VA 17-10-HR
TERMS OF REFERENCE
Post Title:
local 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 the work
Under a guidance of a Team Leader and UNDP Programme Analyst on Socio-Economic Governance
the Researcher will be responsible for the implementation of the following tasks
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III.
Attend and support the preparation of the national kick-off meeting
Conduct a desk review of relevant resource materials and researches\studies produced by
UNDP or other international organizations;
Conduct thorough consultation process with AfT National Team;
Participate in the preparation of the Outline of the Report;
Conduct an interview \survey of stakeholders (Government, private sector, civil society and
international community);
Support the team leader in the preparation of national events
Participate in the preparation of the draft report;
Conduct series of consultations with AfT National Team and other relevant stakeholders;
Participate in finalization of the report;
Deliverables
The Researcher is expected to work with and under guidance of the Team Leader 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) Launch 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 –September 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
VII.
Due date / timing
April 2010
April 2010
April 2010
April 2010
June 2010
July 2010
August 2010
September 2010
September 2010
Reporting requirements
The Researcher 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 researcher 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.
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