Researcher

Result of Service

The services of the consultant will result in an eTrade Readiness Assessment for Timor-Leste, a national e-commerce strategy for Timor-Leste, and a national e-commerce strategy for Fiji. The national e-commerce strategies will provide a roadmap for policymakers in Timor-Leste and Fiji to effectively strengthen the enabling environment for e-commerce growth and digital development.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

27.03.23 - 26.04.24

Duties and Responsibilities

The consultant will support the implementation of the project by carrying out research, organizing multi-stakeholder consultations, preparing the eT Ready for Timor-Leste, and designing the NECS for Timor-Leste and Fiji. In this context, the consultant will undertake the following tasks:


Timor-Leste:

1. Develop a detailed plan for carrying out the eTrade Readiness Assessment and national e-commerce strategy. Share the plan with the UNCTAD project officer for feedback and approval.

2. Build on desk research conducted by UNCTAD analyzing the readiness of Timor-Leste across seven (7) policy areas: policy framework and institutional coordination; ICT infrastructure and services; trade logistics and trade facilitation; legal and regulatory framework; electronic payment solutions; e-commerce skills development; and access to finance for e-commerce.

3. Adapt surveys for public and private sector stakeholders, and for consumers, and develop strategy for soliciting adequate responses. Compile and analyze the results of the surveys.

4. Work with the government to establish appropriate coordination bodies (for example, a national e-commerce steering committee with focal points from across government) to guide the development of the eT Ready and NECS. Liaise with the designated in-country focal point to establish regular coordination meetings.

5. Lead discussions and make presentations to high-level representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, including senior officials in various Ministries and Ministers, CEOs of private companies and senior members of national coordination bodies.

6. Organize and lead up to three (3) multi-stakeholder consultations: a diagnostics consultation to provide the basis for the eT Ready; a solutions-seeking and vision-setting consultation to develop the strategic framework for the NECS; and a validation workshop for the NECS. The final format of the consultations will be developed as the project progresses but will include a combination of focus groups discussion, workshops and bilateral meetings with representatives from the public and private sectors, and civil society. Preparatory work will include a review of relevant information, gap analysis and preparation of presentation materials for consultations.

7. Develop the eT Ready of Timor-Leste based on insights received during the diagnostics consultation and inputs from government focal points, development partners and other stakeholders. Integrate the contributions and suggestions from select eTrade for all partners and respond to comments from the editor when necessary. Validate key elements of the eT Ready and present it during relevant meetings with the government, including during any national launch that is organized.

8. Following the solutions-seeking and vision-setting consultation, develop the strategic framework for the NECS and develop the draft NECS. Carry out follow-up activities to complete the final draft of the NECS. These follow-up activities may include additional information collection and consultations with the government and partners. The final NECS will include the vision, overarching goals, specific measures across policy areas, recommendations for the governance framework and an implementation plan.

9. Lead and facilitate a validation workshop (which may include a donor roundtable), based on the guidance of the government. The participation in the validation workshop is expected to include preparation of presentation materials, presentation of the NECS and support in the facilitation of the workshop/roundtable.

10. Contribute to capacity building activities for national stakeholders to enhance their participation in the consultation process and general understanding of opportunities and challenges related to leveraging e-commerce for development in Timor-Leste.

11. Throughout the NECS development process, lead discussions and make presentations to high-level representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, including senior officials in various Ministries and Ministers, CEOs of private companies and senior members of national coordination bodies.





Fiji:

1. Develop a detailed plan for developing the national e-commerce strategy. Share the plan with the UNCTAD project officer for feedback and approval.

2. Build on the findings of the national e-commerce readiness assessment carried out in 2020 across seven (7) policy areas: policy framework and institutional coordination; ICT infrastructure and services; trade logistics and trade facilitation; legal and regulatory framework; electronic payment solutions; e-commerce skills development; and access to finance for e-commerce.

3. Work with the government with establishing appropriate coordination bodies (for example, a national e-commerce steering committee with focal points from across government) to guide the development of the NECS. Liaise with the designated in-country focal point to establish regular coordination meetings.

4. Lead discussions and make presentations to high-level representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, including senior officials in various Ministries and Ministers, CEOs of private companies and senior members of national coordination bodies.

5. Lead two (2) multi-stakeholder consultations: a diagnostics and solutions-seeking consultation to develop the strategic framework for the NECS; and a validation workshop for the NECS. The final format of the consultations will be developed as the project progresses but will include a combination of focus groups discussion, workshops and bilateral meetings with representatives from the public and private sectors, and civil society. Preparatory work will include a review of relevant information, gap analysis and preparation of presentation materials for consultations.

6. Following the diagnostics and solutions-seeking consultation, develop the strategic framework for the NECS and develop the draft NECS. Carry out follow-up activities to complete the final draft of the NECS. These follow-up activities may include additional information collection and consultations with the government and partners. The final NECS will include the vision, overarching goals, specific measures across policy areas, recommendations for the governance framework and an implementation plan.

7. Lead and facilitate a validation workshop (which may include a donor roundtable), based on the guidance of the government. The participation in the validation workshop is expected to include preparation of presentation materials, presentation of the NECS and support in the facilitation of the workshop/roundtable.

8. Contribute to capacity building activities for national stakeholders to enhance their participation in the consultation process and general understanding of opportunities and challenges related to leveraging e-commerce for development in Fiji.

9. Throughout the NECS development process, lead discussions and make presentations to high-level representatives from the Government of Timor-Leste, including senior officials in various Ministries and Ministers, CEOs of private companies and senior members of national coordination bodies.

Qualifications/special skills

Master in Law, Economics, Business Administration, International Development, Trade, Social Sciences or similar field.
At least 10 years of working experience in the field of trade and development, particularly in LDCs, is desirable.
Experience working with the United Nations system and/or other international organizations is desirable.
Experience leading or supporting the development of national sectoral development strategies is required.

Languages

Fluency in English is required.

No Fee

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.