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Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project

Position: Senior Trade Facilitation Expert

Period of Performance: o/a September 2023 through July 2024, with possible extension. 

Type: Senior-level. Long-term, part time technical assistance.

Location: Skopje, North Macedonia (with the option of working remotely)

Closing on:  August 31, 2023

The EDGE project is looking for a Senior Trade Facilitation Technical Expert. The position is a part-time consulting contract.  Applicants from Western Balkans Countries of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Serbia are invited to apply.

Organization Description                                          

International Development Group, LLC (IDG) is an international development consulting firm that assists donors, governments, and the private sector to achieve sustainable, broad-based economic development and poverty reduction. IDG is seeking qualified candidates from North Macedonia for the role of Project Assistant on the USAID-funded Economic Development, Governance, and Enterprise Growth (EDGE) Project in the Europe and Eurasia region that is being implemented by IDG. EDGE is a five-year regional activity in Europe and Eurasia (E&E) that aims to create inclusive, sustainable economic growth and to support intra-regional and Euro-Atlantic integration.

Background 

The Economic Development, Governance and Enterprise Growth in Europe and Eurasia (EDGE) project have three primary Intermediate Results (IRs) based on the Bureau’s Economic Growth Development Objective (DO): Inclusive, sustainable economic growth supporting intra-regional and Euro-Atlantic integration. EDGE will also seek to address current regional policy priorities through a cross-cutting IR of countering malign influences, corruption, and extremism. All activities are to align to the technical areas in three IR areas defined below: 

IR 1: Improved Business Enabling Environment and Reduced Barriers to Trade 

IR 2: Improved Financial Sector Stability and Increased Access to Finance 

IR 3: Improved Competitiveness through Value Chains and Trade Promotion  

Cross-Cutting IR: Countered Malign Influences, Corruption and Violent Extremism 

EDGE implements regional economic development activities in the Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia), Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus (UMB), and the Caucasus (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia.

The Senior Trade Facilitation Expert will implement EDGE activities under IR 1: Improved Business Enabling Environment and Reduced Barriers to Trade. 

Under IR 1, EDGE's work builds on the historical trade relationships of the countries in each sub­ region while supporting closer ties to the EU, through convergence with EU accession criteria (in the case of the Western Balkan countries); approximation to the EU Association Agreement (for Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia); and approximation to the EU Eastern Partnership (for Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Belarus).

Activities under IR.l are designed to improve the legal and regulatory environment in which private businesses operate. To make laws and regulations governing business activity clear and consistent; to eliminate unnecessary procedural and technical impediments to engaging in commerce and trade; and to keep regulatory requirements to a reasonable minimum -striking the right balance between the freedom of private persons to engage in commercial activity and the interests of society, as represented by the government, to protect legitimate public concerns such as health and safety.

EDGE maintains regular communication and consultation with a number of national authorities, donors, and international organizations, including but not limited to the CEFTA Secretariat, the Secretariat of the Transport Community, the Trade Facilitation Support Program implemented by World Bank Group, the EU-GIZ Project on Supporting Economic Integration in CEFTA, UNECE, etc

Principal Duties and Responsibilities:  

Under the direction of EDGE COP and Home Office Project Manager, the Senior Trade Facilitation Expert will apply technical skills in design, management, and analysis of the impact of the EDGE trade facilitation programs and activities.

The Senior Trade Facilitation Expert will perform the following specific tasks: 

• Liaise with relevant stakeholders from the 6 Western Balkan Countries including USAID Missions and Projects, other donors, implementing partners, Government Officials, Local NGOs, and companies, etc. and build and maintain relationships in order to identify opportunities for interventions and generate ideas for activities that support the implementation of IR: 1 Improved Business Enabling Environment and Reduced Barriers to Trade. 

• Keep abreast and inform EDGE of developments in the Western Balkans Region that are relevant to EDGE’s mandate 
• In cooperation with the Sub-Regional Representatives for Caucasus and UMB, support EDGE efforts in the trade facilitation beyond the Western Balkans sub-region
• Design and lead the implementation of interventions that involve at least two EDGE countries with a goal to reduce barriers to cross-border trade and investment and increase trade with EU and other markets. The Expert is expected to organize at least five activities/events depending on the resources available. The Expert will prepare a written description of the activity/event and a budget that will be approved in advance by the Chief of Party 

Tasks include: 

• Support compliance of EDGE countries with WTO TFA
• Assist selected EDGE countries to improve border cooperation
• Support implementation of trade integration and facilitation activities in CEFTA in line with CRM 2021 - 2024
• Organize and conduct regional workshops and conferences
• Under the direction of the M&E Specialist, collect information and data for EDGE’s AMELP. Prior to implementing an activity/event, the Expert will work with the M&E Specialist to determine M&E data needed and the appropriate data collection forms to be utilized. The Expert will ensure that the required data are collected from activities/events and submitted in timely manner. The Expert may also be requested to collect other data for EDGE’s AMELP. 
• Provide written input and pictures for EDGE’s newsletters (produced 3-4 times/year) and other media channels which could include articles, success stories on EDGE activities in the tourism value chain, relevant trends, best practices implemented by EDGE or other USAID projects, events, etc. 
• Submit by-weekly updates on activities undertaken during the week and planned activities for the following week. 
• Provide regular written reports and support the preparation of EDGE’s Annual Work Plans, Annual Reports, Quarterly Reports, Budgets, M&E reports, success stories, etc.   
• Other tasks assigned by the Chief of Party. 

Deliverables 

• At least 5 activities/events developed and successfully implemented.  
• A written report from each activity/event summarizing results (a template for the report will be provided). 
• Data and other input for EDGE’s AMELP  
• By-weekly updates on the work performed.  
• Written input to EDGE’s Annual Work Plans, Annual Reports, Quarterly Reports, M&E reports, media communication, success stories, etc.   
• Additional oral and written reports as requested by the COP     

Qualifications and skills:

• Minimum 10 years of relevant professional experience in trade facilitation, policy development and enhancement of business environment, preferably related to international development projects
• Prior experience with donors funded projects will be considered and asset
• Master’s degree in Business, international development, or relevant disciplines
• Fluency in English, excellent writing and verbal skills are required
• Superb communication skills and strong interpersonal skills  

• Detail oriented, organizational skills
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Strong organizational and time management skills with proven ability to work efficiently under pressure
• Strong initiative, sound judgement

Reporting 

This position reports to the COP. 

How to Apply:

Please submit the required documents listed below to the following email address  [најави се за да го видиш е-маилот]

Required Documents:

• Cover Letter
• CV
• University Diploma
• List of 3 References

About the Organization:

International Development Group (IDG) is an equal opportunity employer (Minority/Female/Disabled/Veteran).

NOTE: Due to the high volume of applications received, we will only contact applicants who are being considered. Thank you for your understanding.