Local Senior Specialist in International Trade (Subject-specific studies on potential export markets) - Prishtine and Prizren

Prishtine and Prizren, Kosovo, UN Administered TerritoryStarting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start)Duration of Initial Contract :26 May – 22 Jul 2014 ( 27 w/days within this period)Expected Duration of Assignment :26 May – 22 Jul 2014 ( 27 w/days within this period)Exporting is considered to be one of the main drivers towards economic development and growth, in particular for small developing countries like Kosovo. Increasing exports provides new opportunities for enterprises and entrepreneurs to further increase their productivity levels, expand and upgrade their production, and create more and better jobs.Several most pressing economic and labour market challenges that Kosovo is facing include the high unemployment rate, the low employment rate, the increasing inactivity rate among unemployed and the lack of skilled workforce as well as low production and processing capacity of the operating businesses. Although exports have experienced a positive increase in the last decade, imports have been continuously high resulting in persisting trade deficit.Aid for Trade (AfT) acknowledges the importance of exporting in employment generation, poverty reduction, and sustainable economic growth and tries to tackle the issue through several interventions within the project’s framework. The first step towards expanding the geographical scope of doing business is gathering information on potential export markets. A baseline assessment study covering the following business sectors: Agricultural produce, Food processing, Construction materials, Wood processing, Artisanal crafts and Tourism in the South region of Kosovo, conducted by UNDP Aid for Trade project, highlighted the need of businesses for greater flow of information on potential export markets. The subject-specific studies together with the list of potential partners should be compiled primarily for the countries, or block of countries, with which Kosovo either has specific trade arrangements, or those that specific arrangements are being negotiated. These include CEFTA countries, the EU and Turkey (GSP countries such as the USA could also be considered) as these countries provide greater opportunities and easier access for Kosovo businesses.    
The overall objective of the assignment is to provide the businesses with concise and thorough information on existing regulations and tariffs effective in potential export markets.   Subject-specific studies should present information in a comprehensive and clear manner addressing all important issues relevant to the above specified sectors, such as: import regulation studies (sanitary and phyto-sanitary issues, packaging regulations, etc.), studies on import tariff structure, studies on rules of origin, and other related information.  In addition, the consultant is expected to analyze and present the role of support organizations in meeting the requirements, namely regulatory bodies, public organizations, local agencies, financing institution, etc. in Kosovo.
Moreover, the report should also provide more in-depth relevant information on potential export markets to the public institutions, market operators, industry associations, educational and research institutions, etc.
The assignment will be conducted in line with the UN 8 Point Agenda and the UNDP Gender responsive mandate.Under the direct supervision of the  UNDP Aid for Trade project manager, in close cooperation with international consultant and local consultant involved in this activity, in consultation with designated local authorities in respective municipalities, and in accordance with the Kosovo context, the local consultant is expected to:Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the general economic developments and trends in Kosovo focusing on the negotiated and on-going trade arrangements related to the subjects under study; Develop a subject relevant mapping exercise and compile a summary of the relevant documents, strategies, publications, laws and legal acts and prepare an overview of the past and current development interventions implemented by local and international entities including objectives and results achieved relevant to the assignment;Compile a list of relevant policymakers and other stakeholders to be met;  draft a list of issues/topics for discussion and conduct interviews;Draft the structure and content of subject-specific studies;Prepare draft report study covering all relevant issues as specified in the Objective of the Assignment, providing an overview of best practices/approach applied in regional countries;Submit the final report study incorporating recommendations for fulfilling the required conditions and criteria for export and specify the role of relevant institutions and organizations in accomplishing them;Present and discuss the main findings of the report through a validation workshop;Findings on all of the above will be part of a final report that will be delivered for validation to UNDP.  Comprehensive analysis on relevant general economic development and trade arrangements is conductedEstimated Duration to Complete

Target Due Dates

Project Manager/ Programme Analyst

Deliverables/ Outputs

Mapping exercise of relevant materials and overview of developments is developedEstimated Duration to Complete

Target Due Dates

Project Manager/ Programme AnalystList of related policymakers to be met and  draft list of issues for discussion is compiled;Estimated Duration to Complete Project Manager/ Programme AnalystMeetings and interviews with adequate representatives are conducted and minutes are preparedEstimated Duration to Complete Project Manager/ Programme AnalystStructure and content of subject-specific report study is draftedEstimated Duration to Complete Project Manager/ Programme Analyst First draft of subject-specific report study providing an overview of best practices is submitted Estimated Duration to CompleteProject Manager/ Programme AnalystFinal draft of subject-specific report study including recommendations is submittedEstimated Duration to CompleteProject Manager/ Programme AnalystValidation workshop is organizedEstimated Duration to CompleteProject Manager/ Programme AnalystFinal report is submitted and validated.Estimated Duration to Complete Project Manager/ Programme Analyst
Deliverables / Final Products ExpectedThe duration of the assignment is 27 working days. The first draft of the report is expected by 27 June 2014. The final draft is expected three days after the international consultant and project expert team reviews and comments the first draft.
All deliverables are to be implemented in close cooperation with the local and international consultants involved in the activity while the Project Manager of the UNDP Aid for Trade Project will validate and approve them.
Findings from the report presented and elaborated with relevant stakeholders through organized discussion/workshop.
Scope of price proposal and schedule of payments20% upon successful completion of first two deliverables;20% upon successful completion of the third and fourth deliverable;25% upon successful completion of the fifth and sixth deliverable;35% upon successful completion of last three deliverables. Recommended Presentation of OfferThe following documents may be requested:Personal CV and P11, indicating all past experience from similar projects, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate and at least three (3) professional references;Financial Proposal that indicates the all-inclusive fixed total contract price. The Offeror must indicate at this point, and ensure that all such costs are duly incorporated in the financial proposal submitted to UNDP.  Provide a list of similar profiles prepared during previous work experience. Criteria for Selection of the Best OfferThis section should indicate all the criteria which shall serve as basis for evaluating offers, which may be done in either of the following manner :Combined Scoring method – where the qualifications and methodology will be weighted a max. of 70%, and combined with the price offer which will be weighted a max of 30%.Click on the "Apply now" button; Input your information in the appropriate Sections: personal information, language proficiency, education, resume and motivation. You can type in, or paste your short Resume into the last box; Upon completion of the first page, please hit "submit application" tab at the end of the page. On the next page, you will be asked to upload your Resume; System will only allow one attachment. All docs (CV; P11; financial offer; list of similar profiles should be included as one attachment).In-depth understanding of general information on subject-specific issues related to exports;Ability to synthesize research and draw conclusions on the related subjects; Good analytical and report writing skills;Good communication skills;Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment;Excellent and team-building skills;Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability in the assigned process;Builds strong relationships with clients and external actors;Responds positively to critical feedback. Master degree in International Trade with extensive professional knowledge on development of subject-specific studies on potential export markets.Minimum seven years of demonstrated work experience with private sector, international development agencies or NGO’s and substantive exposure to international trade matters and export-related projects;Proven extensive knowledge and expertise in the regional and national competitiveness issues;    Knowledge and experience working with private sector officials at national level;Fluency in English, Albanian and/or Serbian languages. UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

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