Job: Consultant: An Analysis of Potential Implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Asean-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement on Commonwealth Developing Countries

Deadline: Friday, 15 November 2013

eference: EAD/PBCWG/0664

Location: Consultant's normal place of residence

Duration: 20 person days | Fee: £450 per day

Closing Date: 15 Nov 2013

Mapping the Terrain: Strengthening Commonwealth Economic Cooperation

Potential Implications of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) and the Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership (RCEP) Free Trade Agreement on Commonwealth Small States and LDCs

Background

The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a proposed regional free trade agreement (FTA) currently under negotiation between Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States, and Vietnam. The negotiating partners have expressed an intention that this proposed 'living agreement' will cover new trade topics and that it should be open to inclusion of new members that are willing to adopt the proposed agreement's high standards. Canada, Mexico and Japan are the most recent countries to join the negotiations.

According to a report by the Asian Development Bank (2008), 'Asia's economies are increasingly vital to each other and to the world. Asia's output today roughly equals that of Europe or North America, and may well be 50% larger than theirs by 2020, in terms of purchasing power parity.' Moreover, with both the US and Europe continuing to post low GDP growth of 1% to 2.5% annually, the centre of the recovery has shifted to Asia. At the November 2012 ASEAN summit, a decision was taken to launch negotiations for the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which takes its place as the second major initiative for region-wide economic integration under negotiation in the Asia-Pacific region, alongside the US-led Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP). Negotiations for the RCEP began in May 2013.

The RCEP is to be an FTA between ASEAN and ASEAN's FTA partners—Australia, the People's Republic of China (PRC), India, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and New Zealand. It is envisaged to be a high-quality and mutually-beneficial economic partnership agreement that will broaden and deepen the current FTA engagements. RCEP is targeted for conclusion by the end of 2015. Its sixteen intending members have a combined population of 3 billion, or almost half of the global population, a combined GDP of $17 trillion or about a third of global economic output, and account for about 40% of world trade. It is intended to include an open accession clause, allowing for the participation of any ASEAN FTA partner that chooses to participate later, as well as any other economic partners that decide to join after the completion of RCEP negotiations. TPP, is promoted as an 'ambitious,twenty-first century FTA and by the beginning of 2013, eleven countries (Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand,Peru, Singapore, the US, and Viet Nam) were involved as participants in the negotiations. The RCEP is expected to bring together all five of the ASEAN+1FTAs into an integrated regional economic framework. It would be guided by the 'ASEAN way' where objectives and commitments are driven by a consensus decision process. In addition to liberalizing trade in goods, services, and investment, it is expected to pay more attention to physical, institutional and people-to-people connectivity, narrowing of development gaps, and responding to new developments, such as the emerging international production networks. On the other hand, in addition to the core component of trade in goods and services,and investment, the TPP is to include a more demanding set of commitments on intellectual property rights, labour standards, competition policy, investment rules, government procurement, the environment and the role of state-owned enterprises, all of which are argued to have a vital role in meeting the trade challenges of the 21st century.

Several countries are involved in the TPP and RCEP negotiations: Japan, Singapore,Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam, Australia and New Zealand. For theCommonwealth, six (6) of its members are currently involved in the TPP and/or RCEP negotiations namely, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, Malaysia and Singapore. Each also have existing free trade agreements with other Commonwealth members, including Small States and LDCs, as illustrated in Table 1 below.

Table 1: FTAs of Commonwealth countries involved in the TPP and RCEP Negotiations

Commonwealth Countries

Commonwealth FTAs negotiated

Australia

Agreements Concluded:

ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand FTA, Australia-Chile FTA, Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relations, Australia-United States FTA, Malaysia-Australia FTA, Singapore-Australia FTA and the Thailand-Australia FTA.

Agreements Under Negotiations:

FTAs currently under negotiations are as follows: Australia-China FTA, Australia-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) FTA, Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, Australia-Japan FTA, Australia-Korea FTA, Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER) Plus, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement.

New Zealand

Agreements Concluded:

New Zealand-Hong Kong, China Closer Economic Partnership, New Zealand-Malaysia Free Trade Agreement, ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand-China Free Trade Agreement, Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (P4), New Zealand-Thailand Closer Economic Partnership, New Zealand-Singapore Closer Economic Partnership, Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership and Australia-New Zealand Closer Economic Relationship.

Agreements under Negotiation:

Anti-Counterfeiting Trade Agreement (Concluded and signed, but not yet ratified), New Zealand-Australia Closer Economic Relations Investment Protocol, New Zealand-Gulf Cooperation Council Free Trade Agreement (concluded but not yet signed), New Zealand-Russia-Belarus-Kazakhstan Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, New Zealand-Korea Free Trade Agreement, Trans-Pacific Partnership, New Zealand-Hong Kong, Closer Economic, Partnership Investment Protocol, Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) and a Trade in Services Agreement

Agreements being considered:

New Zealand and Japan

Canada

Agreements in Force: Canada-Colombia Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Honduras Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Peru Free Trade Agreement, Canada-European Free Trade Association (EFTA, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway & Liechtenstein), Canada-Jordan Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Chile Free Trade Agreement, Canada-Honduras, Canada-Israel Free Trade Agreement, North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) and Canada-US Free Trade Agreement **Superseded by NAFTA.

Trade Agreements Under Negotiations: Canada - Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Canada - Dominican Republic, Canada - India, Canada - Korea, Canada - Singapore, Canada - Turkey, Negotiations to Modernize the Canada-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement.

