Extended Term Consultant - Senior Trade Facilitation and SPS Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The World Bank, a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), is a global organization dedicated to addressing the world's most pressing development challenges. Established in 1944, the World Bank has grown to encompass a diverse community of professionals working across various sectors and disciplines. With over 10,000 employees and operations in 145 countries, the organization aims to reduce poverty and support sustainable development through financial and technical assistance. The World Bank operates more than 182 offices worldwide, collaborating with governments, private sectors, and development partners to create scalable, data-driven solutions that improve lives and generate better job opportunities.

Job Overview:
The Extended Term Consultant - Senior Trade Facilitation and SPS Expert will play a crucial role in the Trade Policy and Facilitation Unit (WKPTT) within the Prosperity Vice-Presidency of the World Bank. This position focuses on providing analytical, advisory, financial, and convening services related to trade facilitation, trade policy, logistics, and regional integration. The expert will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and related sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) reforms. The role requires a combination of specialized knowledge in trade facilitation and SPS measures, as well as the ability to work collaboratively with regional teams to enhance trade processes and improve border management. The consultant will engage in diagnostics, assessments, and provide technical advisory inputs to ensure effective implementation of trade facilitation measures that align with international standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Trade Facilitation and SPS Expert will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including: conducting diagnostics and country assessments to evaluate the status of TFA implementation, reviewing SPS-related border processes, and assessing the performance of single-window arrangements. The expert will provide technical advisory inputs on trade facilitation and SPS-related border controls, prepare advisory notes and policy briefs, and contribute to operational documents. Additionally, the consultant will develop training materials and capacity-building programs for customs and SPS agencies, ensuring that stakeholders are equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to implement effective trade facilitation measures. The role also involves synthesizing trade facilitation performance and providing recommendations to reduce time and costs for private sector traders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields such as economics, international trade, law, public policy, customs administration, agriculture, food safety, veterinary science, or plant health. A minimum of 8 years of substantive professional experience in trade facilitation, border management, and SPS-related trade work is required. Experience in a senior position within a country SPS agency is advantageous. Candidates should demonstrate technical expertise in WTO TFA implementation and possess strong knowledge of border agency modernization, risk management, and coordinated border management. Excellent written and oral communication skills in English are mandatory, with additional language skills in French, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, or other relevant languages being a plus.

Educational Background:
The position requires an advanced university degree, such as a Master's degree or equivalent, in fields pertinent to the role. This includes disciplines like economics, international trade, law, public policy, customs administration, agriculture, food safety, veterinary science, or plant health. Candidates with significant experience in a country Government SPS agency may also be considered, even if they do not hold a formal advanced degree.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 8 years of substantive professional experience in areas related to trade facilitation, border management, and SPS-related trade work. This experience should ideally include a background in supporting developing or least-developed countries in implementing trade facilitation measures. Candidates with experience in senior roles within SPS agencies will have a competitive advantage, as will those who have implemented e-phyto systems in developing countries.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as it is the primary language of communication within the World Bank. Additionally, a working knowledge of other languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic is considered advantageous, particularly for engaging with stakeholders in target countries and enhancing communication effectiveness.

Additional Notes:
This position is a local recruitment opportunity based in Washington DC, with a term duration of one year, extendable to three years based on performance and delivery of outputs. The role may require significant travel to client countries as needed. The World Bank Group emphasizes a culture of urgency, thoughtful risk-taking, and empowerment, and is committed to being an equal opportunity employer. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and without discrimination.