Result of Service

The output of this assignment consists of:
a) Prepare for the setup of the project implementation by:
a. Participating in capacity-building training(s) on the utilization of emerging technologies for the cross-border electronic exchange of trade-related data
b. Participating, as the national expert, in the meetings of the scoping mission of the responsible officer in TPFS by liaising with key stakeholders for meetings
Delivery date: 24 September 2022
b) Collect data and information for the national feasibility study from primary research by interviewing relevant stakeholders (both government agencies and the private sector) using a template developed by the international consultant and secondary research
Delivery date: 24 October 2022
c) Prepare the draft study of the national feasibility study by:
a. Drafting the sections on stocktaking of the current situation ("as-is") and revising as per comments from international consultants
b. Drafting initial inputs for the study on the sections on guidance to member States ("to-be") which would be revised and supplemented by international consultants
Delivery date: 24 November 2022
d) Collect data and information to update all information contained in the legal readiness checklist & technical readiness checklist of the "Readiness Assessment for the Cross-Border Paperless Trade" report (The Checklists have gone through some revisions – the consultant will be required to fill in according to the newer version of the Checklists. She/he will be provided with the corresponding tables containing old and new questions and answered provided. ) and provide the list of stakeholders interviewed for the collection of data and information
Delivery date: 24 November 2022
e) Facilitate back-to-back events:
a. A two-day series of meetings with relevant stakeholders for validation of the draft study in collaboration with the international consultant(s) by:
i. Identifying and coordinating meetings with relevant stakeholders
ii. Submitting of meeting report and list of stakeholders and individuals met
b. One day national workshop for (a) awareness-raising on data and documents for the cross-border electronic exchange of data and; (b) increased understanding of the feasibility of utilizing DLT/blockchain in collaboration with the focal Ministry and ESCAP by:
i. Identifying and coordinating with participants (more than 20 participants)
ii. Coordinating for relevant logistics
iii. Submitting of meeting report and list of participants
Delivery date: 24 December 2022
f) Finalize the national feasibility study by revising the draft study with information collected during the validation meetings and comments from international experts
Delivery date: 24 January 2022
g) Coordinate with country representatives to participate in a subregional stakeholder consultation workshop and a subregional task force meeting by (Note: 1. The consultant and/or country representatives will be required to attend the first meeting of the task force, which will discuss a work plan for the task force based on the findings from national feasibility studies and the discussions from the subregional stakeholder consultation workshop. Subsequent meetings will be decided by the task force as and when needed and feasible. 2. Participating countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan and Nepal, as well as their major trading partner country(ies) (Not applicable for Timor-Leste)) :
a. Liaising with the focal point agency to ensure the participation of relevant officials for these meetings
b. Preparing for the discussions for the arrangement of cross-border electronic data exchange, based on findings from the national feasibility study
Delivery date: 15 June 2023

Work Location

Bangkok

Expected duration

25 August 2022 – 30 June 2023

Duties and Responsibilities

The Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is implementing a project entitled Enhancing capacity for sustainable cross-border trade digitalization through application of emerging technologies. The project intends to strengthen capacity of target least developed countries in facilitating cross-border paperless trade for sustainable development, utilizing emerging technologies when feasible and effective. Through studies, capacity building, development of knowledge products and operationalizing cooperation mechanism for target countries, the project is expected to 1) increase awareness of Government officials and other stakeholders in identifying mechanisms for implementing cross-border electronic exchange of trade-related data, including utilizing emerging technologies, and 2) enhance capacity of Government officials to develop policies/programmes on implementation of cross-border electronic exchange of trade-related data utilizing these emerging technologies when appropriate.
In this context, the consultant will conduct a national feasibility study on cross-border electronic exchange of trade- related data in Bangladesh (A1.1.1) and to organize a national workshop to raise awareness on the same topic (A1.1.2). Also, the consultant will support the subregional stakeholder consultation workshop and subregional task force meeting (A1.2.2 and A 1.2.3). The consultant will work under the overall guidance of the Chief, Trade Policy and Facilitation Section (TPFS), and under the direct supervision of responsible officer in TPFS.
In addition, TIID is also implementing a project entitled Capacity Building on Trade Facilitation and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) Promotion to Strengthen Intra-regional Cooperation (Phase III). Under the project, TIID is carrying out activities on regional (or subregional) workshops, capacity building and advisory services and research in the area of trade facilitation and paperless trade. In carrying out research in the area of trade facilitation and paperless trade, support from experts with relevant expertise is requited to ensure quality of research outputs.
In this regard, the consultant will also collect data and information to update the "Readiness Assessment for the Cross-Border Paperless Trade" report.

Qualifications/special skills

Academic Qualifications: Master's or higher degree in Economics, Business & Administration, Engineering Trades or related fields
Experience: Practical experiences in trade facilitation and paperless trade
Language: 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.