The consultant contributes to the effective identification and elimination of NTBs in the Tripartite and AfCFTA; as well as the increased transparency on non-tariff measures in AfCFTA member States.
Work LocationHome-based
Expected duration
Contract duration: 1 March to 31 July 2022
Effective working time: 5 months
Place of work: Home-based
The consultant will contribute to the overall project "AfCFTA support programme to eliminate non-tariff barriers, increase regulatory transparency and promote industrial diversification (Phase 2)" which focuses on enhancing trade by building the capacity of African stakeholders to address the key objectives of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods, i.e. (1) non-tariff measures/barriers and related transparency and (2) industrial diversification, to strengthen Africa's competitiveness and employment.
Against this context and under the overall guidance of an Economic Affairs Officer of Trade Analysis Branch, DITC, the consultant will wok on the following objectives:
Deliverable 1:
Provide continuous support to AfCFTA NTB National Focal Points in all Tripartite Member/Partner States in the operational utilization of the AfCFTA NTB online tool and mechanism. The consultant shall:
a. Conduct effective awareness activities to the private sector on the AfCFTA NTB Online Tool in the Tripartite.
b. Support the AfCFTA NTB Coordination Unit in the screening of incoming NTB reports, monitoring and facilitate resolution by processing NTBs reported by or against Tripartite Member States (as requesting or responding party, or both).
Deliverable 2:
Comprehensive Non-Tariff Measures data collection in 6 Tripartite countries (3 new and 2 updates, plus 1):
a. Collect NTMs data in Burundi, South Sudan and Lesotho (Tripartite Member/Partner States) who have shown interest to actively participate in a comprehensive NTM data collection effort to achieve regulatory transparency.
b. Collect data to upgrade NTMs databases for Uganda and Tanzania.
c. One additional country is identified and collected comprehensively.
d. Lead the training of government officials from the above countries to identify all trade-related regulations and to use of online data entry on the "TRAINS online" portal.
e. Support project management and governments in validating the collected NTM data in the countries.
Deliverable 3:
Roll out the SMS reporting feature in 3 Tripartite countries:
a. Among the AfCFTA Member States / State Parties that expressed interest in the roll-out of the SMS reporting feature at the respective AfCFTA expert workshop on 16 December 2020, identify the most suitable and interested candidates that are able to cover the costs of the required phone, phone network charges and staffing.
b. Support the practical roll-out of the feature in 3 countries and ensure full functionality through testing;
c. Support national awareness raising on the feature to ensure that NTBs are reported by small traders.
Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree, Master, in economics, law, business administration or related subject. A specialization related to trade would be an advantage.
Experience: At least five years of experience in relation to non-tariff barriers in Africa is required. Particular experience building capacity or providing training for trade and on non-tariff measures and barriers is desirable
Language: Fluency oral and written in English is required.
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.