Paris Protocol on Economic Relations-Retainer-Multiple positions

To qualify for this position candidates need  to  submit a technical proposal on how they will approach the assignment and a financial proposal as well
The selected Consultant(s) must have demonstrated experience and knowledge in a field of economics law, public policy, and knowledge of trade relations, as well as in depth knowledge of both PA and/or GOI systems to produce a report. 

The Consultant(s) will prepare a paper that situates the Paris Protocol in the present political, legal and economic context and will recommend a constructive path forward to tangibly improve economic relations. The paper will reflect on actual implementation, and indeed realistic implementability of the Protocol, and will thoughtfully recommend potential updates to key subject areas covered of the Protocol. 

The OQ has set a target for initiation of work by mid-March 2023. 

Expected Output 

The Consultant(s) shall perform the following activities and provide the following information in their production of this paper:

1. Undertake a desk review of past studies on the Paris Protocol and related issues to establish a comprehensive understanding of the existing challenges that are preventing the full implementation of the Protocol. 

1. Based on a defined question framework agreed between the OQ and the Consultant(s), to interview key stakeholders about (inter alia) the impacts of operating in the present Paris Protocol paradigm, progress on meaningful implementation, what solutions they propose and why. Engagement of stakeholders must reflect a balanced survey of the positions of key figures of the relevant ministries and government agencies within both GOI and PA (as the case may be), as well as the informed positions of academic experts, diplomatic and international organisations, and other applicable national experts and institutions, necessary to produce a well-rounded and evidenced analysis. 

1. Where available and relevant to evidence such positions, to secure reproducible empirical data that supports the positions held by stakeholders.

1. Assess overall substantive progress on implementation of the Paris Protocol in realising the dual goals: "to enhance the parties' interest in peace and to strengthen the Palestinian economy”, as well as where we are today with implementation.

1. Undertake a comprehensive analysis of key provisions of the Protocol through an economic and legal lens with a view to establishing an objective appraisal of progress on areas including (inter alia) those of Joint Economic Committee (Article II), Import Taxes and Import Policy (Article III); Monetary and Financial Issues (Article IV), Direct Taxation (Article V), Indirect Taxes on Local Production (Article VI) and Labour (Article VII). 

1. Within the relevant sections of the paper, also consider issues including (inter alia) the following: 

• enabling cost-effective importation of petroleum products;

• customs authority arrangements and modalities between the PA and GOI;

• measures and mechanisms to improve VAT clearance between PA and GOI; 

• mechanisms for improved transparency and efficiencies in handling of clearance revenues deductions, including those made for utilities and other sectors;

• examination of practice and opportunities for tax collection from Palestinian businesses in Area C; 

• review the framework for salary deductions applied to Palestinian labour in Israel;

• opportunities to combat smuggling and illicit trade impacting the economy;

• optimising of key banking cash management arrangements. 

1. Article II of the Protocol establishes the Joint Economic Committee (the “JEC”). The JEC’s Mandate is to follow up on the implementation of the Protocol and decide on any issues that may arise. The JEC may also establish sub-committees to cooperate on issues specified in the Protocol. Neither the JEC, nor any of its sub-committees, has been in session since 2009. This has resulted in many pressing economic issues not being resolved or agreed upon, such as the periodic revision of the quantities of the A1 and A2 list of goods. Examine past practice of, and consider revisions to the mandate, structure, operation, and rules governing the Joint Economic Committee.

1. Maintain a detailed record of notes on engagement with stakeholders and reference materials used. 

Perform other tasks that are relevant for this assessment; to be included in the detailed Contract prior to engagement.

The contract will include completion of the following deliverables, according to the following timeframes:

1. An inception meeting between the Consultant(s) and the OQ (in person in Jerusalem, or by video conference if out of Jerusalem ) ahead of the Consultant(s) commencing the scope work.

Week 0

1. A comprehensive inception plan (not longer than ten (10) pages, excluding annexes) completed by the Consultant and shared with the OQ containing at least the following points:

1. an outline that includes the basic cases to be made out/ thesis on each area of progress/non-progress on implementation of the Protocol, as well as on each area for proposed revision;

2. a presentation of the approach to be applied during data collection and analysis, including a question set for interviews;

3. a stakeholder consultation plan outlining how and on what matters stakeholders will be consulted, including the list of intended stakeholders from the GoI and PA, academia, civil society, international and diplomatic organisations. 

