VA 17-10-HR TERMS OF REFERENCE Post Title: Team Leader and national expert on trade Duty Station: Yerevan, Armenia Duration: 4 months Starting date: April, 2010 I. Background Better integration into international trade plays an important role in global efforts to reduce poverty. Increasing exports provides new opportunities for enterprises to expand their production and to create more and better jobs. Exports are also a vital source of income to finance the import of goods and services that a country does not produce itself. Trade is an essential source of economic growth, has important impact on job creation, peoples’ income and poverty reduction. The Aid for Trade (AfT) agenda is one of key global initiatives aimed at strengthening the capacity of developing countries to participate in and benefit from international trade. The Wider Europe Initiative is a framework programme developed by Finland’s development cooperation with former Soviet republics in order to promote stability and well-being extensively both in our partner countries and in the whole continent. II. Goal and Objectives The overall objective is to foster inclusive economic growth in Armenia through the promotion of trade and the enhancement of country’s competitiveness. The purpose is to improve implementation of propoor trade reforms and trade capacity development measures through the identification of trade policy responses to the global economic crisis, trade related needs and capacity gaps. More specifically, the project aims to: Articulate the AfT national and sub-regional priorities for Armenia with special reference to the challenges and prospects during and after the global economic crisis. The expected result of this assignment is an Aid for Trade Needs Assessment identifying country priorities, capacity gaps and technical assistance requirements. II. Approach A team of two authors will be assigned to write the needs assessment under the guidance of an international advisor. The researchers will attend the technical workshop on methodology and publication design. The publication “Trade and Human Development: How to Conduct Trade Needs Assessment” provides overall guidance for the assessment preparation as well as theoretical framework and tools. The assessment is a process in which key stakeholders in government, the private sector and civil society are expected to participate actively. The use of participation techniques and public consultations has had an increasingly beneficial impact on policy making and constitutes a capacity development activity per se. Participation brings political, legal and social benefits and can reduce the risks of strong opposition and unrest. Trade policy is no different. The analysis should include the perspectives of key stakeholders in government, the private sector, academia and civil society. In this regard the main objectives are to: Review current investment and trade policies and their linkages with economic growth and human development in the light of the current economic crisis; Analyze the Armenia’s WTO obligation and existing legislation, Analyze Armenia’s potential export sectors, Assess the country’s business environment and investment climate; Analyze selected existing (ex-post) trade policies and agreements – bilateral, regional, and WTO – and those under negotiation (ex ante) for economic growth, employment, equity and poverty, policy space and public sector capacity implications; Review economic and export performance as well as any specific constraints that the country’s exports face in international markets; Analyze key economic sectors for expansion of output, productivity, exports, employment and sustainability; and Consider the impact of the above on poverty, inequality, social exclusion, and regional disparities, as well as on policies to address these and related development challenges. The analysis should lead to an action matrix detailing recommended policy actions aimed at improving human development. These recommendations should outline the areas in which the country needs assistance to improve the contribution of trade to human development. The policy recommendations should be specific, action-orientated and executable, with concrete indicators and targets. III. Scope of Work Under a guidance of the regional project based in Bratislava the Team Leader will be responsible for the implementation of the following tasks: Lead and manage the process of conducting needs assessment; Attend and support the preparation of the national kick-off meeting Adapt the methodology and approach of needs assessment based on the “Trade and Human Development: How to Conduct Trade Needs Assessment” Guide that would provide overall guidance for the assessment preparation as well as theoretical framework and tools; Conduct a desk study and review resource materials and researches\studies produced by UNDP or other international organizations; Conduct thorough consultation process with AfT National Team; Develop an outline of the report; Conduct an interview \survey of stakeholders (Government, private sector, civil society and international community); Prepare the draft Report; Conduct series of consultations with AfT National Team; Participate and help to organize a validation workshop; Finalize the Report; Participate in the launch of the final Report IV. Deliverables The Team Leader is expected to ensure timely and high quality delivery of the following deliverables: 1) Outline and inception report. 2) Initiation workshop 3) First draft 4) Second draft 5) Validation workshop 6) Final report 7) Lunch of the report V. Timetable The timetable of the country initiative is described below. A detailed work plan will be discussed with selected candidates after selection. An indicative timetable is provided in the next section. Stage Preparation phase 1. Establishing the context 2. Drafting terms of reference 3. Selection of the authors’ team Production phase 1. Desk survey 2. Background studies and data collection 3. Consultation rounds for strengthening national ownership and fostering a participative approach 4. Report compilation 5. Report validation (internal and external peer review) Dissemination and follow up 1. Launch and dissemination 2. Follow up strategy implementation VI. Deadline April , 2010 April-July, 2010 AugustSeptember, 2010 Duration April 2010 –July 2010 (estimated 4 months of work) Output / Activity Recruitment of authors team Initiation workshop Researchers to finalize work plan Outline and initiation report First Draft Second Draft Validation workshop Assessment finalized Launch of the assessment Due date / timing April 2010 April 2010 April 2010 April 2010 June 2010 July 2010 August 2010 September 2010 September 2010 VII. Reporting The Team Leader will be submitting reports based on the results achieved in agreed format stating all actions taken during the assignment. A descriptive report is to be submitted after each deliverable result achieved according to schedule. Upon completion of the assignment the team leader will submit final report for the whole assignment to be approved by Ministry of Economy, UNDP CO and BRC Project Unit in Bratislava and serve as a justification for final payment. VIII. IX. Management The Team Leader will report to the UNDP Armenia Programme Analyst on Socioeconomic Governance and the Wider Europe Project Team Leader in the UNDP Bratislava Regional Centre. The core team is supported by the BRC Project Unit in Bratislava and the focal point from UNDP Country Office. An AfT Country Team should be established to validate the recommendations/policy matrix. It will be composed by key stakeholders, including interested donors and international organizations. Qualifications A post-graduate degree in Economics, Economic Development, or a related field; At least 5 years experience working on trade related issues; Experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative economic research, particularly in the area of trade and trade policy; In-depth knowledge of Armenia’s economy and institutional framework is required. Experience in working with government officials is welcomed; Ability to interpret results and provide practical recommendations; Previous work experience with international organizations or donors, particularly in the area of trade, is welcomed; Experience in conducting studies to assess the impact of economic policies on human development is welcomed; Excellent communication, particularly writing skills, in English/Russian and Armenian. The duty station is Yerevan, Armenia with possible travels within the country and the participation to international related events. Applications can be submitted on-line through http://operations.undp.am/recruitment/ site, or delivered hard copies to the UN House Security Desk, 14, P. Adamyan str. A complete application form should consist of a letter of interest, copies of diplomas, an updated CV and the UN Personal History Form (P11), available at the UN House Security Desk. Please clearly indicate in your application the title of the position and the VA Number. Applications can also be sent via post offices within a deadline period indicated below. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Date advertised: 24 March 2010 Closing date: 04 April 2010, 18:00