International Consultant - African Trade Observatory-2: Trade in services specialist

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Main Output Deliverables: 1. One analytical paper – assessment report of trade in services data compilation methods in a selected ATO country, or a concept note on recommended practices for data compilation in one of the priority sectors by 15 July 2024. 2. Finalized and reviewed training materials and presentations for a technical workshop on trade in transport services in Malawi by 15 May 2024. 3. A concise report summarizing the trade in services data management mapping and feedback gathering exercise, including recommendations for future ITC actions by 15 June 2024.

Work Location

HQ-Based (Geneva)

Expected duration

15.04.2024 - 15.07.2024

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing countries to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC supports Trade Impact for Good, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through trade. ITC is the implementing agency of the African Trade Observatory (ATO), one of the five AfCFTA instruments. ATO is critical for helping businesses identify and compare emerging opportunities across the continent. By providing real-time and reliable data, the ATO equips African businesses with trade intelligence on trends, opportunities, and market access conditions. Furthermore, the ATO Monitor module empowers government agencies and policymakers in monitoring the AfCFTA implementation process and evaluating its impact on their economies. The second phase of the ATO project also includes the trade-in services data management component, designed to provide additional data on trade-in services. International Trade Centre (ITC), as an implementing agency, helps enhance the capacity of ten countries to collect and process trade data in one service sector, the target of such capacity building is to include national statistical services and trade support bodies. Consequently, ITC collaborates closely with national data compilers—comprising central banks and national statistical offices— and helps them enhance the quality of published trade in services data, adhering to international standards such as the Balance of Payments Manual, Sixth Edition (BPM6), the Manual on Statistics of International Trade in Services (MSITS 2010), and relevant compiler’s guides. Within this context, ITC seeks to identify a consultant capable of producing analytical outputs and training materials for technical workshops on different types of services. The incumbent is further expected to provide inputs for refining and reshaping the future trade-in services data management activities and gather feedback on trade-in services management components from key stakeholders. The Consultant will work under the guidance of the Manager for Trade in Services Data Management Components at the Trade and Market Intelligence (TMI) Section and under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer for trade in services. Activities will include: Analytical work: 1. Draft, review, and edit technical papers for initial assessment of data production processes in selected ATO countries. 2. Advise in the priority sector selection process and contribute to the drafting of a concept note with recommendations and best practices for data production in one service sector. Capacity building: 3. Prepare training materials for technical workshops on trade in services, organized by ITC. 4. Coordinate logistics for technical workshops. Other: 5. Together with the Associate Programme Officer, conduct a thorough mapping exercise focused on evaluating trade in services data management initiatives offered by various international organizations. Prepare a comprehensive summary report along with recommendations for prospective actions by ITC. 6. Promote activities undertaken in the framework of trade-in services components of various projects on social media platforms. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Master’s degree in economics, Law, International Trade, Business Administration, or related field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Minimum of 2 years experience in the international trade environment or trade-related technical assistance. Previous experience in trade in services and knowledge of related theories is a strong asset. Full proficiency in drafting analytical trade-related documents and previous experience in the compilation of training materials is required. Knowledge of surveying techniques, online survey tools, and survey analytics would be a plus.

Languages

Advanced English is required. French would be a strong plus.

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.