India

Agreements Concluded:

The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC, groups together Bangladesh, Bhutan, Burma, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand); Canada-India, China-India, EU-India, India-ASEAN, Japan-India and the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA). The SAFTA was agreed to among the seven South Asia countries that form the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC): Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Agreements under Consideration:

India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) are planning to enter into a trilateral free trade agreement. India is also a major player in the ASEAN-led Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) negotiations.

Malaysia

Agreements Concluded:

Malaysia-Japan, Malaysia-Pakistan, Malaysia-New Zealand, Malaysia-India, Malaysia-Chile, Malaysia-Australia, ASEAN-China, ASEAN-Japan, ASEAN-Korea, ASEAN-India and the ASEAN-Australia and New Zealand FTA.

Agreements under Negotiations:

Malaysia-Turkey, Malaysia-European Union Free Trade Agreement (MEUFTA), Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP), Trade Preferential System-Organisation of Islamic Conference(TPS-OIC) and the Developing Eight (D-8) Preferential Tariff Agreement (PTA).

Singapore

Agreements Negotiated

Singapore-Australia FTA, Singapore-China FTA, Singapore-India FTA, Singapore-Japan FTA, Singapore-Jordan FTA, Singapore-Korea FTA, Singapore-New Zealand FTA, Singapore-Panama FTA, Singapore-Peru FTA, the United States and the European Free Trade Association and the Trans-Pacific Strategic Economic Partnership (TPP) or P4. Two more FTAs with Costa Rica and the Gulf Cooperation Council have been signed and are expected to come into force soon.

Agreements under Negotiations

EU-Singapore FTA (EUSFTA)

According to a study by Petri, Plummer and Zhai (2011), both the 'Trans-Pacific track' of regional integration represented by the TPP and 'East Asian track' now represented by the RCEP integration arrangements are likely to produce substantial gains and incentives for enlargement. The effect on the world economy would be small initially, but by 2025 the annual welfare gains would rise to $104 billion on the TPP track, $215 billion on the East Asiantrack and $303 billion on both tracks. An eventual region-wide agreement(FTAAP) could generate $862 billion in benefits by 2025.

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership and the TPP are expected to serve as building blocks towards greater regional economic integration in the Asia-Pacific region, the end point of which is envisaged as a Free Trade Area of the Asia Pacific. Both the TPP and RCEP face formidable challenges in seeking to create a single region-wide agreement among countries that are already linked by multiple bilateral and plurilateral FTAs, which differ significantly in many of their provisions, such as rules of origin. Negotiation of new issues not included in existing FTAs, and the adoption of new modalities for some issues that are included in the existing FTAs, will also be challenging. Other related processes that need to be considered are the ASEAN initiative for establishment of an ASEAN Economic Community by 2015, and the proposals for free trade arrangements among China, Japan and Korea. These could be significant for the future evolution of the RCEP in particular, and also for the overall development of economic integration within the Asia-Pacific region. These developments could have significant opportunities and challenges for many Commonwealth Asia Pacific developing countries, particularly Small States and LDCs.

Objectives

The objective of this paper is to assess the potential implications of the Trans Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) and the Regional Economic Cooperation Partnerships on Commonwealth Small States and LDCs.

Tasks

The Consultant will work closely with the Commonwealth Secretariat in undertaking:

Part 1: General Overview

(i) Against the background of recent and current developments in both multilateral and regional trade, discuss and identify the specific objectives and underlying interest of the countries currently involved in the Trans Pacific Partnership and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership FTA negotiations. Explain the significance of these negotiations within the context of the overall processes of economic integration within the Asia Pacific region, including other relevant developments within those processes, as well as the relationship of Asia Pacific integration processes with the evolving global trade architecture, and the development of global chains;

(ii) Identify and discuss the issues being raised by proposals in the TPP negotiations involving the establishment of significant new rules on emerging trade issues such as regulatory coherence, supply chains management, state-owned enterprises, and access to medicines, electronic dataflows, and trade opportunities for small and medium sized enterprises. Also consider other existing trade issues such as intellectual property, government property, competition policy, and the modalities being adopted for issues suchas services trade, investment and government procurement. Discuss the potential implications of these proposals on Commonwealth Small States and LDCs;

(iii) Identify and discuss the objectives sought to be achieved under the RCEP by countries involved in the negotiations in terms of a modern and comprehensive trade agreement among its members. In doing so discuss proposed coverage of the core negotiating agenda including on trade in goods and services, investment, economic and technical cooperation and dispute settlement.

(iv) Discuss the relevance of these initiatives in facilitating (or otherwise) global production networks

(v) Discuss the relevance of the issues raised by TPP and RCEP in addressing the challenges of existing multiple Asia-Pacific trade agreements.

(vi) Examine the role of ASEAN's own regional integration process, including its initiative to establish the ASEAN Economic Community, in relation to East Asian integration through the TPP, and discuss possible lessons to be drawn by other groups of developing countries in developing their own responses to Asia-Pacific integration processes.

(vii) Consider the relevance of the Pacific Alliance as an approach for countries outside East Asia to engage with East Asian integration.

Part 2: Implications onCommonwealth Small States and LDCs and Recommendations for Future Policy Research and Responses

Based on the results of the above-mentioned analysis, considerthe policy implications, challenges and opportunities arising from these developments and their relevance for the Commonwealth Asia-Pacific developing countries, particularly its Small States and LDC members, and outline recommendations for future policy research,awareness and consensus building in response to these implications opportunities and challenges, with particular reference to the following areas:

(i) The potential role of the TPP and RCEP in the evolution of norms for future international trade rules, and possible responses byCommonwealth Asia-Pacific developing countries, particularly its Small States and LDC members. The potential impact of the TPP and RCEP on patterns and relationships in regional and global trade, including the evolution of global value chains and the global trade architecture, the risks of marginalisation arising from these developments for Commonwealth Small States and LDC members, and approaches for mitigating these risks, including by means of feasible strategies for engaging or connecting with the economic integration processes in the Asia-Pacific region..

