Baseline study of Mozambique’s experience in the participation of Preferential Trade Agreements and its implications for the ratification of AfCFTA

Contract

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Background

Background

The Agreement establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21st March 2018, is a key milestone in Africa’s regional integration. The Agreement includes the Protocol on Trade in Goods, the Protocol on Trade in Services and the Protocol on Rules and Procedures for Settlement of Disputes. These protocols are being negotiated under Phase 1 of AfCFTA implementation. The Agreement also encompasses Protocols on Investment, Competition Policy and Intellectual Property Rights, which will be negotiated under Phase 2.

The overall aim of the study is to inform the AfCFTA ratification process in Mozambique by drawing from its past experience participating in preferential trade initiatives, in order to identify the possible gains that could be derived from AfCFTA accession, areas and issues of concern, as well as complementary policy measures that may need to be implemented in areas such as industrial policy and technology, agricultural development, infrastructure and logistics or education, for Mozambique to reap the full benefits of AfCFTA. Special attention will be given to Mozambique’s experience with the implementation of the SADC Trade Protocol and SADC FTA, given the significance of this agreement and the importance of trade and economic relations with SADC countries.

Duties and Responsibilities

To lead on this assignment, UNDP is seeking to hire the services of an International Expert for forty five (45) consultancy days. Under the supervision of the UNDP Senior Economist in Mozambique, the person hired for this position will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks: ? Leads on the overall undertaking of the assignment, ensuring coherence and a common narrative of all aspects and parts of the baseline study. ? Leads on the drafting of inception report, including the proposed outline of the study. ? Outlines work plan and specific deliverables for both consultants. ? Leads engagement with MEF, MIC, UNDP and the Technical Committee, as well as with other stakeholders involved in the assignment. ? Leads meetings and discussions with external partners, including government ministries, departments and agencies, private sector and civil society representatives, etc. ? Supports with guidance, inputs and feedback to work undertaken by the National Expert. Academic

Competencies

Competencies Context analysis Ability to research, discover trends, and make recommendations on specific development context Level 6: Integrate & Empower: Leads integral work of teams utilizing expertise, vision, problem-solving capability, and collaborative energy in professional area of expertise Data Analysis Ability to evaluate, transform and model data to derive relevant findings. Level 7: Navigate & Guide: Charts a course for a systems approach to continuous learning, adaptation, and excellence, creating institutional imperatives to realize progress within across the relevant profession Knowledge Management Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge Level 7:Navigate & Guide: Charts a course for a systems approach to continuous learning, adaptation, and excellence, creating institutional imperatives to realize progress within across the relevant profession Drafting and writing Ability to prepare quality reports that provide clear reasoning and analysis Level 6: Integrate & Empower: Leads integral work of teams utilizing expertise, vision, problem-solving capability, and collaborative energy in professional area of expertise Partnerships Ability to establish effective partnerships for results with counterparts and partners Level 7: Navigate & Guide: Charts a course for a systems approach to continuous learning, adaptation, and excellence, creating institutional imperatives to realize progress within across the relevant profession In addition to this Lead International Expert, UNDP will hire the services of a National Expert. The exact division of labour and definition of tasks will be defined by the two consultants and outlined in the inception report to be submitted at the beginning of this assignment.

Required Skills and Experience

Academic and professional qualifications - Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or above) in economics, international trade, public policy or related fields. A PhD in any of these fields would be desirable. - A minimum of ten (10) years of experience in development policy analysis, policy advice and/or policy formulation, with a focus on international trade, regional integration and development. - Proven experience in advising governments and/or international organizations on trade and development-related matters at the policy level. - Proven professional knowledge of the AfCFTA process and architecture would be highly desirable. - Advanced data analysis skills using standard statistical packages (Excel STATA, etc.) is desirable. - Excellent writing and presentation skills. - Fluency in English is required. Fluency in Portuguese is highly desirable. Alternatively, fluency in Spanish may also be considered favorably.