International Consultant to Support South Sudan WTO Access process and National Implementation Unit (NIU)

Background

The Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF) for Trade related Technical Assistance in Least Developed Countries, is a multi-donor programme which supports LDCs to be more active players in the global trading system. The programme works towards a wider goal of promoting economic growth and sustainable development and helping to lift more people out of poverty. It assists LDCs with the following objectives: 

• mainstream trade into national development strategies; 
• set up structures needed to coordinate the delivery of trade-related technical assistance; and 
• build capacity to trade, which also includes addressing critical supply-side constraints. 

The EIF has approved a Tier 1 ‘Enhancing Institutional Capacities for Trade Integration and Economic Diversification Project’ in South Sudan which commenced in July 2018. The main objective of this project is to strengthen the capacity of institutions and stakeholders in South Sudan to formulate and implement trade policies that support poverty reduction, inclusive economic growth and equitable sustainable development. The project aims to support the operations and activities of the National Implementation Unit (NIU) as lead agency responsible for the formulation and implementation of trade policy in South Sudan, aligned to national development objectives. It will also help improve donor coordination and Aid-for-Trade (AfT) delivery in line with the Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness and the Forum Compact. 

 Under the Supervision of the EIF Focal Point, the guidance of the South Sudan EIF National Steering Committee (NSC) and the United Nations Development Programme, and in close collaboration with the EIF Project Coordinator, the International consultant will support the effective management of the South Sudan National Implementation Unit (NIU); the implementation of the NIU action plan; enhance the participation of national stakeholders in the EIF’s activities, including other ministerial departments, the private sector, civil society and development partners. The international consultant will also provide technical support to South Sudan on the WTO Accession Process.

The international consultant will assist to identify and formulate EIF Tier 2 projects; support the Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) and Action Matrix update; and facilitate the mainstreaming of trade in the national development plan and sectoral strategies. In addition, the consultant will provide technical assistance in implementation of Trade Policy Framework (TPF) for South Sudan. 

In close collaboration with the NIU, the international consultant will support all stakeholders in South Sudan, including the Government, the NSC, private sector and Civil Society representatives to build capacity in the formulation and implementation of trade policy that supports poverty reduction and sustainable development. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Support to National Implementation Unit (NIU)

The International consultant will be responsible, in particular, for the following: 

• Assisting the EIF Coordinator in the formulation of a strategic approach to the plan of action and activities of the NIU, in line with guidance provided by the NSC, the supervision of the Focal Point, and in collaboration with UNDP; 
• Developing and supporting the implementation of a capacity development programme for members of the NIU and NSC for the management, monitoring, evaluation and analysis of trade-related programmes; 
• Supporting the EIF Coordinator for effective management of the NIU’s day-to-day activities; 
• Participating in the identification and formulation of EIF Tier 2 and other AfT programmes reflecting the priorities identified in the DTIS and its Action Matrix; 
• Supporting the Ministry of Trade, Industry and East African Community Affairs in trade policy work, providing technical assistance for: Support for adoption and implementation of TPF for South Sudan; Implementation of trade policies and strategies; Provision of advice to senior officials for regional and international trade agreement negotiations including EAC, WTO, COMESA and IGAD. 
• Assisting the Coordinator to develop and maintain effective working relations with other technical ministerial departments, especially the Ministry of Finance and Planning (MoFP) which plays a critical role in mainstreaming trade in the national development plan and in poverty reduction strategies; and to develop and deliver capacity development programmes on trade mainstreaming, targeting planners in a “whole of Government” approach and non-government actors to trade policy implementation. 
• Assisting the NIU, in coordination with the Planning and Budget and the Aid Financial Management Departments of the MOFP, to develop and implement a coherent plan for the coordination of development assistance related to trade and mobilize resources for trade-related priorities as reflected in the DTIS and its Action Matrix. This will also entail engagement with donors and development partners to ensure they are versed with development in the AfT environment. 

Support towards South Sudan World Trade Organization (WTO) Accession

On South Sudan WTO accession, the international consultant will be responsible for the following:

• Draft the Memorandum on the Foreign Trade Regime (MFTR)
• Revision of the MFTR for Circulation to Members
• Draft responses to Members' questions on the MFTR
• Support the drafting of the Legislation Action Plan
• Support consolidation of questions and replies that emerged from Working Party Meetings 
• Draft Market Access offer for Goods – and revisions
• Draft Market Access offer for Services - and revisions 
• Provide input and review of the Factual Summary of Points Raised
• Provide technical input for the drafting and finalization of accession related documents and checklists and any revisions – as required
• Provide technical support and advice to the Chief Negotiator concerning WTO Accession process 
• Participate in awareness raising campaigns at the national level to explain the WTO accession process
• Provide any other technical input, as instructed by the Government of South Sudan based on evolving needs and priorities, to support the Accession process of South Sudan

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities skills;
• Ability to plan, organize, implement and report on work;
• Outstanding communication, project management and organizational skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and good team work skills.
• Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
• Positive, constructive attitude to work;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability.
• Knowledge of development projects and programmes especially programmes financed by international development partners.
• Strong knowledge of trade policy issues and policy formulation and analysis
• Understanding of the unique situation in LDC, its isolation and its barriers to trade

Required Skills and Experience

Educational Qualifications: 

• Minimum Master’s in economics, international trade or related disciplines or proven relevant working experience equivalent to a master’s degree in economic development. 

Experience: 

• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience in economic policy and research particularly trade policy development and capacity development, including in LDCs and/or other developing countries. 
• Relevant experience in trade policy development and capacity development in East Africa particularly South Sudan
• Project/programme management experience including in the formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade-related programmes. 
• Previous work in working in Sub-Saharan Countries, particularly South Sudan
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical skills and ability to work with local population
• Proven ability to work with bilateral organizations and representation in the WTO an advantage
• Knowledge of the requirements of WTO accession and the commitments involved in WTO Agreements and the EAC commitments. Understanding of the political, trade and economic interests of South Sudan; capability to quickly grasp South Sudan's various negotiating interests and sensitivities in their negotiating positions
• Sound analytical skills; ability to research and organize background material; ability to prepare and review briefs and reports on accession- and trade-related issues.

Language:

• Excellent writing and oral skills in English