(ii) Identify areas of convergences and divergences in these FTAs and indicate potential approaches for developing a set of principles to be considered within the contents of a Guide for Strengthening Commonwealth Economic Cooperation that could be utilised as a capacity building tool for Small States and LDCs highlighting policy options and provisions that could be considered to facilitate future connections with Asia-Pacific integration initiatives.

(iii) Suggest institutional connections that may be useful for the Commonwealth Secretariat and its stakeholders in developing responses to the Asia Pacific regional economic cooperation and integration initiatives, as well as in the mobilisation of support from donors and development partners for related capacity building initiatives.

Expected Outcome, Timeframes and Deliverables

A 30–40 page report, including a 5-6 page Executive Summary, addressing issues outlined.

Duration: 20 working daysover the period 18 November – 20 December, 2013

Details: Receipt of draft report by 13 December, 2013

Receipt of revised report by 20 December 2013, taking into account the views of the Commonwealth Secretariat

Competency and Expertise required

Successful applicants should have a strong knowledge of the Evolving Regional Integration Developments, Policies and Practice affecting the Commonwealth. The prospective candidate should have:

• A postgraduate degree or PhD in international economics, International Trade and Economics; or relevant discipline related to the assignment;
• Possess strong qualitative and analytical skills in the area of international trade, regional trade integration and/or regional financial integration
• Possess demonstrable commitment to the social and economic development of Commonwealth Small States and LDCs
• At least 7-10 years' experience in undertaking in-depth economic analysis and providing expert advice on regional integration policies and processes in developing countries, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as extensive publication on these issues.
• Working knowledge of international trade rules and disciplines pertaining to multilateral and regional trade integration,particularly within the Commonwealth Asia and Pacific region;
• The successful candidate should also have experience of working at both a national and regional level and experience in regional integration processes across the Commonwealth, including its Small States and LDC members.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Requirements

• Considerable knowledge of purchasing methods and procedures; working knowledge of sources of supplies, price trends pertaining to public procurement processes.
• Working knowledge of the economics and trade laws governing regional integration processes
• Appropriate involvement and/or experience in similar projects in developing countries including Commonwealth Small States and least developed countries would be useful. Knowledge of/experience with other international development organisations regional integration projects would be desirable.
• Fluency in English and ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.

Submission of Application

Interested eligible candidates must provide information indicating that they are qualified to perform the services and are invited to submit their CV (Curriculum Vitae). Candidates are also required to submit a written proposal outlining proposed methodology for the study.

More Info and Application

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Job: Team Assistant

Location: To Be Determined
Deadline: Saturday, 16 November 2013

Background / General description

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused exclusively on the private sector. We help developing countries achieve sustainable growth by financing investment, mobilizing capital in international financial markets, and providing advisory services to businesses and governments. In FY12, our investments reached an all-time high of more than $20 billion, leveraging the power of the private sector to create jobs, spark innovation, and tackle the world's most pressing development challenges.

The International Finance Corporation, through its Advisory Services in Europe and Central Asia implements various advisory projects aiming to promote sustainable private sector investment in developing countries, helping ending extreme poverty and boosting shared prosperity. Within this mandate IFC runs inter alia Resource Efficiency Programs in ECA region, Ukraine and Russia, which aim to stimulate investment into uptake of resource efficiency technologies.

The Team Assistant will provide direct operational support to predominantly, but not exclusively, ECA REF platform project staff (either directly at the location he/she is based or remotely) in Moscow, Kiev, Belgrade, Sarajevo and Tashkent. The Team Assistant will also provide cross-support to other AS teams in the region as feasible and on as needed basis. The support will be focused on client work program component.

Duties and Accountabilities

Specifically the functions will include:

(i) Procurement support:

• Coordinate with local finance and procurement specialists ensuring that procurement of operational consulting services is executed by REF teams in compliance with up to date policies and procedures;
• Act as point of contact for the team in issues related to operational consulting procurement and processing selections in eConsultant
• Share best practices and lessons learned on operational procurement with the team and other advisory programs in the ECA region and act as a coach and mentor for other assistants on this matter;

(ii) Legal documents management -Assist task leaders in preparation of legal documents based on existing templates;

• Coordinate with respective regional legal advisors ensuring that legal agreements created by the team meet all requirements;
• Organize documents sending to clients and IFC officials and signing by both parties;
• Archiving of legal documents in line with IFC procedures and policies.

(iii) Integrity due diligence

• Perform computer screening at local and international web sites and other media on relevant data about the potential clients and partners;
• Assist task leaders in performing detailed partners and contact background checks and filing information in IFC docs folder of partner.

(iv) Programs' monitoring and evaluation support:

• Facilitate data collection on Programs' performance indicators for internal M&E processes and donor reporting purposes, communicate to other team members to address data quality issues;
• Assist TLs in maintaining communication with relevant persons on client side regarding post-project monitoring data;
• Keep a track on M&E indicators; keep Programs' databases (in SPARK, ASOP, IFCDocs and shared computer drives) updated on regular basis;
• Maintain accurate listing and support population of Programs' ASOP portal;
• Ensure that all necessary data storing requirements are met by the team (e.g. originals of legal agreements to be delivered to CLED);

(v) Operational and analytical Programs' support:

• Serve as coordination person for team activities and reports demanding input from each team member;
• Provide basic analytical desk search work on topics related to Programs' initiatives
• Support team to increase its operational efficiency by providing suggestions how to eliminate inefficiencies in team activities.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Specific deliverables (reports, spreadsheets, memos etc.) are to be agreed with Project Managers for each task.

