Regional report on the use of blockchain in trade facilitation in the Arab region

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

The consultant will prepare a report on the use of blockchain in trade facilitation in the Arab region in English or Arabic that provides an overall view of the status of blockchain use in trade facilitation in the Arab region including current projects, existing and potential opportunities, challenges faced and a strategy for the region to utilize this technology to enhance trade facilitation performance in the region thus increasing trade.

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

2.5 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: Blockchain is quickly transforming the way data is stored and managed. The technology is considered to be an important aspect in several sectors, including cross-border trade and the global supply chain. Several challenges exist along the supply chain, impacting logistics functions. Difficulties often emerge from the lack of transparency, speed, and traceability. The blockchain technology is believed to solve some of these key challenges by providing a set of records that can be tracked and evaluated at all levels of the supply chain by all parties. Its main objective is to create an automated process, reducing the use of paperwork and supporting traceability. The following are key features of blockchain that can be used in logistics: Transparency: - Integrate all data by all parties into one source. - History of clients or suppliers recorded, making it easier to assess their creditworthiness. - Provides accurate information on the status of events for better traceability. Security: - Secure platform to exchange information. - Inability to tamper with information since every information is securely recorded in the chain. Easing the process: - Using smart contracts to increase the level of automation and combine processes such as payment, settlement of tariffs, or cargo checks. - Removing intermediaries at several stages of the chain, by creating a trustworthy environment. Efficient process: - Reduce costs by avoiding errors and redundancies. - Faster automated process, with less room for human error. Some countries have already initiated projects to use the technology in several areas such as the transfer of digital documents, digital bill of lading, and automated customs systems. Most of the efforts that were put in place by governments are in different phases, with very little known about the impact of these project on the actual overall status of trade facilitation in the region. Duties and Responsibilities: The consultant will prepare a report on the use of blockchain in trade facilitation in the Arab region which contains the below: - A situation analysis of the current status of use of blockchain technology in trade facilitation projects in the region. - An overview of the challenges of using the technology in the region. - Legal and regulatory requirements for the smooth adaptation of the technology in the region. - An identification of opportunities for using blockchain for solving some of the issues in the trade regime in the region. - A set of recommendations for an intra-regional projects that could help to foster intra-regional trade and integration among the Arab countries.

Qualifications/special skills

A Master's degree in economics, business administration or technology is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 10 years of professional work experience in designing or applying technology to trade and Trade development strategies is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic or English is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.