International Trade Adviser

Contract

This is a International Consultant contract. More about International Consultant contracts.

Background

B. BACKGROUND

The Government of Tuvalu joined the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) in 2007 with the first Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) formulated with an implementation timeframe of five years to provide the basis for setting priorities related to trade development. The lead government agency is the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade (MFT) whose Department of Trade (DOT) is responsible for trade promotion and development, trade negotiations, trade facilitation, policy formulation and public information and capacity building. Significant activities following the DTIS included a Tier 1 project (Phase 1) for three years ((2013-2017) including no-cost extension) aimed at building capacity of the government, private sector institutions and civil society; mainstreaming trade in national and sectoral policies and strategies; building linkages with development partners to carry forward Tuvalu’s trade agenda; and strengthening program management. The National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC) is a multi-sectoral coordinating body that was established as part of the project to oversee implementation of the trade agenda as defined in the DTIS Action Matrix. The NTSC is chaired by the EIF Focal Point and co-chaired by the President of the Tuvalu National Private Sector Organisation (TNPSO).

Other important tasks achieved in Phase 1 included the formulation of a Trade Policy Framework (TPF) in 2015, an update of the DTIS in 2016, a mid-term evaluation (MTE) of Phase 1 of the project in 2016 and the conclusion of negotiations and entering into force of the PACER Plus trade agreement. Additionally, project proposals to be implemented during Phase 2 of the EIF were developed including a follow-up Tier 1 project for two years and a Tier 2 projects that covers other priority sectors such as private sector, fisheries, agriculture and tourism sectors. The TPF, which is aligned with the National Sustainable Development known as Te Kakeega III (TK III) sets the basic policies and governance mechanisms to facilitate export trade and investment with an emphasis on transparency and norms compatible with WTO rules, has identified agriculture, fisheries, tourism and labour mobility as the priority sectors for development. This is supported by the Action Matrix of the DTIS Update (2016) which highlights critical bottlenecks as well as the potential of private sector-led value chain development in priority sectors including the blue/oceans economy. The PACER Plus trade agreement contains a development chapter which commits Australia and New Zealand to committing resources to building the capacity of member states to take advantage of expanded market access opportunities, address supply-side constraints and build their capacity to trade, attract investment and fulfil their commitments. In addition to the above, the main conclusion of the MTE is for Phase 2 of the project to put more emphasis on the role of the private sector through its participation in the NTSC and promoting small enterprise development to ensure greater impact and sustainability of the project’s overall results.

The development and adoption of Tuvalu’s Trade Policy Framework (TPF) by the NTSC and Cabinet Minister has been a crucial step in setting national trade priorities and mainstreaming trade in national policy. The TPF is now an integral part of all the decisions and policies of MFT and also serves as a benchmark for donor funding. The TPF includes an implementation matrix of priority actions that is the result of wide-ranging consultations with national actors and development partners. Lead agencies will be tasked to work towards implementation of the TPF implementation matrix and report periodically on progress to the NTSC to ensure that bottlenecks affecting approvals and funding from the government or donor are addressed and resolved quickly.

The Tier 1 Phase 2 project is a continuation of Phase 1 of the project, building on the achievements realised to date, aiming at strengthening the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in Tuvalu to implement trade policies that support poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and equitable sustainable development as well as the implementation of the Updated DTIS that aligned to national development objectives. It will also help improve donor coordination and Aid-for-Trade (AfT) delivery in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Forum Compact as well as the EIF guidelines and Strategic Plan (2019 – 2022) for LDCs in global and regional trade.

One of the main capacity constraints within the DOT and the Ministry is the lack of technical expertise to support the activities outline in the trade agenda. In the absence of technical assistance, the remaining staff members in the department and the project cannot fulfil all the scheduled tasks in the work plan and the activities associated with implementation of the Trade Policy and the DTIS Update.