Selection Criteria

• Excellent organizational, analytical and computer skills;
• Prior experience in a similar position;
• Knowledge of World Bank/IFC procurement rules and guidance and IFC M&E approaches;
• Demonstrated ability to be part of an effective team environment with a high degree of motivation, flexibility, and reliability;
• Takes initiative and prioritizes own tasks, sets goals and reviews with team members and manager as necessary;
• Strong team player with ability to apply critical thinking and creative problem solving skills to formulate problem statements, identify solutions, anticipate problems and to seek guidance when needed;
• Strong communication skills, both written and oral, conveying information to individuals/groups clearly and succinctly;
• Good knowledge of English;
• knowledge of other languages in use in ECA region is appreciated.

Applications must be submitted online. Only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Candidates can check the status of their applications by visiting www.ifc.org/careers.

More Info and Application

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Job: Investment Officer - Infrastructure

Location: Sub-Saharan Africa, To Be Determined
Deadline: Sunday, 01 December 2013

Background / General description

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector arm of the World Bank Group, is a global investor and advisor committed to promoting projects in its developing member countries that are economically beneficial, financially and commercially sound, and environmentally and socially sustainable. IFC finances private sector investments, mobilizes capital in the international financial markets, helps clients improve social and environmental sustainability, and provides technical assistance and advice to governments and businesses in the developing world. IFC's Board of Directors has recently approved the second phase of IFC's Global Infrastructure Project Development Fund ('IFC InfraVentures' or the 'Fund'). IFC InfraVentures is a fund of $150 million which provides: (i) risk capital to fund the early stages of the development of infrastructure projects in IDA (International Development Association) and selectively in Middle Income Countries through a variety of financial instruments; and (ii) expertise in critical areas of project development, in order to successfully bring private and PPP infrastructure projects to the financing stage. IFC InfraVentures is recruiting a new Investment Officer to identify business opportunities, execute transactions and actively manage portfolio of infrastructure projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The overall goal of the job holder is to maximize the impact of IFC's intervention and to execute innovative, developmental, and profitable investments for IFC. The Jobholder will work on IFC InfraVentures projects and may also work on regular IFC infrastructure projects. The position will be based in Nairobi, Dakar, or Johannesburg in the Infrastructure & Natural Resources Department, with coverage of Sub-Saharan Africa. Applicants should be aware that the success of the IFC InfraVentures approach will place a premium on entrepreneurship, drive, ability to work in challenging situations and appetite for risk. Candidates should be aware that much more emphasis will be placed on these qualities than for IFC's regular investment officer positions.

Duties and Accountabilities

• Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Evaluate, structure, negotiate and close new transactions, and in particular IFC InfraVentures transactions;
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for straightforward transactions ;
• Participate in negotiations; use negotiation skills to overcome impasses;
• Works with senior staff and other colleagues to contribute to the development of a strong pipeline of good quality IFC InfraVentures investment opportunities;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop the sector;
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues in order to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact;
• Identify and evaluate opportunities to increase the social development impact of new or portfolio projects.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent qualification;
• At least 4-6 years of experience in project finance with a proven track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments;
• Knowledge of relevant industry sector trends, experience in emerging markets a plus;
• Strong financial and credit skills; demonstrated ability to structure a variety of financial instruments (debt and equity);
• Business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients' needs effectively;
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, of financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials;
• Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with clients and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English; Fluency in other languages such as French, Portuguese will be a plus;
• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards;
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development;
• Ability to deliver high quality work within tight deadlines;
• Willingness to travel extensively.

More Info and Application

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Job: Senior Policy and Strategy Adviser

UNAIDS is an innovative United Nations partnership that leads and inspires the world in achieving universal access to HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.

UNAIDS' Cosponsors include UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank. Visit the UNAIDS Web site at www.unaids.org

Vacancy No.: UNAIDS/13/FT77

Title:

Senior Policy and Strategy Adviser

Grade:

P5

Contract type:

Fixed-Term Appointment

Duration of contract:

2 years

Date:

25 October 2013

Application Deadline:

23 November 2013

( )

Organization unit:

AI/OEX Executive Office (AI/OEX), AI/EXO Executive Office (AI/EXO)

UNAIDS Liaison Office to the African Union (AU)

Duty station: Addis Ababa Ethiopia

MANDATE OF THE DEPARTMENT:

The mission of the UNAIDS Liaison Office to the African Union (AU) is to promote the engagement of the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in the AIDS response as a priority. The Liaison Office is the UNAIDS interface with the African Union Commission (AUC) and UNECA. The Liaison Office is under the Executive Office and will work in close consultation with the relevant AUC Departments including the departments for Social Affairs, Peace and Security, and for Political Affairs as well as the relevant departments in UNECA. The Office plays a key role in areas requiring expert advice on policy, advocacy and strategic planning on UNECA related matters.

