Job Title:National Consultant - To Develop a Trade Promotion Strategy and Action Plan for District Administration of the 7 Districts of Acholi Sub-Region, Kampala and Gulu, Uganda
NATIONAL CONSULTANT-TO DEVELOP A TRADE PROMOTION STRATEGY AND ACTION PLAN FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OF THE 7 DISTRICTS OF ACHOLI SUB-REGION
Location : Kampala and Gulu, UGANDA
Application Deadline : 16-Apr-12
Additional Category Poverty Reduction
Type of Contract : Individual Contract
Post Level : National Consultant
Languages Required :
English
Starting Date :
(date when the selected candidate is expected to start) 01-May-2012
Duration of Initial Contract : 2 Months
Expected Duration of Assignment : 30 work days
Refer a Friend Apply Now
Background
The United Nations (UN) Peace Building Joint Programme on Livelihoods and Local Economic Recovery for Acholi Sub region (JP3) commenced its full implementation in 2011. JP3 is one of the three Peace Building Programmes that are implemented by the UN Agencies in Northern Uganda, specifically the Acholi Sub Region. Programmatically JP3 targets interventions in the area of livelihoods and economic recovery. The joint programme primarily aims is to contribute to rebuilding of a strong economy within the context of a post-conflict, post-displacement development scenario. JP3 is jointly implemented by International Organization for Migration (IOM), World Food Programme (WFP), United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as the lead agency. UNDP’s component in the Joint Programme focuses on: assessment of cross-border trade patterns of the region and developing strategy to promote trade and integration into the district development plans, building capacity for youth, women and vulnerable groups in business, entrepreneurial and value addition skills, strengthening capacity of Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) to address specific needs of youth and women. A combination of these activities contributes to enhancing productivity patterns within the region, enhance diversification of the agricultural economy and improve market access.
One of the outputs for the UNDP component in JP3 is to develop a Trade Promotion Strategy for Acholi sub-region and an action plan for integration into the district development plans of the districts of the region. Key genesis of this activity stems from three factors: Acholi sub-region borders with South Sudan and there is already trade links (especially informal trade) developed; opportunity provided by the formation of a new state – South Sudan and ongoing government and donor interventions that explicitly aim to strengthen production capacities of the region. A key development objective of PBF is to ensure poverty reduction. This activity has been devised to achieve this objective by using trade as an instrument for poverty reduction. Hence trade promotion strategy should be developed with a strong focus on poverty reduction and specifically targeting women and youth traders, and other entrepreneurs. The strategy will address the challenges for the demobilized and unemployed youth and women in generating wealth to improve their livelihoods. The trade promotion strategy for the region will feed into and should be in line with national trade promotion agenda.
A key input into the development of a trade promotion strategy is an assessment of the existing situation - especially cross border trade. This assessment has been carried out in 2011/2012 and informs the strategy formulation exercise.
Some key messages of cross-border trade assessment
Predominance of exports of manufactured goods from Uganda to South Sudan
National level statistics show a strong pattern of exports of manufactured goods to South Sudan than agricultural goods. Specific to the region – since economy of the districts is predominantly agrarian – there is a greater scope for supply of agriculture based products as demand for the same exists across the border;
Production and value addition of agricultural products
Agricultural output of the region is limited to take full advantage of the comparative position of being border districts with South Sudan. Agricultural production capacities of the region are limited as nearly three quarters of arable land is uncultivated. There is thus large scope for increased agricultural output. Value addition on farm is limited meaning that farmers cede a lot of profit to operators higher up in the value chain;
Technology, quality and standards
Application of latest technology in agriculture is limited. Adherence to quality parameters both on farm and buying centers (especially rural) needs to be further enforced. Both these areas assist in enhancing output and sustaining demand for better quality products.
Land wrangles and impact on production
Land conflicts have increased in the recent past and this continues to be a key threat to the production capabilities of the region.
District policies
Trade promotion is not accorded a priority, especially with a view for greater cross border trade. There is a need for providing clarity on the interpretation of role of districts vis-à-vis external trade. However presence of a committed leadership and presence of District Commercial Offices are seen as critical entry-point for developing institutional mechanisms that can promote trade.
Trade and health nexus
Trade, especially cross-border trade, involves travelling long distances and this increases risk of exposure to STDs and HIV/AIDS.
Assessment report also notes some key conclusions, policy implications and recommendations that can help strengthen the trade (especially cross-border trade).
