International Consultant on Transit Transport and Trade Facilitation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is a part of the United Nations that focuses on trade, investment, and development issues. Established in 1964, UNCTAD aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the world economy. It operates in over 190 countries and has a mission to support developing nations in their efforts to achieve sustainable development through trade and investment. UNCTAD conducts research, provides technical assistance, and facilitates dialogue among member states to address global economic challenges.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant on Transit Transport and Trade Facilitation involves producing a comprehensive strategic analysis of the current transit and transport situation on the Cotonou–Niamey corridor. The consultant will be responsible for formulating operational recommendations and developing a roadmap for implementing reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency, reliability, fluidity, interoperability, and competitiveness of the corridor. This role is crucial in the context of the COTONI project, which is funded by the European Union and focuses on transit, transport, and trade facilitation in West Africa. The consultant will work closely with various stakeholders to ensure that the project objectives are met and that the recommendations are actionable and relevant to the current challenges faced in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks under the supervision of the Chief of the Program Section. Key responsibilities include:

• Developing a model manual for calculating the operating costs and returns of road freight transport vehicles.
• Designing and facilitating a training workshop on mastering the calculation of operating costs and returns for road freight transport vehicles, aimed at transporters, clients, and public sector personnel involved in transport. This training will be complemented by the production of a digitalized calculation manual.
• Organizing and leading a workshop in Benin to update the draft agreement on the unique transit guarantee and the quadrilateral transport agreement validated in 2023, adapting them to recent developments and negotiations related to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) concerning services trade.
• Finalizing the draft decree on transport and intermediation in consultation with the relevant authorities.
• Adapting a legal framework applicable to the National Committee for Freight Transport (CNFE) and the National Committee for Freight Transport (CNFT) to propose regulatory adjustments ensuring that the CNFT remains the technical sub-committee of the CNFE, thereby ensuring coherence in TTD activities.
• Assisting digital systems experts and preparing a comprehensive study on the interoperability of systems within the TTD framework.
• Finalizing agreements with stakeholders from Niger, Burkina Faso, and Togo regarding the quadrilateral transport agreements and implementing the unique customs transit guarantee with support from Enabel and TMA.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in law or development economics. Additionally, a minimum of 10 years of experience in the fields of transport, transit, and trade facilitation is required. The consultant should have a strong understanding of the complexities involved in transit and transport issues, particularly in the West African context, and should be able to demonstrate a proven track record of successfully managing similar projects.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master's degree (second cycle university degree) in law or development economics. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to address the challenges associated with transit and transport facilitation effectively.

Experience:
The position requires at least 10 years of relevant experience in transport, transit, and trade facilitation. This level of experience is crucial for understanding the intricate dynamics of the transport sector in West Africa and for providing informed recommendations that can lead to effective reforms and improvements in the corridor's operations.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken French is mandatory for this position. Given the regional context, proficiency in additional languages such as English or Portuguese may be considered an asset, but French remains the primary language of communication for this role.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based, with an expected duration from September 1, 2026, to March 30, 202

• It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. The organization also does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.