Main tasks and Responsibilities of the Position:

Under the guidance of the Representative of the UNAIDS Liaison Office to the African Union, the incumbent will have the following tasks:

• Take responsibility for enhancing and strengthening the relationship between the UNAIDS Office in Addis and UNECA and promoting the engagement of UNECA in the AIDS response as a priority.
• Working with relevant UNECA departments the incumbent will develop and take forward the strategic engagement of UNAIDS with UNECA in order to strengthen its capacity in HIV advocacy, policy development and coordination and programme planning.
• To achieve this the incumbent will be required to:
• ensure that UNECA remains strategically focused on the AIDS response
• Develop appropriate strategic information, including long-term outlooks and trend analysis, to shape the most appropriate policy and governance responses.
• Engage with key UNECA stakeholders and counterparts, most particularly with Ministries of Trade and Finance, to advocate for an effective response to the epidemic in Africa.
• Support UNECA in its effort to become Africa's clearinghouse and hub on data and information - with particular reference to data and information on HIV and AIDS, ensuring that the AIDS response is at the heart of the data more broadly.
• Work with UNECA in determining the African post-2015 development agenda.
• Work with UNECA to build capacity for monitoring and evaluation of continental and global commitments on HIV/AIDS.
• Liaise with UNECA and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to build capacity in sub-regional implementation of relevant AU policies and commitments.
• In taking forward this work with UNECA the incumbent will be required to focus particular attention on the shared responsibility and global solidarity agenda that the AU has committed to, providing support and advice to UNECA on the 3 pillars of that agenda.
• Act as a focal point to promote and understand the impact of policies enacted on the continent-wide response on HIV and AIDS.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

Essential:

• Advanced university degree in international relations, political science, international development, social sciences or related field.

Competencies:

UNAIDS Values:

• Commitment to the AIDS response
• Integrity
• Respect for diversity

Core competencies:

• Working in teams
• Communicating with impact
• Applying expertise
• Delivering results
• Driving change and innovation
• Being accountable

Managerial competencies:

• Vision and strategic thinking
• Leading teams
• Managing performance and resources
• Developing and empowering others
• Exercising sound judgement
• Building relationships and Networks

Experience:

Essential:

• At least eleven years of progressive experience at national and international level in advocacy and policy development including experience with an African continental organization, a bilateral or multilateral donor agency on technical cooperation and AIDS response-related issues.

Languages:

• Advanced level of English. Knowledge of another UN official language an asset.

Additional Information:

Positions at the international professional category within UNAIDS will be subject to the Organization's Mobility Policy. The above-mentioned position is a rotational position and its standard duration of assignment is linked to the ICSC hardship classification of the duty station.

Other similar positions at the same level may be filled from this vacancy notice.

Annual salary: (Net of tax)

US$ 80,734 at single rate

US$ 86,904 with primary dependants

Post Adjustment: 46.4 % of the figure(s) on the left side. This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.

Applicants will be required to take a test. Applicants will be contacted directly if selected for an interview.

Applications from people living with HIV are particularly welcome. Applications from women and from nationals of non- and under-represented member states are particularly encouraged.

Any appointment/extension of appointment is subject to the Staff Regulations and Rules of the World Health Organization (WHO) adjusted, as necessary, to take into account the particular operational needs of UNAIDS, and any subsequent amendments.

Only candidates under serious consideration will be contacted.

Note: The paramount consideration in the appointment, transfer or promotion of staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity. The medical criterion for recruitment is fitness to work in the particular post. The United Nations HIV/AIDS Personnel Policy clearly stipulates that no staff and/or potential candidates shall be discriminated against on the basis of real or perceived HIV status. HIV infection, in itself, does not constitute lack of fitness to work. There is no obligation to disclose HIV-related personal information.

Online applications are strongly encouraged to enable UNAIDS to store your profile in a permanent database. Please visit UNAIDS's e-Recruitment website at: https://erecruit.unaids.org . The system provides instructions for online application procedures.

All applicants are encouraged to apply online as soon as possible after the vacancy has been posted and well before the deadline stated in the vacancy announcement.

More Info and Application

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Job: CONSULTANT: CONSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT DATABASE OF EXPERTS

Location : Home-based and/or in-country

Application Deadline : 20-Nov-13

Type of Contract : Individual Contract

Post Level : International Consultant

Languages Required : English

Duration of Initial Contract : Varies from a few days to several months

Expected Duration of Assignment :Varies from a few days to several months

Background

The United Nations support constitution-making making processes throughout the world. Several UN entities, including UNDP, UN Department of Political Affairs, UN Women, UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations, and OHCHR are collaborating to respond to the growing demand of UN agencies, member states and other partners who are frequently called upon to field constitutional experts to support UN Missions, UN Country Teams and Governments. Such constitutional advice and support is required in various settings. Requests can be both for short-term consultancies and long-term constitutional advisory posts. Experience has shown that experts can be:

• Subject matter experts (eg. federalism, power-sharing, women's rights, human rights); and
• Experts on constitution-making processes.

The former are frequently called upon for short term consultancies while the latter may be brought in to serve as long term advisers (for example, to serve as a Chief Technical Adviser for a UNDP Constitutional Support Project). UNDP and DPA are now soliciting highly-qualified experts and experienced consultants (individuals, not firms) to be considered for inclusion in a new UN Constitution Experts' Database, which will be used to rapidly identify and deploy constitutional expertise in support of constitutional processes. In order to better address demand in this thematic area of work, the UN is seeking individuals with constitution-making expertise in one or more of the following areas: Constitution-making processes (including process design, support for civic education, communications/outreach, mediation and dialogue, Secretariat support and capacity development, civil society support, and inclusion of youth and women, minorities, the poor and marginalized groups) Constitutional content, in particular:

• Federalism/decentralization/power-sharing;
• Systems of government/separation of powers;
• Constitutional rights (civil, political, socio-economic, communal, etc.;
• Islamic law;
• Natural resources;
• Gender equality;
• Minorities and constitutions;
• Constitutional analysis and research;
• Other.

