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

1. 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

4. EXPERTISE NEEDS To undertake this assignment UNDP is seeking to hire the services of a National Expert for forty five (45) consultancy days. The person hired for this position will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks: ? Contributes to the overall conceptualization and design of the baseline study, as outlined in the inception report. ? Supports the lead international expert with background research and data analysis on issues relevant to the baseline study. ? Engages with MEF, MIC, UNECA, UNDP and the Technical Committee, as well as with other stakeholders involved in the assignment, as per the requirements of his/her work. ? Participates and, when necessary, facilitates and leads engagements with relevant external stakeholders. ? Takes part in the drafting of the final baseline study, leading on specific sections, as agreed with the lead international expert.

Competencies

Competencies Context analysis Ability to research, discover trends, and make recommendations on specific development context Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise Data Analysis Ability to evaluate, transform and model data to derive relevant findings. Level 6: Integrate & Empower: Leads integral work of teams utilizing expertise, vision, problem-solving capability, and collaborative energy in professional area of expertise Knowledge Management Ability to capture, develop, share and effectively use information and knowledge Level 6: Integrate & Empower: Leads integral work of teams utilizing expertise, vision, problem-solving capability, and collaborative energy in professional area of expertise Drafting and writing Ability to prepare quality reports that provide clear reasoning and analysis Level 5: Originate: Catalyzes new ideas, methods, and applications to pave a path for innovation and continuous improvement in professional area of expertise Partnerships Ability to establish effective partnerships for results with counterparts and partners Level 6: Integrate & Empower: Leads integral work of teams utilizing expertise, vision, problem-solving capability, and collaborative energy in professional area of expertise In addition to this National Expert, UNDP will hire the services of a Lead International Expert. The exact division of labor 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, trade, public policy or related fields is required. - A minimum of seven (7) years of proven experience in development policy analysis and research, policy advice and/or policy formulation, with a focus on trade, regional integration and development. - Demonstrated experience working with government organizations, and/or international organizations on trade and development-related matters at the policy level, or of participating in projects (e.g. evaluations, studies, etc.) involving this type of work. - Proven professional knowledge and practical experience on SADC Trade Protocol implementation matters and, more generally, regional integration processes in which Mozambique is or has taken part, would be desirable. - Strong data analysis skills and familiarity in the use of standard statistical packages (Excel, STATA, etc.) is desirable. - Excellent writing and presentation skills. - Fluency in English and Portuguese (both oral and written) is required.