Therefore, in Phase 2 and Tier 2 the project will need additional technical assistance, preferably through a full-time resident technical adviser for about six months to assist the Trade Officer who is also the EIF’s NIU Coordinator, the Assistant Trade Officer, EIF Project Officer, Financial Officer, and the EIF Supporting Officer with the implementation of the Trade Policy and the DTIS Update Action Matrix. At the same time, technical assistance will be crucial for proposal preparation, review and implementation of Tier 2/AfT projects and supporting the restructuring/expansion of the DOT toward project sustainability at the conclusion of Phase 2 of EIF assistance. The project has made provision for technical assistance (a full-time ITA) for a period of 5 months.

Under the Supervision of the EIF Focal Point, the guidance of the Tuvalu National Trade Steering Committee (NTSC), and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator the International Trade Advisor (ITA) will support the effective management of the Tuvalu Department of Trade (DoT) as the National Implementation Unit (NIU); the preparation, review and implementation of the DoT Corporate Plan (Work Plan); the DTIS Update matrix, Trade Policy and other related activities required by the EIF Strategic Plan (2019 – 2022) and enhance the participation of national stakeholders in the EIF’s activities, including other ministerial departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners.

Duties and Responsibilities

Scope of Work:

The ITA will be responsible, in particular, for the followings:

• Supporting the Ministry of Fisheries and Trade (MFT) through Department of Trade (DoT) with implementation of the Trade Policy Framework and DTIS Update Acton Matrix;
• Provision of advice to senior officials for regional and international trade agreement negotiations including PICTA, PACER and EPA;
• Assist DoT/MFT to oversee the harmonization and coordination of all Trade Related Assistance and ensure regular tracking of TRTAs/Aid for Trade;
• Assist DoT/MFT in the overall implementation of the EIF programme, including overseeing project identification, project formulation and financial and administrative matters;
• Supporting DoT with EIF Tier 2 implementation of Tier 2 and AfT projects reflecting the priorities identified in the DTIS and its Action Matrix as well as the Trade Policy Framework;
• Supporting DOT and EIF on formulation of project concept note proposals for AfT leveraging reflecting the priorities identified by the MOU partners (TNPSO, TANGO, TNCW), ensuring to achieve the national interest’s policies on maximizing the trade growth and poverty reduction.
• Assisting the EIF Coordinator in the formulation of a strategic approach to the plan of action and activities of the DoT, in line with guidance provided by the NTSC and the supervision of the Focal Point;
• Developing and supporting the implementation of a capacity development programme for members of the DoT and NTSC for the management, monitoring, evaluation and analysis of trade-related programmes;
• Assisting the EIF Coordinator and EIF Project Manager/Officer to develop and maintain effective working relations with other technical ministerial departments, especially the Ministry of Finance (MoF) which plays a critical role in mainstreaming trade in the national development plan and in poverty reduction strategies;
• Develop and deliver capacity development programmes on trade mainstreaming, targeting planners in a “whole of Government” approach and non-government actors to trade policy implementation;
• Assisting DoT, in coordination with the Planning, Budget and the Aid Financial Management Departments of the MOF, to develop and implement a coherent plan for the coordination of development assistance related to trade and mobilize resources for trade-related priorities as reflected in the DTIS and its Action Matrix;
• Supporting DoT with development of a Monitoring & Evaluation Plan and a Communication Strategy;
• Developing and supporting the implementation of an Exit Strategy for EIF support to trade in Tuvalu in collaboration closely with the Human Resource Management Unit;
• Assist FP/NIU in the reviews and updating of DTIS and TPF;
• Oversees and facilitates the financial and other reporting requirements of the NIU and provides guidance and training to relevant officials on appropriate reporting standards;
• Participates in the recruitment of staffs and consultants and assist to drafts Terms of References in conjunction with the FP;
• Builds management capacities of the DoT staffs and provides capacity building support and coaching to increase the breadth of tasks local staff members can perform unaided to assume greater responsibility for project management, trade mainstreaming, donor coordination, reporting and project proposal formulation;
• Supporting the EIF Coordinator on effective management of the DoT’s day-to-day activities; and

Reports to the FP and carries out any other duties which may be delegated by the FP or by the NTSC through the FP.