Duties and Responsibilities

The following range of tasks would typically be expected from a consultant (one or more):

• Advisory services: Provision of technical advice to Governments, constitutional review/making bodies, civil society, other national stakeholders and UN agencies;
• Programme management: Project design and formulation, project implementation, coordination among stakeholders and project quality assurance;
• Operations management: SOPs for constitution-making/review commissions/committees, human resource, financial management and logistical support;
• Capacity development: Capacity assessment, planning and implementation of capacity building for constitutional review bodies and other national stakeholders, and delivery of training events;
• Monitoring and evaluation: M&E matrix design, mid-term/final project evaluation;
• Research and knowledge development: Constitutional research, development of options papers, conducting lesson learning exercises, developing drafting of knowledge products and tools.

Competencies

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN's values and ethical standards;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Strong interpersonal skills, communication and diplomatic skills;
• Openness to change and ability to receive/integrate feedback;
• Ability to work under pressure and stressful situations;
• Ability to manage workload with minimum supervision;
• Strong analytical, reporting and writing abilities,reporting and writing abilities.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Master's degree in political science, law, international relations, development studies or any other relevant subject. experience;
• Minimum 7 years of experience in the area of democratic governance, rule of law or relevant field, with a minimum of 3 years of experience working on constitution making processes;
• Experience with the drafting of user-friendly knowledge products such as books, articles, research papers, toolkits, guides, methodologies, analytical documents, drafting agreements, policy papers and notes, project and program documents, baseline studies, desk reviews, comparative studies, etc. is an asset;
• Experience in management of post-conflict interventions is an asset;
• Experience working with a diverse range of stakeholders is an asset, including liaising with high level government officials and in cross-cultural contexts.

Languages:

• Fluency in both spoken and written English is a must;
• Working level knowledge of Arabic, French, Russian and/or Spanish is a strong asset.

Computer skills:

• IT literacy and ability to operate with on-line web-based applications. evaluation of applicants Applicants will be screened against qualifications and the competencies specified above.

Short listed candidates will be invited to participate in an interview and/or assessment. Candidates' references –including past employers- may be verified and confirmed. Selected candidates will be invited to create a profile in the UN Constitution Experts Database; where they can be considered for consultancy opportunities as needs arise. Contracting Arrangements: Successful candidates will be included in the UN's Constitution Experts Database for a period of 2 years. Inclusion in the expert database does not guarantee a contract with any UN agency that may use the Database. When a request for services arises, the hiring unit/office will process the contracts according to its operations' rules and regulations.

Application Procedure:

Qualified candidates are requested to apply online via the UNDP website. Interested candidates are advised to carefully review this ToR and ensure that they meet the requirements and qualifications described above. Experts can indicate more than one sub-thematic area. Experts must submit all materials requested for the area of interest. Applications should contain: A brief cover letter, clearly identifying each thematic sub-area(s) for which the applicant wishes to be considered and a short summary of relevant qualifications for each sub-area.

Please paste the letter into the 'Resume and Motivation' section of the electronic application. A current completed and signed P11 form/ UN Personal History Form in English (blank form can be downloaded from www.sas.undp.org/documents/p11_personal_history_form.doc). Please also include your CV. Contact details for 3 references. Please note that your previous employers could also be contacted. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please make sure you provide all requested materials The deadline for submission of applications is 20 November 2013. Qualified women and members of social minorities are encouraged to apply. Due to the large number of applications we receive, we are only able to inform the successful candidates about the outcome or status of the selection process.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

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Job: CONSULTANT INTERNATIONAL/EXPERT EN GESTION DES FINANCES PUBLIQUES POUR LA RÉALISATION D'UNE ÉTUDE SUR LA REVUE DES DÉPENSES PUBLIQUES ET DU CADRE INSTITUTIONNEL RELATIF AUX CHANGEMENTS CLIMATIQUES AU BURKINA FASO

Location :

Ouagadougou, BURKINA FASO

Application Deadline :

11-Nov-13

Additional Category

Environment and Energy

Type of Contract :

Individual Contract

Post Level :

International Consultant

Languages Required :

French

Starting Date : (date when the selected candidate is expected to start)

15-Nov-2013

Duration of Initial Contract :

20 days

Expected Duration of Assignment :

20 days

Background

Le Burkina Faso a ratifié la Convention Cadre des Nations Unies sur les Changements Climatiques (CCNUCC) et le Protocole de Kyoto respectivement en septembre 1993 et en mars 2015.

Suite à ces ratifications, des mesures institutionnelles ont été prises et des cadres opérationnels créés au Burkina Faso pour l'application effective de la Convention et son Protocole. Il s'agit, entre autres, de:

• L a création en 1995, d'un Comité Interministériel pour la Mise en œuvre des Actions de la Convention-Cadre (CIMAC) sur les changements climatiques. Ce comité scientifique et technique multidisciplinaire a permis l'élaboration et l'adoption en 1997, du rapport sur l'inventaire des Gaz à Effet de Serre (GES) par secteur d'activités;
• La mise en place en 2001, d'un Cadre de Concertation Unique des Conventions (CCUC) de la génération de Rio afin de définir des modalités concrètes d'une synergie d'opérationnalisation de ces conventions sur le terrain;
• La mise en place de l'Autorité Nationale Désignée du Mécanisme pour un Développement Propre (l'AND/MDP) en 2006 pour la représentation, la régulation et la promotion du processus MDP au Burkina Faso.

En outre, le Gouvernement du Burkina Faso, avec l'appui du PNUD a formulé en 2005 son Programme d'Action National d'Adaptation (PANA) à la variabilité et aux changements climatiques qui a été adopté en 2007.

