National Consultant - Trade Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a regional arm of the United Nations that was established in 195

• Its mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and promote international cooperation for Africa's development. ECA operates in multiple countries across the African continent and has a significant number of employees dedicated to various initiatives aimed at enhancing trade, economic growth, and sustainable development. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting African countries in their efforts to implement policies that align with the United Nations 2030 Agenda and the African Union Agenda 2063.

Job Overview:
The position of National Consultant - Trade Expert involves the development of a comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for Trading Goods under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) specifically for Liberia. This guide aims to improve access to trade and trade-related information for Liberian businesses, particularly focusing on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), women, and youth traders. The consultant will be responsible for conceptualizing, drafting, and finalizing this guide, which will serve as a practical tool for exporters and importers. The overarching goal is to enhance the capacity of these stakeholders to navigate the complexities of trade under the AfCFTA framework, thereby promoting effective participation in intra-African trade. The consultant will work closely with the Ministry of Commerce and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the guide is accurate, user-friendly, and tailored to the needs of the Liberian market.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including engaging with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Liberia Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders to assess the current state of Liberia’s trade policy and its engagement with the AfCFTA. They will conduct thorough research guided by a defined methodology, analyze Liberia’s national trade policy and the AfCFTA Agreement, and collect information from businesses to inform the guide's content. The consultant will develop a comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide, present it at a stakeholder validation workshop, and incorporate feedback from various participants to finalize the document. Additionally, the consultant may assist with translation and other related tasks as assigned by ECA and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or above) in economics, international trade, trade law, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the master's degree. A minimum of seven years of experience in trade-related research and/or analysis is required, along with demonstrated expert knowledge of the AfCFTA and Liberia’s trade policies. Strong analytical and report-writing skills are essential, and experience in interdisciplinary research related to trade-led integration in Africa is highly desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as economics, international trade, or trade law. A first-level university degree may be considered if accompanied by sufficient relevant experience. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of trade agreements and economic policies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in trade-related research and analysis. Candidates should have a proven track record of working with trade policies and economic frameworks, particularly in the context of Liberia and the AfCFTA. Experience in conducting and publishing research that addresses policy, economics, and legal aspects of trade integration is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is one of the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Proficiency in French is also beneficial, as it may enhance communication and collaboration within the context of the AfCFTA and the broader African trade environment.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for a duration of five months, and the work will be conducted remotely. The position does not involve any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.