Word Bank Dili, Trade Facilitation Specialist, Deadline September 23, 2009

TERMS OF REFERENCE
TRADE FACILITATION SPECIALIST
World Bank Timor-Leste

Location: Dili, Timor-Leste
Duration: 30 days (approximately 21 in country, 9 by correspondence)
Recruitment: International

I. BACKGROUND:

Timor-Leste is a beneficiary of the Integrated Framework for Trade-Related Technical Assistance to Least Developed Countries (IF). The IF is a multi-agency, multi-donor program established in 1996 to promote the integration of the developed countries (LDCs) into the global economy. The work program starts with the preparation of a Diagnostic Trade Integration Study (DTIS) which analyzes both the internal and external constraints facing the country in increasing its integration into the global economy. The DTIS provides the analytical support for an action plan that identifies priority policy measures, investments, and technical assistance needs.

The Government of Timor-Leste (GoTL) has requested assistance from the World Bank to carry out their DTIS. To do this, the World Bank wants to recruit the services of a Trade Facilitation Specialist with expertise in the fields of transport, logistics and border management.

II. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The services of the consultant are required to complete the DTIS chapter on Trade Facilitation. The consultant will analyze and draft the chapter on critical trade facilitation issues related transportation and border management. The consultants will also incorporate analysis on trade finance drafted by another team member into the Trade Facilitation chapter. The consultant will focus on the following issues:
• Logistics, freight-forwarding and line-haul services available in Timor-Leste;
• Transportation services that facilitate trade integration including roads, seaports and airports;
• Non-infrastructural support of the supply chain, including regulations and institutional arrangements; and

• Border management, including the import and export infrastructure, efficiency of customs, policies and systems and their impacts on costs.

When relevant, an effort should be made to provide cross-country comparisons on the costs of freight transportation and logistics services, as well as on customs clearance times.

It is anticipated that the final product will be on the order of 15 pages and will provide a comprehensive picture of trade facilitation issues in Timor-Leste.

In addition, the consultant will provide input into the DTIS consolidated action matrix detailing the following:
• Existing programs to improve trade facilitation (development partner, government or otherwise).
• High priority reform areas and potential investments or projects that could be undertaken on trade facilitation to improve Timor-Leste’s competitiveness.

III. EXPECTED OUTPUTS
Specific outputs include:
• DTIS chapter on trade facilitation.
• Input into DTIS action matrix.
• Presentation of findings and recommendations to relevant stakeholders at the end of the main mission.

First drafts of written outputs will be expected by the end of the main mission.

IV. METHODOLOGY:
The consultant will:
• Employ a combination of data analysis, interviews, and direct observation;
• Ensure that the views of private sector users (importers, exporters, investors) are fully taken into account;
• Review existing information available through various relevant studies and reports ;

• Ensure all findings and recommendations take into account existing and/or programmed initiatives;
• Work closely with other members of the DTIS team to ensure that the analysis and recommendations are aligned with the overall report.

V. TIMEFRAME
The main mission is targeted for October/November 2009 and work should be completed within 3 weeks of the end of the main mission.

VI. QUALIFICATIONS
The ideal candidate will possess all of the following characteristics:
• An advanced university degree in a relevant field.
• Extensive experience conducting reviews of trade facilitation infrastructure in comparable countries (prior experience in Timor-Leste or other small island countries would be highly valued).
• Strong English writing and editorial skills.

VII. MANAGEMENT
The consultant will be allocated 30 days to complete the work, approximately 21 of which will be spent in country on the Main mission, and the remaining 9 of which will be spent on completing the write-up. The consultant will report to the Task Team Leader of the DTIS.

VIII. APPLICATION PROCEDURES
Interested candidates are requested to submit a current CV and cover letter outlining relevant experience to John Holdaway (jholdaway@worldbank.org) and Guida Freitas (gfreitas@worldbank.org) by COB 23 September 2009. The assignment is expected to commence in October 2009.