Consultant National Expert en Commerce Électronique

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. It plays a crucial role in supporting African nations in their efforts to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement, which aims to enhance intra-African trade and sustainable development. The organization operates across multiple countries in Africa, focusing on various sectors including trade, regional integration, and economic development. UNECA collaborates with member states, regional organizations, and other stakeholders to facilitate policy formulation and implementation, ensuring that African countries can effectively engage in the global economy.

Job Overview:
The primary function of this position is to revise the National E-Commerce Strategy of Togo for the period 2022-2026, taking into account recent developments at national, regional, and continental levels. The consultant will evaluate the current implementation status of the strategy, identifying key achievements, constraints, gaps, and areas needing updates. The role involves informing and mobilizing national stakeholders about the challenges and opportunities related to e-commerce development, including aspects such as digital payments, connectivity, logistics, digital skills, regulatory frameworks, and digital trust. The revised strategy will align with recent technological and regulatory changes, national priorities, and relevant regional frameworks, including the ECOWAS Regional E-Commerce Strategy and the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade. The consultant will also focus on enhancing the participation of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), particularly those led by women and youth, in digital markets.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for conducting a rapid assessment of the current National E-Commerce Strategy of Togo, identifying its strengths and weaknesses. They will analyze relevant policies and programs to pinpoint achievements and areas needing updates. The consultant will engage in extensive consultations with stakeholders from the public and private sectors, financial and digital actors, logistics operators, consumer organizations, civil society, and academic institutions. They will collect and analyze primary and secondary data to update the e-commerce diagnostic in Togo, focusing on key factors that support its development. The consultant will draft a revised National E-Commerce Strategy document, including an institutional and technical implementation framework, a prioritized action plan, and a results measurement framework. They will present the draft strategy at a national workshop for review and validation, integrating feedback from stakeholders into the final document. Additionally, the consultant will submit reports on meetings and consultations conducted during the revision process.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, international trade, international relations, law" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">international law, or a related field. A PhD is considered an asset. A minimum of five years of professional experience in policy formulation and strategy development, international trade, statistics, development economics, and qualitative and quantitative research is required. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the AfCFTA, e-commerce in Togo, its regulatory and institutional environment, and national policies and priorities. Experience working in Togo and familiarity with its institutional context are essential. Knowledge of the digital trade environment in Africa and emerging challenges in international trade is desirable. Experience in research and analysis of e-commerce in Africa, as well as familiarity with regional and continental frameworks, particularly ECOWAS and AfCFTA, is highly desirable. Strong report writing skills and relevant experience are also preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, international trade, international relations, international law, or a related field is required. A doctoral degree is an advantage and may enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of relevant professional experience in areas such as policy formulation, strategy development, international trade, and economic research. Experience in the specific context of Togo and knowledge of its regulatory framework are crucial for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in French is required for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in English is also beneficial but not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for five months. The consultant will work remotely and will be supervised by the Director of the UNECA Subregional Office for West Africa and the Acting Director of the Regional Integration and Trade Division. The consultant will be required to submit deliverables for payment approval by UNECA, following validation by the designated focal point from the Togolese Ministry of Commerce.