Republic of Moldova

Background

The project “Transitional Capacity Support for the Public Administration of Moldova” was designed upon the request of the Government of Moldova to enhance capacities of the Moldovan Central Public Administration in order to accelerate the reform process and achieve Moldova’s short - and medium term development goals. The project seeks to address urgent short-term capacity needs of the public administration at a time when Moldovan central government institutions face serious financial and human resources gaps. In addition to helping the Government pursue critical reform priorities, the intervention is designed to catalyze the on-going implementation of central public administration reform. It will be coordinated and managed by the responsible government entities and will complement on-going work by other donors.
This specific ToR is designed for one National Consultant to support the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Moldova on conducting successfully the Association Agreement [AA] negotiations with EU on Trade matters. The Trade matters, of AA include the aim to establish a WTO-compatible deep and comprehensive free trade area [DCFTA], if and when the Republic of Moldova is deemed to be ready to take on and implement the commitments of an FTA and to sustain the effects of far-reaching market access liberalisation and regulatory approximation.

Objective of the assignment

The specific objective of this assignment is to support the Ministry of Economy to follow up the requirements of the DCFTA related to the Market Access of Goods and Services and to provide information on the current state as well as any developments in this area.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Follow-up of the European Commission services' fact-finding mission reports by delivering policy advice to the ME and drafting Action plans for the implementation of EC recommendations on DCFTA;
• Assist the ME to design a strategy, mechanism and plan of consultations on trade negotiations (both bilateral - in particular FTAs, and multilateral - notably in the framework of the WTO) and thus prepare for DCFTA negotiations with the EU. In this process the National Consultant shall ensure the active involvement of stakeholders from the business community and the civil society; 
• Contribute to drafting legal texts and document of relevant AA and DCFTA chapters;
• Support the ME in analyzing and preparing information in the areas of Tariffs and NTBs, as well recommendations on the elimination of sectoral nontariff measures;
• Propose a draft concept for collecting trade statistics in the whole territory of Moldova with a view to preparing a reliable tariff offer for discussions with the Commission. To this end, the National Consultant shall cooperate with bodies dealing with trade statistics on issues related to the Classification of Goods / Services in bilateral trade (Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System ("HS") / CPC ) and gather trade statistics for the purposes of DCFTA negotiations;
• Review Moldova's import tariff structure and existing free trade agreements and highlight key related constraints;
• Advise the ME on restrictions on the importation / exportation of goods. In particular the National Consultant shall review and advise on fees and other charges on imports / exports, as well as on the uniform application of Rules of Origin throughout the territory of Moldova;
• Assist the ME in developing plans of action for the facilitation of market access to the EU (provided that the required SPS standards are met);
• Conduct a review of national legislation in order to identify barriers to the provision of services by service providers not established in Moldova as well as barriers to the establishment of service providers;
• Conduct a review of licensing/authorization requirements for the provision of services by foreign and local providers;
• Prepare monthly progress reports of the component activities;
• Perform any other related activities which may emerge during the course of time.

Qualifications and skills required

• Degree in Economics, preferably advanced from an international educational institution
• Knowledge of National Legislation and European Legislation in the respective areas as well as knowledge of international   trade legislation
• Experience in drafting technical documentation and reports
• Experience in legal approximation / harmonization assignments
• Previous experience of 5-7 years in WTO and/or Trade policies and procedures, with comprehensive understanding of Market Access rules and procedures in the EU market;
• Demonstrable familiarity with Tariffs, NTB, and non tariff measures, as well customs clearance procedures in Moldova;
• Good knowledge of WTO GATS and the Moldova Services Commitment Schedule; 
• Extensive experience in policy formulation in the WTO and trade facilitation issues;
• Fluency in English and Romanian / Russian
• PC literacy, excellent writing and communication skills

Application Instructions

Candidates shall submit for consideration the following documents:
1. Duly completed Personal History Form (P11) ;
2. Cover letter;
3. Detailed CV matching qualification requirements.

Interested candidates should submit their application letters with the mark “TCS_ME_Nat_Cons_Mark_Acc_Economist” by19 November 2010 (16:30) (Extended deadline)to the following address email: vacancies-moldova@undp.org.

Note: In case the applicant can cover only parts of the assignment, please specify these parts  in the cover letter.

Only those short listed will be contacted.