About this role

Result of Service

The consultant will contribute to mapping Afghanistan business and trade facilitation, and enhancing Afghan traders capacity, particularly through enhancing benefits of ASYCUDA system for business community and regional integration

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the general supervision of UNCTAD ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for CEE, Central Asia and Afghanistan the incumbent should perform the following duties:

Work with the Regional Coordinator – Central Asia and Afghanistan to develop projects for trade facilitation targeting underdeveloped markets for Afghan goods, particularly with Afghanistan’s northern neighbors in Central Asia and beyond.
Work with donors and multi-lateral agencies to secure funding for investment and export related projects.
Develop briefings, overviews, and reports – as appropriate – on domestic and foreign trade to inform strategic decision making on how best to strengthen the capacities and capabilities of Afghanistan’s private sector to export.
Mentor champions within the private sector to advocate for regulatory reform leading to an enabling environment for the private sector through easing permitting processes, increasing trade facilitation, providing tax incentives and/or exemptions, and accommodating customs regimes.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree, Master, in Social Sciences, preferably with a focus on development economics and development policy making processes is required. PhD would be an advantage. At least 7 years of experience in policy research and analysis on governance, economic development or related fields, in particular in Central Asiia and Afghanistan region is required. Work experience of in-country research in Afghanistan is required. Work experience of conducting researches under the UN programmes is desirable.