conduct of economic studies, research in international trade, operations and industrial policies within the customs unions, customs operations, revenue management and taxation;
Technical evaluation Criteria max 100 points (Weighted 70):
- Experiences in the design, establishment of trade policies in the promotion of infant, emerging industries/sectors at either national or regional level. (25 points)
- Proven experience in providing technical advices to Arab trade policy makers. (20 points)
- Previous experience working for the UN (15 points)
- Extensive experience in reports production (15 points)
- Technical proposal (15 points)
- Sample from previous work (10 points)
Financial Criteria - 30% of total evaluation
For those offers considered in the financial evaluation, the lowest price offer will receive 30 points. The other offers will receive points in relation to the lowest offer, based on the following formula: (PI / Pn)* 30 where Pn is the financial offer being evaluated and Pl is the lowest financial offer received.
Step II: Final evaluation
The final evaluation will combine the scores of desk review and financial proposal with the following weights assigned to each:
Individual consultants will be evaluated based on the cumulative analysis methodology (weighted scoring method), where 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 technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.
Technical Criteria weight: [70%]
Financial Criteria weight: [30%]
Only Individual Consultants obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70%) on the Technical evaluation would be considered for the Financial Evaluation.