La mise en œuvre du PANA a démarré dès 2009 à travers des projets gouvernementaux financés par le FEM, DANIDA et le Japon. Le projet financé par le Japon visait la prise en compte des changements climatiques dans les processus nationaux et régionaux de planification du développement, notamment, l'élaboration et la mise en œuvre de plans de développement résilients aux changements climatiques. Ce projet a permis de disposer de résultats d'analyse des tendances climatiques actuelles, des projections climatiques ainsi que des analyses de la vulnérabilité de plusieurs secteurs concernés par les changements climatiques. Ces éléments de base serviront à formuler une stratégie à long terme pour l'adaptation aux changements climatiques, en l'occurrence le Plan National d'Adaptation (PNA) à la variabilité et aux changements climatiques.

Dans cette même dynamique, l'Union Internationale pour la Conservation de la Nature (UICN) a participé à la mise en œuvre du PANA à travers la mise en œuvre de deux projets dont l'un sur le renforcement des capacités d'adaptation aux changements climatiques en vue de l'amélioration de la sécurité humaine du Burkina Faso (PANA-DANIDA) et l'autre, relatif à l'accroissement des capacités adaptatives au changement climatique des communautés locales (Projet CC-ASDI). Ces projets ont permis d'une part, d'identifier, de capitaliser, de diffuser et de valoriser de bonnes pratiques endogènes d'adaptation au changement et à la variabilité climatiques, et, d'autre part de développer un partenariat soutenu avec différentes collectivités territoriales et communautés rurales vulnérables à travers le financement de microprojets d'adaptation aux changements climatiques. Par ailleurs, en élaborant son Plan d'Investissement Forestier (PIF) avec l'appui de la Banque Mondiale et de la Banque Africaine de Développement, le Burkina Faso s'est résolument engagé dans une démarche nationale d'élaboration du mécanisme lié à la «Réduction des Emissions dues à la Déforestation et à la Dégradation des forêts (REDD)». Le Plan de Préparation du Burkina Faso à la REDD a ainsi été approuvé en juillet 2012 et permettra de disposer à terme, d'une stratégie de réduction des émissions dues à la déforestation et à la dégradation des forêts.

En outre, le Plan National d'Investissement en matière d'Environnement pour le Développement Durable (PNIEDD) en cours de finalisation a pour finalité la programmation des investissements en matière d'environnement pour le développement durable prenant en compte le processus de décentralisation, les projections programmatiques relatées dans la SCADD, l'analyse coût/bénéfices de l'investissement des ressources dans des secteurs de croissance verte pour aider à la prise de décision.

Pour assurer la mise en œuvre efficace de ces stratégies nationales relatives aux changements climatiques, le Burkina Faso a besoin d'optimiser le cadre institutionnel et les mécanismes de mobilisation et de gestion des ressources financières domestiques et extérieures.

Pour établir un tel cadre, il est nécessaire d'examiner comment les dépenses relatives aux changements climatiques ont jusqu'à présent été intégrées dans les processus budgétaires. Cet exercice de revue des dépenses publiques et du cadre institutionnel relatif aux changements climatiques doit tenir compte des trois sphères de l'élaboration des politiques, des structures institutionnelles et de la gestion financière.

Les présents termes de référence sont élaborés pour conduire l'étude sur la revue des dépenses publiques et le cadre institutionnel relatif aux changements climatiques au Burkina Faso. Objectifs de l'Etude: Objectif global: L'étude contribuera à améliorer les mécanismes de financement et les dépenses publiques relatifs aux changements climatiques au Burkina Faso.Objectifs Spécifiques:

Des objectifs spécifiques sont reliés à l'objectif global, à savoir:

• Faire l'état des lieux sur le double plan quantitatif et qualitatif des dépenses publiques et du cadre institutionnel des changements climatiques au Burkina Faso;
• Analyser les aspects du cycle budgétaire de l'Etat, notamment la programmation, le processus d'allocation, de budgétisation et de l'exécution budgétaire;
• Examiner et analyser les arrangements institutionnels, les mécanismes de coordination ainsi que le niveau de prise en charge des changements climatiques dans les politiques, les stratégies nationales, sectorielles et locales au Burkina Faso;
• Identifier les opportunités actuelles de financement liées aux changements climatiques en appui au développement local;
• Proposer un système de traçabilité, de prospection, d'information et de comptabilisation des financements du Climat au Burkina Faso;
• Contribuer à l'opérationnalisation du Fonds d'Intervention pour l'Environnement (FIE) en définissant le mécanisme de fonctionnement du guichet Clima ;
• Formuler des recommandations en vue d'améliorer l'efficacité et l'efficience de la dépense publiques et le cadre institutionnel en matière de changements climatiques au Burkina Faso.

Composition de l'Equipe: Le consultant travaillera en qualité de membre d'une équipe pluridisciplinaire de consultants répondants aux profils ci-dessous décrits:

• Un expert international du changement climatique, Chef d'équipe pour trente (30) jours (y compris les 2 missions de 6 jours chacun). Le Chef de Mission proposera au commanditaire de l'étude les TDR de chaque expert en vue de l'atteinte des résultats de l'étude;
• Un expert international en gestion des finances publiques pour vingt (20) jours (y compris les 2 missions de 6 jours chacun);
• Un expert national en gestion des finances publiques pour cinquante (50) jours;
• Un expert national sur les changements climatiques pour cinquante (50) jours;
• Un expert national en gouvernance locale pour cinquante (50) jours jours.

