Result of Service

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES: Main Output Deliverables: 1. Updated indicators derived from analyzed data, facilitating insights into trade patterns, competitiveness and value chain analysis (by 31 July 2024). 2. Managed datasets on the West African Competitiveness Observatory platform, ensuring accessibility and reliability (by 31 July 2024). 3. Engaging slides with data visualizations and key messages for capacity building on the West African Competitiveness Observatory (by 31 July 2024). Output 1: Compute and update indicators related to trade, competitiveness and value chains (by 31 July 2024). The Consultant will: • Analyze collected data to compute relevant indicators such as trade balances, export competitiveness indices, trade openness ratios, and revealed comparative advantages. • Regularly update computed indicators to reflect changes in trade patterns, market dynamics, and economic conditions. • Collaborate with team members to refine methodologies and improve the accuracy and relevance of computed indicators. Output 2: Manage and update datasets for the West African Competitiveness Observatory platform (by 31 July 2024). The Consultant will: • Organize and maintain datasets on the West African Competitiveness Observatory platform, ensuring data accessibility and reliability. • Regularly update datasets with new information and revisions to existing data points. • Monitor data quality and resolve any discrepancies or errors. Output 3: Prepare inputs for capacity building and presentations on the West African Competitiveness Observatory (slides with data visualization and key messages from the data, by 31 July 2024). The Consultant will: • Develop compelling narratives and key messages based on insights derived from the data to engage and inform stakeholders. • Create visually appealing slides and data visualizations using tools such as charts, maps, and infographics to enhance understanding and retention.

Work Location

HQ-Based, with possibility of travel to Europe or to West Africa

Expected duration

01.05.2024 – 31.07.2024 (60 workdays)

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization, focusing in particular on developing the export capabilities of small and medium-sized businesses in developing and transition economies. ITC is 100% “Aid for Trade”, supporting trade that delivers inclusive and sustainable development results. ITC’s mandate covers all developing countries and transition economies with special emphasis on the Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), Small Island Developing States (SIDs) Fragile States and Sub-Saharan Africa. The Trade and Market Intelligence section (TMI) is part of the International Trade Centre’s Division of Market Development (DMD). It has developed a range of tools for strategic and operational market research, focusing on products and markets of interest to developing countries and economies in transition, assessing sectoral and national trade performance and trade competitiveness. OBJECTIVE: TMI is currently working, in collaboration with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and with the financial support of the European Commission, to establish the West African Competitiveness Observatory under the West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP). The role of the West African Competitiveness Observatory is to serve as a monitoring tool on the competitiveness of ECOWAS member states and the region, help policymakers define policies to foster national and regional competitiveness and value chain development, and support local firms, in particular small and medium enterprises (SMEs), to establish and participate in regional value chains. Within this context, ITC is looking for an International Consultant to contribute to support the team working on the West African Competitiveness Observatory by collecting data from various sources, managing, updating large trade datasets, computing indicators related to trade, competitiveness and value chains, and take part in the development of quantitative methodologies. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The International Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Assistant Programme Management Officer in the Trade and Market Intelligence Section (TMI), the overall guidance of the Programme Officer, TMI, and in collaboration with other members of the project team. The Consultant is expected to perform the following tasks: • Compute and update indicators related to trade, competitiveness and value chains. • Manage and update datasets for the West African Competitiveness Observatory platform. • Take part in the development and improvement of methodologies applied under the project. • Prepare inputs for capacity building and presentations on the West African Competitiveness Observatory (slides with data visualization and key messages from the data). Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Advanced university degree in statistics, economics, trade or related field. Experience in managing large datasets is required. Relevant work experience in data management and analysis or trade research is desirable. Experience working on trade datasets is an asset. Experience in developing quantitative methodologies is an advantage. Experience working with international organizations or in national development agencies is desirable. Experience in development and project implementation is desirable. Excellent coding skills on R, Stata, SAS, Python or similar are required. Knowledge on Africa or the West African region is an asset. Ability to work reliably and independently with minimum supervision. An example of an unedited single-authored coding sample is required.

Languages

Fluency in English. Knowledge of French is an asset.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.