Competencies

D. COMPETENCIES

The following competencies are required:

• Demonstrates integrity and commitment to UN principles and values and ethical standards
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work well as part of a multi-cultural team and displays gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability for team working;
• Self-management, emotional intelligence and conflict management;
• Analytical and strategic thinking/results orientation;
• Experience in participating and following the project cycle, creative capacity solving problems;
• Computer literacy (e.g. Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point) is a prerequisite;
• Ability to engage various partners and stakeholders and builds strong relationships with clients and other stakeholders; and

Demonstrates strong commitment and patience to deal with competing deadlines, demands, and interests.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Minimum having Master’s in Economics/Economic Development, International Trade, Development Studies, Trade Law or related disciplines.

Experience:

1. Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries,
2. Relevant experience in trade policy development, implementation and strong knowledge of trade policy issues and policy formulation and analysis,
3. Proven experience with development and delivery of capacity development programmes,
4. Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes.
5. Previous work in Pacific Island Countries is an advantage and have lived in the Pacific for more than 3 months onwards,
6. Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners,
7. Understanding of the unique situation in Tuvalu, its isolation and its barriers to trade,
8. Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills,
9. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities, ability to relate to stakeholders at all level.

Language requirements****:

1. Fluency in written and spoken English is essential

Evaluation****:

Cumulative Analysis

The award of the contract shall be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as both: a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and b) offering the lowest price/cost.

?The proposals will be evaluated using the cumulative analysis method with a split 70% technical and 30% financial scoring. The proposal with the highest cumulative scoring will be awarded the contract.

Applications will be evaluated technically, and points are attributed based on how well the proposal meets the requirements of the Terms of Reference using the guidelines detailed in the table below:

When using this weighted scoring method, the award of the contract may be made to the individual consultant whose offer has been evaluated and determined as:

a) responsive/compliant/acceptable, and

b) having received the highest score out of a pre-determined set of weighted technical and financial criteria specific to the solicitation.

* Technical Criteria weighting; 70%

* Financial Criteria weighting; 30%

Only candidates obtaining a minimum of 49 points (70% of the total technical points) would be considered for the Financial Evaluation. Interviews maybe conducted for shortlisted bidders only as part of the technical evaluation process to validate the technical evaluation scores maybe adjusted accordingly.

Documentation required

Interested individual consultants must submit the following documents/information to demonstrate their qualifications. Please group them into one (1) single PDF document as the application only allows to upload maximum one document:

• Cover letter, including a) a brief description of why the individual considers him/herself as the most suitable for the assignment.
• Personal CV, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of at least three (3) professional references.
• Letter of Confirmation of Interest and Availability using the template provided in Annex II.
• Financial proposal, as per template provided in Annex II.

Note: Successful individuals will be required to provide proof of medical insurance coverage before the commencement of contract for the duration of the assignment including signing UNDP declaration on the statement of good health.

Incomplete and joint proposals may not be considered. Consultants with whom there is further interest will be contacted.

The successful consultant shall opt to sign an Individual Contract or a Reimbursable Loan Agreement (RLA) through its company/employer with UNDP.

Women applicants are also encouraged to apply.

Annexes

• Annex I - Individual IC General Terms and Conditions
• Annex II – Offeror’s Letter to UNDP Confirming Interest and Availability for the Individual IC, including Financial Proposal Template

For any clarification regarding this assignment please write to Mr. Dale Kacivi at dale.kacivi@undp.org

All applications must be clearly marked with the title of consultancy and submitted by 5:00pm, 5th February 2021 (Fiji Time) online via UN Jobs website https://jobs.undp.org/ or etenderbox.pacific@undp.org