Consultant on Market Study for the Building Materials Sector in Oman

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Position Title: Consultant on Market Study for the Building Materials Sector in Oman
Location: Beirut, Remote
Country: Lebanon
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Center of Oman, which aims to foster a competitive market environment in the Sultanate of Oman. This center plays a crucial role in ensuring fair competition and addressing market distortions that can hinder economic growth. The organization is focused on enhancing the quality of local products, reducing dependence on imports, and promoting economic sustainability. It operates within the context of the broader economic framework of Oman, which is heavily reliant on its building sector as a cornerstone for infrastructure development and economic growth.

Job Overview:
The Consultant will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive market study to evaluate the competitiveness of the building materials sector in Oman. This role involves assessing various aspects of the market, including quantitative metrics such as cost efficiency and productivity, as well as qualitative factors like innovation capacity and the regulatory environment. The Consultant will work closely with the project team and the Oman Competition Authority to refine the analysis and ensure that the final report provides actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing the sector's competitiveness and long-term sustainability. The position is expected to be remote and will last for a duration of six months, during which the Consultant will engage with stakeholders, conduct interviews, and facilitate workshops to gather insights and discuss market challenges.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Consultant's duties and responsibilities include:

• Defining the market scope, including geographical and product segmentation, and identifying key characteristics of the sector.
• Assessing market concentration and firm behavior through relevant competition indicators.
• Evaluating supply and demand factors, including market size, production capacity, external trade, and key economic drivers.
• Analyzing pricing trends, cost structures, market behavior, and potential anti-competitive pricing patterns.
• Identifying barriers to entry, including regulatory constraints, environmental and procurement laws, and the impact of market conditions.
• Investigating potential anti-competitive practices, including abuse of dominance, collusion, and restrictive business behaviors.
• Examining the regulatory framework and its implications for market competition and business operations.
• Mapping the value chain to understand the role of various market participants and their influence on competition.
• Conducting a comparative assessment against selected regional markets (e.g., the building materials sector in UAE, KSA, and Qatar) to identify best practices and areas for improvement. 1
• Analyzing the broader economic impact of the sector, including contributions to growth, employment, and investment trends. 1
• Facilitating workshops and meetings to engage stakeholders, gather insights, and discuss market challenges. 1
• Conducting interviews and consultations with key industry players, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. 1
• Organizing missions to assess market conditions on the ground and engage with relevant stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, or a related field. A PhD in these areas is desirable. All candidates are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, a minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, particularly within the industrial sector, is required. Candidates should have experience in contributing to analytical papers and conducting in-depth market studies, including analyzing value chains, market trends, and competitive landscapes. Experience in comparative analyses and assessing economic competitiveness in relation to neighboring countries is also desirable, along with an understanding of the economic structures and policy environments within GCC countries. Previous experience working with international organizations is a plus.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master's degree in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, or any related field. A PhD in these areas is considered an asset. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications, as failure to do so will result in their application being disregarded.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in economic analysis, with a strong focus on the industrial sector. Candidates should have a proven track record of contributing to analytical papers and conducting comprehensive market studies. Experience in comparative analyses and assessing economic competitiveness, particularly in relation to neighboring countries, is highly desirable. Familiarity with the economic structures and policy environments within GCC countries will be beneficial, as will previous experience working with international organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding. Additionally, knowledge of French is considered a good asset, although it is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote and is expected to last for a duration of six months. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.