Consultant to Study the Feasibility of an International Investment Support Centre for the LDCs

Result of Service- Enhanced understanding of the investment support activities already underway that benefit LDCs; - Identification of gaps may be in the current landscape of ‘investment promotion regimes for the Least Developed Countries’; - Development of proposals on what an international investment support centre for the LDCs addressing administrative aspects, governance and expected costs.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration 01/08/23 to 15/01/24

Duties and Responsibilities 1) Work with OHRLLS staff and to plan comprehensive mapping and gaps analysis of investment support initiatives and programmes already underway. 2) Carry out a comprehensive mapping of investment support initiatives geared towards developing countries and/or LDCs specifically, including, but not limited to support for investment promotion regimes, financial and technical support for project preparation and contract negotiation, advisory support for investment-related dispute resolution, access to information on investment facilities, improving enabling environments, and risk insurance and guarantees. 3) Lead a comprehensive gaps analysis to better understand what areas of investment support are not already available for the LDCs. 4) Carry out outreach initiatives to engage targeted stakeholders including providers of investment support (mostly intergovernmental bodies), LDC governments, Investment Promotion Agencies, Private Sector and development partner countries. The objectives are to gain a comprehensive understanding of the needs and requirements of the stakeholders regarding investment support for LDCs, and to assess the incentives and support mechanisms offered by development partner countries to encourage investments in LDCs. 5) In collaboration with OHRLLS staff, contribute to the substantial and logistical organization of a workshop in the margins of the World Investment Forum (WIF) taking place from 16-20 October 2023 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This workshop will bring together government, private sector and the UN (and related organizations) to discuss practical challenges and solutions. Provide summary of the workshop. 6) Write up some draft preliminary proposals based on the mapping, the outreach and the WIF workshop. The proposals should begin to show the outlines of an international investment support center for the LDCs, and if not, there should be very clear explanations of why the findings do not point in that direction. 7) Be available to present initial proposals and findings at consultations with 2nd Committee delegates at UNHQ NY in the fall of 2023. 8) Work with OHRLLS staff to write a professional report using the mapping, gaps analysis, the outcome of the WIF workshop, and the consultations in NY, which presents proposals for an International Investment Support Center for the LDCs. The report will be fully taking into account existing and prior activities in the area of investment promotion support for developing countries/LDCs and will include administrative aspects, management structure and expected costs of operation.

Qualifications/special skills Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, public administration, public policy, business administration, finance or related field is required. A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience in foreign direct investment/trade and/or development finance is required, including relevant publications. A demonstrated understanding of the functioning of the investment system, from both host and home country perspectives, including relevant publications is required. A demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by LDCs in accessing various forms of investment is required. An established network of relationships/contacts with the institutions related to investment promotion support in the LDCs is desirable Experience in advising LDC governments is desirable

Languages Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN language is an advantage.

No Fee THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.