Trade Analyst

The project of Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development sets as objective, provision of technical assistance to the League of Arab States, specifically Economic Sector and relevant organs, and member states of Pan Arab Free Trade Agreement (PAFTA) in working towards a deepened integration, including preparations for the Arab Customs Union. The second important component relates to strengthening the Arab connectivity among economies in the region with the expectation, these efforts would be translated into more contribution of economic integration for better livelihood of people, more employment opportunity and participation by the private sector. Trade has significant potential to fight poverty in Arab countries through generation of more income and access to markets.

Built on positive effects of the previous program of support, the current project focuses on specific aspects of making trade an engine of inclusive and sustainable growth guided by the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. The Project will focus on helping countries and the main sub-regional and regional integration entities to accelerate the pace of trade reforms and regional economic integration, to strengthen the employment effects of those reforms with particular focus on women and youth and to mobilize additional resources for this purpose.

The project aims to address specific challenges and complexities that Arab countries (and League of Arab States) face to enhance regional economic integration, more specifically in the transition from an FTA-based framework towards making the customs union a reality. The following presents major areas of focus:

• Provide a structured and targeted technical support to LAS Secretariat and Arab negotiators on trade policy formulation and reform under PAFTA.

• Provide assistance to the LAS Secretariat with a view of strengthening its organizational capacity in the pursuit of further facilitation of the regional economic integration agenda as well as promotion of trade liberalization.

• Assist target Arab countries with collaboration with national policy makers in trade and economic fields in efforts of modernization and reform of trade policy in taking into consideration new development.

• Facilitation of transport and trade activities constitutes one of key areas to support national programs of enhancement of national competitiveness and better market access and more integration of the value chain.

• Promotion of gender equality and women empowerment as well as generation of business and job opportunity for youth is also a key target of project activities. Good governance is also a pre-requisite in deepening Arab economic integration. These priority dimensions form a basis of the work program of the project.

Specifically, the project targets the following result-oriented activities:

1. Development of the technical framework and required instruments for the PAFTA Upgrading- as an upgrade from the existing PAFTA, and for the Arab Customs Union (ACU) preparations, to deepen Arab economic integration.

2. Reinforcement of mechanisms of policy design, measures of implementation and systems of documenting the progress of implementation to secure smooth acceleration of realization of regional commitments.

3. Building the technical capability and capacity of policy makers of Arab countries to support accelerated implementation of the PAFTA Upgrading and preparations for the ACU.

4. Introduction of institutional arrangements that are necessary for the LAS to respond to the requirements of implementation of the PAFTA Upgrading, and consequently of designing and establishing the ACU.

5. Delivery of awareness raising activities and provision of technical guidance on good governance and integrity approaches.

6. Promotion of regulatory transparency, open dialogues and consultations with related stakeholders, targeting all social groups but particularly women in participating to cross border operations and related economic activities, among others.

The project team will also cooperate with several national authorities and regional organizations in the implementation of defined activities in taking into account requirements and priorities of national socio- economic development plans. The execution will be carried out under rules and regulations by the UN applicable for Delegated Direct Implementation and fully aligned to UNDP Programme and Operations Policies and Procedures (POPP). 

In order to secure a timely and effective delivery of activities with specific targets, the project seeks provision of related services by a Junior Expert in trade and trade-related matters. S/he forms part of the expert team, responsible for the implementation of the project of Strengthening Arab Economic Integration for Sustainable Development, or AEISD during the period of January 2018 to 2020. The Junior Expert discharges her/his duties under the supervision and guidance of the Chief Technical Advisor of the project or CTA AEISD and would be supported by the team of domain experts.

The supervision by the CTA AEISD includes approvals/acceptance of works completed under the Functions/Key Results Expected listed hereafter. The incumbent is required to exhibit his or her full-time commitment to the UNDP-Regional Bureau for Arab States (Regional Programme).

Key Results Expected:

• Provides effective support to implementation of the AEISD.
• Coordination and administration of tasks.
• Client orientation and advocacy for goals of UNDP.

Corporate Competencies:

•       Adherence to the values and strategies of UNDP.

•       Commitment to the realization of the Strategic Plan of Regional Programme as part of the Strategic Plan of UNDP Functional Competencies:

•       Demonstrating sound and solid knowledge of trade policy, trade- and customs-related matters dealt with trade, investment and facilitation with strategic orientations.

•       Having the ability to analyze, coordinate and collaborate with project stakeholders in the delivery of defined activities.

•       Maintaining strong capability of conducting researches in specific assignments to support delivery of project activities, including basic statistics analysis. Commitment to complete works and assignments with the highest professional quality.

•       Demonstrating good understanding of gender issues, gender mainstreaming and gender empowerment in developing countries would be an asset.

•       Having the ability of providing effective support the project in collecting, analyzing and synthesizing necessary trade related information and data.

•       Demonstrating dedicated motivation for results and outputs in the discharge of official function.

•       Having strong capability in activity planning and preparation of reports.

•       Good understanding of public sector management and reform.

•       Ability to make decisions within the delegated authorities in a timely manner. 

Education: Bachelor's Degree in Economics, or International Trade, or International Trade Law, or Socio Economic sciences. 

Experience: Five years of experience in trade development and trade in the Arab region as minimum. Proven records in conducting trade-related research. Experience with UNDP in trade and economic development is an asset.

Other skills:

•       Having strong analytical skills in matters related to trade policy, included econometric techniques.

•       Being capable of developing communication materials in realizing communication strategies of the AEISD.

•       Being equipped with office administration skills.

•       Being able to carry out works of interpretation, translation of documents and communication when required. 

Language requirements: English and Arabic.

Important applicant information

All posts in the SC categories are subject to local recruitment.

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