Jobs at The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub

The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (EATIH)

Call for Applications for Individual Consultants (IC)

1.0 Introduction: The East Africa Trade and Investment Hub (The Hub) is the U.S Government’s flagship project under the Presidential Trade Africa initiative to boost trade and investments with and within Africa.

The overarching focus of the EATIH is to deepen regional integration; increase the competitiveness of select regional agricultural value chains, promote two way trade with the U.S under African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and facilitate investment and technology that drives trade growth intra regionally and to the global market, particularly the U.S.

The project pursues these goals through four integrated components:

1. Investment and technology

2. Agriculture and agribusiness

3. Trade promotion and African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)

4. Trade policy and regulatory reform

The Hub plans to undertake a review of existing notification systems for the national enquiry points/notification authorities, determine their status, effectiveness of notification process, examine international best practices and identify those which can be implemented in the Partner States.

By using the electronic SPS and TBT notification systems, EAC member states’ private and public sector users will receive, via e-mail, notifications of drafts or changes to domestic and foreign technical regulations for manufactured and other products.

The Hub therefore seeks qualified team of consultants (Individuals) with technical expertise and a proven record to develop an Electronic Notification System (ENS) for the Enquiry Points / Notification Authorities in the EAC Partner States.

2.0 Specific Tasks

The Consultant(s) will undertake a short-term assignment to develop the ENS, under the guidance of the Hub, existing sector players and EAC Partner States.

The consultant(s) will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:

2.1 Review the status of implementation of TBT/SPS notification systems for the Enquiry Points/Notification Authority in each of the EAC Partner State.

2.2 Review existing TBT/SPS ENS in each of the Partner State and assess progress of their implementation.

2.3 Benchmark ENS in EAC Partner States against international best practices on TBT/SPS notification system for the Enquiry Points/Notification Authorities.

2.4 Recommend system and infrastructural requirements for national TBT/SPS electronic notification system for the Enquiry Points/Notification Authorities.

Details on the specific tasks and the complete Scope of Work can be found here: East Africa Trade and Investment

3.0 Qualifications:

The minimum qualifications required for team of consultants are:

3.1 Technical Lead Consultant

Master’s degree in Agriculture, Economics, Sciences, Public Policy, Business Administration or any related degree.

Over 8 years’ experience working or undertaking research related to multi-lateral trading system with focus on WTO TBT or SPS Agreements.

The Consultant must demonstrate ability to network in the EAC region including logistical capability.

Knowledge and experience of working on regional integration issues will be an added advantage.

3.2 IT Consultant

At least a degree in computer science /programing/ information systems or any related degree.

Over 5 years’ experience working with web-based multi user systems/online platform development and database interfacing systems.

Knowledge and experience of working on regional integration/WTO TBT or SPS issues will be an added advantage.

DAI will only respond to written questions regarding this Call for Applications through the email address: ProcurementTIH@eatradehub.org.

Questions must be submitted no later than Friday, 25th September 2015 at 5.00 pm East African Time.

4.0 How to Apply

Download the detailed scope of work from East Africa Trade and Investment

Interested candidates should send their proposal to procurementTIHInbox@eatradehub.org by Friday, 2nd October 2015, 5.00 pm East African Time.

The proposal submitted should have:

4.1 Technical Component

a) Curriculum Vitae with details of qualifications, work experience previous engagement in consultancy work relevant skills/experience and similar assignment undertaken.

b) Proposed Approach and Methodology.

c) Work schedule and time schedule.

d) Understanding of the Assignment.

e) Network support (logistical capacity) for undertaking the assignment in EAC region.

4.2 Financial Component

a) Summary of fees for the services proposed.