Consultant International

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) is dedicated to supporting African countries in their development efforts. Established to promote economic and social development in Africa, UNECA works with various stakeholders to enhance the continent's integration into the global economy. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, focusing on capacity building, policy formulation, and technical assistance to help nations achieve sustainable development goals. UNECA plays a crucial role in facilitating dialogue among member states and providing a platform for sharing best practices and experiences.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is pivotal in assisting Djibouti's authorities in enhancing their trade statistics, particularly in the services sector. This role is part of a broader initiative to implement the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and aligns with Djibouti's Vision 2035, which aims to position the country as a regional economic hub. The consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive analysis of the current state of trade statistics, identifying gaps, and proposing actionable strategies to improve data collection and reporting in accordance with international standards. This position requires a deep understanding of trade dynamics, particularly in services such as transport, telecommunications, finance, and tourism, which are increasingly vital for economic growth. The consultant will also facilitate workshops and collaborate with national stakeholders to validate findings and ensure that the proposed strategies are practical and aligned with national priorities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Conducting a diagnostic assessment of the current trade statistics framework in Djibouti, focusing on the services sector.
• Mapping institutional capacities and identifying key stakeholders involved in trade data collection and analysis.
• Developing a comprehensive report that includes an analysis of existing data, gaps, and recommendations for improvement.
• Organizing a national validation workshop to present findings and gather feedback from relevant stakeholders.
• Finalizing a revised report that incorporates stakeholder observations and aligns with the national strategy for AfCFTA implementation.
• Ensuring that all recommendations adhere to international standards, particularly EBOPS 2010, to enhance the reliability and usability of trade statistics.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or PhD in statistics, economics, or a related field. A minimum of 7 years of experience in trade data collection and analysis, particularly in the services sector, is essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a strong understanding of international trade frameworks and statistical methodologies. Proven experience in working with governmental or international organizations on trade-related projects will be highly regarded. Additionally, the candidate should have excellent analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex data in a clear and concise manner.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree or PhD in statistics, economics, or a closely related discipline is required for this position. This educational background is crucial as it provides the theoretical and practical knowledge necessary for conducting high-level analyses and developing effective strategies for improving trade statistics.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in the field of trade data collection and analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of working on projects related to trade statistics, particularly in the services sector. Experience in collaborating with government agencies and international organizations will be beneficial, as it demonstrates the ability to navigate complex institutional environments and engage with various stakeholders effectively.

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 literature related to trade statistics.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for a duration of 3 months, during which the consultant will be required to deliver specific reports and facilitate workshops. The role is classified as a consultancy, and it is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process. This includes application, interview, processing, or training stages. The organization is committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in its recruitment practices.