Consultant for the Development of a Step-by-Step Guide for Trade in Goods

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), which was established to support the economic development of African countries. The UNECA aims to promote economic and social development through regional integration and cooperation. It operates in multiple countries across the African continent, working closely with various stakeholders including governments, private sector entities, and civil society organizations. The organization focuses on enhancing the capacity of African countries to implement policies that foster sustainable development and economic growth, aligning with the United Nations' broader goals.

Job Overview:
The position involves developing a comprehensive step-by-step guide for Senegalese businesses to navigate the requirements and procedures for trade in goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This guide is intended to improve access to commercial information for Senegalese enterprises, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as women and youth traders. The consultant will work closely with the Senegalese government and various stakeholders to ensure that the guide is practical and effective in facilitating trade participation. The overarching goal is to support the national implementation of the AfCFTA by enhancing private sector engagement and regulatory transparency, thereby contributing to the broader objectives of economic growth and sustainable development in Africa.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for several key tasks, including:

• Collaborating with the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Senegal and the National Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture of Senegal (UNCCIAS) to assess the current state of Senegal's trade policy and its engagement in the AfCFTA.
• Conducting research in accordance with the established methodology, with support from the Ministry and UNCCIAS.
• Analyzing Senegal's national trade policy, including the national implementation strategy for the AfCFTA, legal frameworks, and the AfCFTA agreement itself.
• Collecting and integrating information from selected Senegalese businesses regarding their experiences with exporting and importing goods, which will be anonymized and included as illustrative case studies in the guide.
• Developing a comprehensive step-by-step guide that incorporates national procedures and those specific to the AfCFTA, and presenting a draft at a stakeholder validation workshop.
• Incorporating feedback from the UNECA, the Ministry, UNCCIAS, and workshop participants to finalize the guide.
• Submitting the approved final version of the guide to the UNECA, the Ministry, and UNCCIAS, and assisting with translations into other official languages if necessary.
• Supporting any other tasks related to the above activities as assigned by the UNECA, the Ministry, or UNCCIAS.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in economics, international trade law, political economy, or related fields. A PhD is considered an asset. A minimum of seven years of experience in trade-related research and/or analysis is required. Candidates should have a deep understanding of the AfCFTA, Senegalese trade dynamics, economic policies, and the country's strategic priorities. Proven experience working in Senegal and familiarity with its institutional context are essential. Experience in conducting and publishing interdisciplinary research on the political, economic, and legal aspects of trade integration in Africa 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 law, political economy, or related fields is required for this position. A doctoral degree would be advantageous and enhance the candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in trade-related research and analysis. Candidates should have a strong background in the AfCFTA and its implications for trade in Senegal, as well as experience in working with governmental and non-governmental organizations in the region.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations. Proficiency in English is also beneficial, as it is another working language of the UN.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for four months and is primarily remote. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that applicants are not required to provide any financial information or bank account details.