4. An initial outline of the final structure of the Report.

Week 2

1. First draft of first half of the Report (introductory and retrospective issue sections) to be shared by the Consultant to the OQ for feedback.

Week 5

1. Feedback and remarks on first draft of first half of the Report, if any, provided by the OQ to Consultant 

Week 7

1. First draft of second half of the Report (prospective issues and remaining sections) to be shared by the Consultant to the OQ for feedback

Week 7

1. Feedback and remarks on first draft of second half of the rReport, if any, provided by OQ to Consultant(s). 

Week 9

1. consolidated and edited draft produced and submitted by the Consultant(s) to OQ for further comments. 

Week 11

1. In addition to meeting notes, the Consultant may be asked to share with the OQ reference materials including verifiable citations, raw and processed qualitative and quantitative data, questionnaires, etc.

Week 12

1. Final clarifications and remarks on consolidated the Report and reference materials from OQ to consultant if any, provided by OQ to Consultant(s).

Week 13

1. Final clarifications and remarks, if any, incorporated by consultant to OQ, as required.

Week 14

The Assessment will be considered complete when the Final Draft Assessment has been approved by OQ. 

V. Approach to the Assessment

The contract duration is expected to be between approximately 12 and 16 weeks.

The OQ has set a target for initiation of work in mid-March 2023. 

Beyond the formal meetings and presentations listed above, the Consultant may request informal communication with the OQ to obtain additional information or guidance. The OQ will seek to provide any relevant information that it holds and/or contact details of relevant stakeholders to the Consultant as this work is undertaken. 

Deviations from the agreed scope of works and project budget should be communicated by the Consultant(s) to the OQ Director of ROL at the earliest possible time, along with any anticipated delays to delivery and a recommended course of action. The OQ reserves the right to refuse changes to the agreed scope of work, delivery schedule and project budget without needing to give justification. 

The Report will be completed in English. In addition to citations, the Consultant(s) may be asked to share with the OQ reference materials including meeting notes, raw numerical data.

To qualify for this position candidates need  to  submit a technical proposal on how they will approach the assignment and a financial proposal as well

 A proposal should include: 

1. details how the Consultant (or consultant team both individually and collectively) meets the qualifications and requirements to perform this assignment; 

1. detail the ability of the Consultant to meaningfully engage with the relevant Palestinian or Israeli institution and actors, or both as applicable; 

1. includes individual CVs of the Consultant (and consulting team members, as applicable);

1. if undertaken by with support of a consulting team, definition of the roles to which the team member will be assigned, including the assignment of a lead; 

1. includes a brief two-page project plan outlining of how the assignment would likely be completed;

1. includes any additional details or considerations about the specific approach to be taken to by the Consultant(or consulting team, as applicable); 

1. includes one or two illustrative samples of a publication or an assessment of similar scale prepared by the Consultant (or relevant members of the consulting team); and

1. include a fixed cost budget proposal for the assignment.

An assessment of the Consultant’s suitability will be made using the documents submitted as part of their proposal and will be evaluated according to the evaluation criteria.

Consultant(s) criteria will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis:

Education:

At least Master’s level degree in law, economics, public policy, international trade, taxation, or a similar field is required. A BA degree in similar field might be accepted with additional two years of experience  

Work Experience:

• At least 7 years’ experience working on issues of diplomacy, international relations, economics, international trade, or a similar field;

• experience in advising senior government officials on economics and trade related issues at a national or international level. First-hand experience with international trade agreements negotiations and drafting is desired; 

• strong knowledge and understanding of international trade agreements and arrangements as well as engagement with senior government officials e.g., Ministers is crucial to this role. This experience can be gained by exposure to international organisations, or the international aspects of a private sector entity is highly desired; 

• demonstrated practical experience in trade facilitation and both public and private sector engagement is desirable; and

• excellent knowledge of the trade arrangements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel is highly desirable

Language Requirements:

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Knowledge of Arabic and Hebrew is desirable.