Duties and Responsibilities

Trois aspects centraux du cycle budgétaire national se référant aux sphères de l'élaboration des politiques, des structures institutionnelles et de la gestion financière doivent être rapportés aux actions de changement climatique par l'équipe de consultants. Ainsi, il s'agira pour elle:

• D'évaluer les priorités actuelles des politiques et stratégies relatives au changement climatique et la mesure dans laquelle ces stratégies et politiques sont cohérentes avec la SCADD;
• De faire la revue des mécanismes institutionnels qui favorisent l'intégration de ces priorités relatives aux changements climatiques dans la budgétisation et la gestion des dépenses publiques;
• D'examiner l'intégration des objectifs en matière de changement climatique dans le processus budgétaire, notamment dans le cadre de la planification budgétaire, de la mise en œuvre, de la gestion des dépenses et le financement ;
• De conduire des études de cas de la gouvernance locale liés aux changements climatiques pour compléter et enrichir le cadre institutionnel existant;
• D'identifier les besoins en capacités du Burkina Faso pour accéder au financement international et en assurer une gestion adéquate;
• Evaluer les dépenses liées aux CC;
• Elaborer et finaliser les rapports;
• Animer des ateliers de restitution et de validation de l'étude.

Produits attendus de l'Etude:

Au terme de sa mission, l'équipe de consultants fournira un rapport d'étude sur la revue institutionnelle et celle des dépenses publiques en vue de prendre en compte les dépenses liées à la résilience au Changement Climatique. Ce rapport comprendra les éléments suivants :

• Un état des lieux sur les plans quantitatif et qualitatif des dépenses publiques et du cadre institutionnel des CC au Burkina Faso;
• Les arrangements institutionnels, les mécanismes de coordination ainsi que le niveau de prise en charge des changements climatiques dans les politiques, les stratégies nationales, sectorielles et locales au Burkina Faso;
• Les opportunités actuelles de financement liées aux changements climatiques en appui au développement local;
• un système de traçabilité, de prospection, d'information et de comptabilisation des financements du Climat au Burkina Faso;
• Des propositions sur l'opérationnalisation du Fonds d'Intervention pour l'Environnement (FIE) à travers une définition du mécanisme de fonctionnement du guichet Climat ;
• Des recommandations pertinentes en vue d'améliorer l'efficacité et l'efficience des dépenses publiques et le cadre institutionnel en matière de CC;
• Des évaluations des montants des budgets et ressources allouées aux préoccupations liées aux changements climatiques des principales institutions et structures;
• Un plan de renforcement des capacités du Burkina Faso en vue de maitriser les procédures et les mécanismes des fonds internationaux et pour accéder et gérer efficacement le financement climatique
• Une stratégie de mobilisation des financements Climat et celle de la mise à disposition de ces fonds aux collectivités territoriales pour la mise en œuvre de Plans Locaux de Développement (PLD) résilients aux changements climatiques et orientés vers une faible émission de Gaz à Effet de Serre.

Competencies

• Bonne connaissance des techniques de programmation du PNUD;
• Expérience solide en matière gestion des dépenses publiques;
• Bonne capacité en communication;
• Parfaite connaissance écrite et orale et bonnes capacités de rédaction en français;
• Motivation pour travailler à un rythme soutenu;
• Capacité de prise d'initiative, sens de l'organisation et rigueur ;
• Capacité à travailler en équipe et sous pression.

Required Skills and Experience

Qualification requises pour expert international en gestion des finances publiques:

Profil:

• Etre titulaire d'au moins un diplôme de niveau master (Bac+5) dans le domaine des finances publiques ou tout autre domaine jugé pertinent.

Expérience professionnelle:

• Avoir au moins 10 ans d'expériences dans la gestion des finances publiques;
• Avoir des compétences analytiques avérées et une familiarité au contexte de développement des pays africains;
• Avoir réalisé des expériences similaires en termes en termes de nature et d'envergure dans la conduite de revues des dépenses publiques en lien avec l'environnement ou les changements climatiques;
• Démontrer une bonne compréhension des TDR/Approche méthodologique/Calendrier de travail proposée.

Langues:

• Avoir une bonne maîtrise du français.

Instructions aux soumissionnaires:

Les Consultant(e)s intéressé(e)s doivent présenter un dossier de candidature comprenant:

Une proposition technique:

• Note explicative sur la compréhension des termes de référence et les raisons de la candidature;
• Brève présentation de l'approche méthodologique et de l'organisation de la mission envisagées.

Une proposition financière:

La proposition financière doit indiquer:

• Le montant total/somme forfaitaire globale. Afin d'aider le PNUD Burkina Faso dans la comparaison des offres, chaque proposition financière comprendra une ventilation détaillée du montant forfaitaire, incluant:
• Les honoraires du consultant (indemnités journalières X nombre de jours ouvrables prévus);
• L'indemnité journalière X nombres de jours ouvrables prévus.

CV du Consultant:

• L'expérience acquise dans des projets similaires;
• Les copies des diplômes et attestations obtenues;
• Au moins 3 références.

Toutes les candidatures doivent être faites en ligne sur le site web du PNUD avant le 12 novembre 2013 avec la mention « Recrutement d'un Consultant International, Expert en gestion des finances publiques pour la réalisation d'une étude sur la revue des dépenses publiques et du cadre institutionnel relatif aux changements climatiques au Burkina Faso » .

Il ne sera donné de suite qu'aux candidatures pour lesquelles l'Organisation aurait exprimé un intérêt.

Pour les TDRs, veuillez cliquer sur le lien ci-après:

http://www.pnud.bf/FR/emplois.html.

UNDP is committed to achieving workforce diversity in terms of gender, nationality and culture. Individuals from minority groups, indigenous groups and persons with disabilities are equally encouraged to apply. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.

More Info and Application

[read more..]