Consultant for Trade Services Implementation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) plays a crucial role in supporting African countries in negotiations, ratification, and implementation of trade agreements, particularly the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Established to enhance economic development and integration across the continent, UNECA works with various stakeholders to strengthen national capacities and promote regional integration. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on economic research, policy analysis, and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The position of Consultant for Trade Services Implementation is designed to assist the Ministry of Commerce in Djibouti in enhancing the capabilities of national stakeholders involved in the optimal implementation of the AfCFTA services protocol. The consultant will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive initial report, developing training materials and modules, conducting training sessions, and providing a final consolidated report that includes recommendations and a national position note. This role is critical in ensuring that Djibouti can effectively engage with the AfCFTA framework, particularly in understanding the commitments related to service trade, regulatory frameworks, and economic implications. The consultant will work closely with various national stakeholders to facilitate a better understanding of the services protocol and its potential benefits for the country's economic diversification and growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct an initial assessment of the current understanding and capabilities of national stakeholders regarding the AfCFTA services protocol.
• Develop training materials and modules tailored to the needs of the stakeholders involved in the implementation of the protocol.
• Organize and conduct training sessions for relevant stakeholders, ensuring that the content is engaging and informative.
• Prepare a final consolidated report that summarizes the training outcomes, includes recommendations for further action, and provides a national position note on the services protocol.
• Collaborate with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant government agencies to ensure alignment with national development goals and strategies.
• Provide ongoing support and guidance to stakeholders as they implement the recommendations from the training sessions and reports.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the training and support provided, making adjustments as necessary to improve outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
• A Master's degree or PhD in statistics, economics, or a related field is required. • A minimum of 10 years of experience in collecting and analyzing trade data, particularly in services, is essential. • Proven experience in capacity building and training delivery is highly desirable. • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to diverse audiences. • Familiarity with the AfCFTA and its implications for trade in services is an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD in statistics, economics, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade data analysis and the economic principles underlying the AfCFTA.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience in the field of trade data collection and analysis, with a specific focus on services. This extensive experience is necessary to ensure that the consultant can effectively contribute to the capacity-building efforts of the Ministry of Commerce and other stakeholders in Djibouti.

Languages:
Fluency in French (both oral and written) is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to access a broader range of resources and information.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is three months. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This role is part of a collaborative effort supported by the Danish Government through the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving sustainable development goals.