Trade Expert

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to develop, implement, and coordinate activities that ensure effective project delivery and contribute to strengthening national trade strategies.

Work Location

Dili, East Timor

Expected duration

until 30 September 2026, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) has a unique mandate in the United Nations system to promote increased competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in developing, transitioning and least developed countries and to assist them to better use trade as a platform for growth, development, and employment creation. Within its Division for Market Development – a technically focused division – the Trade Facilitation and Policy for Business (TFPB) Section is the ITC focal point for improving the trading business climate for the benefit of exporters in developing and transition economies. The TFPB Section contributes to enhancing exporters' competitiveness through technical assistance in specific areas, including trade policy, trade facilitation and trade law. In October 2023, the ITC started the implementation of a project to facilitate Timor Leste's accession and post-accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the European Union (EU) Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), including fully supporting the negotiations and the implementation of all necessary measures, through a 3-years project funded by the European Union. The project aims to further develop Timor-Leste's economy and fulfil the national goals enshrined in the National Vision 2030 through a better integration in the multilateral trading and in the Southeast Asian region and the world. The lead government counterpart for this project is the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs (VMAA). Other main stakeholders are the Cabinet of the coordinating minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). Additional project counterparts are the National Parliament, the Private Sector and the Civil Society. In order for Timor-Leste to be able to successfully meet the requirements of the three above mentioned processes and ensure that they contribute to the development strategy of Timor-Leste, the below priority areas of support have been identified:
• First priority area: A need for improved coordination and consultation mechanism for the preparation of the accession and implementation of the commitments made to the ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EU-Pacific EPA among government agencies, the Parliament, civil society and the private sector.
• Second priority area: A need for enhanced capacity of Timorese government agencies, the Parliament, civil society and private sector institutions in the negotiations and implementation of the ASEAN/ASEAN Economic Community, the WTO and the EU-Pacific EPA agreements.
• Third priority area: A need to increase public awareness of the opportunities and challenges arising from the negotiations, accession and implementation of ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EPA particularly with special assistance to the private sector, MSMEs and women-led businesses. TFPB's Trade Policy team has developed a comprehensive workplan aiming to detail the activities under each main output that will ensure the successful implementation of the project. These activities include analysis of the current national coordination structure for the accession processes as well as entities involved in trade negotiations. They also include specific support to the development of legislative needs, human resources development and overall support to the ASEAN roadmap for the full membership of Timor-Leste, as well as awareness and training activities. The involvement of the National Parliament, the private sector and the civil society have been also a priority when developing the workplan. In order to ensure the implementation of some of the specific activities included in the workplan as well as to enhance and actively participate in the improvement of the coordination between the different entities involved in the accession and post-accession processes, a full-time Trade Expert, working within the Timorese government, will be hired. The expert will coordinate with ITC HQ, the ITC office in Dili and national focal points at line ministries as well as other relevant counterparts. His/her functions will be implemented in close coordination with the VMAA as the lead government counterpart for the implementation of the project. FUNCTIONS: Under the direct supervision of the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy and in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, the Trade Expert will be responsible for the following duties:
• Develops and implements assigned activities related to the project; assist in monitoring and analyzing the project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions;
• Contributes to drafting of the ASEAN national implementation plan in line with the WTO post-accession workplan and the EPA accession strategy and organizes and prepares relevant documents related to the EPA negotiations/agreement;
• Supports and contributes to enhance the coordination between the different entities involved in the WTO and ASEAN post-accession strategies and the EPA accession;
• Provides technical advice to the Timorese government regarding WTO and ASEAN post-accession commitments and EPA accession requirements;
• Supports to identify trade-related, investment and other relevant domestic laws and regulations as well as other capacity-building related to the WTO and ASEAN post-accession and EPA accessions and liaises with the relevant line ministries or State institutions to provide technical support through ITC;
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources;
• Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities of relevance to the WTO, the ASEAN and the EU-Pacific EPA negotiations/implementation.
• Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to other ITC consultants in Dili for the implementation of activities of the work plan, including for the drafting of the Initial Market Access Offers within the ASEAN and the EPA accessions.
• Performs other duties as required. Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in project management, economics, international trade law or related fields. Note: A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in project management, trade policy advice or related area is required Experience working with Timor-Leste' Trade and Investment related policies is required. Experience in WTO accession process and knowledge on ASEAN and EU-EPA agreements is required Experience experience in working with government and/or international organizations is desirable COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; solicits input by genuinely valuing others' ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others; places team agenda before personal agenda; supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently.

Languages

Advanced knowledge of Tetum and English. Working knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.

Additional Information

This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing nationals of East Timor .Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.

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.