National consultant on resumption of the operation of the National Trade Facilitation Committee meetings (SSAs)

Background:
The OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe in co-operation with the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade is planning to resume the operation of the National Trade Facilitation Committee by providing platforms to convene regular national multi-stakeholder platform meetings with the participation of the representatives of the state institutions, private sector, and development partners. It is envisaged that the meetings will reinforce current co-operation and compliance with WTO requirements, as well as address the challenges related to TFA reforms. Through a joint and collaborative approach comprised of 17 relevant ministries and agencies, the meetings will also include review of the implementation progress and provide practical advisory platform on simplification of barriers hindering to cross-border trade framework in light of recent introduction and enaction of e-CMR Protocol and e-TIR under the TIR Convention and several other obligations undertaken in view of signing regional agreements and joining to expert group platforms.

Objective of Assignment: 
A National Consultant in close co-operation with the MEDT relevant department and under the supervision of Economic and Good Governance Officer will ensure the effective functioning of the National Trade Facilitation Committee’s Secretariat. An incumbent consultant will provide analytical, coordination, and administrative support to the Committee’s activities aimed at simplifying, harmonizing, and standardizing foreign trade and cargo transportation procedures.

Duration of Assignment:
90 days

Tasks and Responsibilities:
Under the overall supervision of the Economic and Good Governance Officer, the successful candidate will be tasked with the following duties:

1. Providing analytical support in collecting, substantive analysis, and systematization of incoming proposals, and preparation and presentation of a consolidated list of priority issues for consideration by Committee members during regular meetings;

2. Ensuring interagency co-ordination through organization and facilitation of discussions on the simplification, harmonization, and standardization of foreign trade and logistics (cargo transportation) procedures with all relevant stakeholders, including line ministries, international organizations, private sector;

3. Providing systematic monitoring of the implementation and timely completion of decisions and actions adopted by the Committee during its meetings;

4. Co-ordination with international partners on timely support in the establishment and maintenance of operational co-ordination between the Committee and the Development Coordination Council (DCC), including its thematic and sectoral working groups;

5. Developing methodologies and prepare detailed Terms of Reference (ToRs) for specialized working groups established under the Committee (both ad-hoc and permanent);

6. Timely provision of information to the  Committee members, management, and relevant officials on the status and implementation results of previously adopted decisions.

Please note that this consultancy position is open only to citizens or permanent residents of Tajikistan and is based on-site in Tajikistan.
 

Deliverables: 

• Analytical support is provided in collection of substantive analysis, and systematization of incoming proposals; 
  Interagency co-ordination through organization and facilitation of discussions on the simplification, harmonization, and standardization of foreign trade and logistics (cargo transportation) procedures are ensured;

• Systematic monitoring of timely implementation of decisions and actions adopted by the Committee is provided;

• Timely support in co-ordination with the international partners as well as maintenance of the operational co-ordination between the Committee and DCC is provided;

• Detailed ToRs and methodologies are prepared for specialized working groups established under the Committee;

• Necessary information is provided to the Committee members.

For more detailed information on the structure and work of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, please see: https://dushanbe.osce.org/.

Necessary Qualifications:

• University degree in Economics, International Trade, Law, Business Administration or related fields;

• Minimum 5 (five) years of proven professional experience in the field of economic development;

• Knowledge of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement, Republic of Tajikistan’s obligations, comprehension of the functions of the National Trade Facilitation Committee;

• Excellent research and technical writing skills, advanced knowledge of Tajikistan’s economy and trade;

• Excellent communication skills and teamwork;

• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office applications and online databases;

• Professional fluency in Tajik and English, knowledge of Russian would be considered as an asset;

• Demonstrated gender awareness and sensitivity, and an ability to integrate a gender perspective into tasks and activities;

• Ability and willingness to work as a member of team, with people of different cultural, and religious backgrounds, different gender, and diverse political views, while maintaining impartiality and objectivity.

Remuneration Package:

Remuneration will be based on the selected consultant's/expert's qualifications, experience, the tasks and deliverables for this position and in accordance with the OSCE established rates.

If you wish to apply for this position, please use the OSCE's online application link found under https://vacancies.osce.org/.

The OSCE retains the discretion to re-advertise/re-post the vacancy, to cancel the recruitment or to offer an appointment with a modified job description or for a different duration.

Only those candidates who are selected to participate in the subsequent stages of recruitment will be contacted.

The OSCE is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce, and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all religious, ethnic and social backgrounds to apply to become a part of the Organization. 

Candidates should be aware that OSCE officials shall conduct themselves at all times in a manner befitting the status of an international civil servant. This includes avoiding any action which may adversely reflect on the integrity, independence and impartiality of their position and function as officials of the OSCE. The OSCE is committed to applying the highest ethical standards in carrying out its mandate. For more information on the values set out in OSCE Competency Model, please see https://jobs.osce.org/resources/document/our-competency-model.

Please be aware that the OSCE does not request payment at any stage of the application and review process.