In order to take forward the findings of the cross border trade assessment for Acholi sub region, a trade promotion strategy and an action-plan for district administrations of the 7 districts needs to be formulated. The trade promotion strategy will be integrated in the District Development Plans and implemented accordingly.
In view of the above, UNDP in collaboration with Enterprise Uganda wishes to hire services of a highly competent trade expert to develop a Trade Promotion Strategy. The Trade Promotion Strategy will take into account the existing trade comparative advantages of the respective districts, un-tapped potential and opportunities for Acholi in view of its geographical location bordering South Sudan.
Duties and Responsibilities
Objectives of Assignment
Overall objective of the assignment is to develop a trade promotion strategy for district administrations of the Acholi sub region. The trade promotion strategy will provide Acholi sub region with a plan for both formal/informal trade, for both services and goods taking advantage the opportunities as identified during the cross border trade assessment. The strategy will, among other issues focuses on, institutional, policy requirements for promotion of trade and investment in Acholi sub-region. In addition, second key objective of the consultancy is to develop a trade promotion strategy action plan for the district administrations which clearly spells out the implementation and timeframes for roll out of the strategy along with the necessary coordination mechanisms that needs to be considered.
Scope of Assignment
The Trade Promotion Strategy and action plan will be for all the seven districts of Acholi sub-region in Northern Uganda and is expected to be developed keeping in view the comparative advantages, current development context and current programmes of the different donor agencies. Consultant is expected to engage a very participatory approach and involve key stakeholders in the design of the strategy and action plan. Some of the key stakeholders identified include: district administration, elected leadership of districts, key relevant Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), non-state players especially private sector agencies and umbrella bodies.
Consultant is expected to work in close day-to-day supervision of Implementing Partner for the joint programme – Enterprise Uganda and Responsible Party – Uganda Chamber of Commerce. Given the technical nature of the strategy and the need to ensure involvement of a cross-section of stakeholders, Enterprise Uganda has put in place a technical team to provide technical support to the consultant for the duration of the assignment of the consultant. This technical team will be chaired by a representative from the 7 districts of Acholi and it will be co- chaired by the top leadership of Enterprise Uganda and Uganda Chamber of Commerce with membership from the district administrations (all the seven districts of Acholi), key and relevant MDAs, private sector bodies.
Methodology
As part of the application process, interested consultants will have to suggest a detailed methodology and approach for developing the trade promotion strategy for Acholi sub region.
Deliverables :
Inception Report;
Draft Trade Promotion Strategy for Acholi Sub Region
Presentation of draft Trade Promotion Strategy to stakeholders;
Final Trade Promotion Strategy incorporating comments and inputs from the presentation workshop.
Payment Schedule:
20% upon presentation of inception report
50% upon submission of draft strategy and acceptance/approval by UNDP;
30% upon submission of final trade promotion strategy and approval by UNDP
Competencies
Skills and experience of the Consultant
Competency requirements of the consultant are as follows:
Having International Experience in similar assignments in the area of Trade and/or business;
Understanding of the International trade laws and policies in context of the East African region;
Familiarity with youth, local economic recovery, livelihoods, local governance and development issues. Understanding the context of the Northern Uganda region situation is desirable;
Experience of working with post conflict situations, context of Northern Uganda will be an added advantage;
Proven experience in report writing and drafting;
Excellent ability to communicate in English both written and spoken, and to work in a team.
Technical competencies:
Excellent analytical skills;
Excellent ability to communicate in English both written and spoken, and to work in a team.
Personal Competencies:
Demonstrates integrity and ethical standards;
Positive, constructive attitude to work;
Ability to act professionally and flexibility to engage with government officials, political and culture leaders, development partner representatives, private sector and communities.
Required Skills and Experience
Master’s degree in economics, development, trade or related business fields;
At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in conducting similar assignments in the field of trade and/or business.
Application Procedure
Applicants are required to submit an application and proposals, which include the following:
Proposal:
Letter of Interest;
Explanation as to why you consider yourself suitable for the assignment;
A detailed methodology enumerating the approach to the assignment, different steps for undertaking assignment and a detailed plan for implementation of the assignment.
Personal CV:
Highlighting past experience in similar assignments.
Work references - contact details (e-mail addresses) of referees.
Financial Proposal:
Please submit a financial proposal indicating consultancy fee in Ugandan Shillings, lump sum fee (with a breakdown) or unit price together with any other expenses related to the assignment.
Please note that the system will only allow you to upload one document, therefore all the technical and financial proposals are to be attached to the CVs and uploaded together at once
To Apply;
http://jobs.undp.org/cj_view_job.cfm?cur_job_id=29242
