International Consultant on transit, transport and trade facilitation

Organizational Context

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is implementing a project focused on transit, transport, and trade facilitation in Benin, funded by the EU. This role contributes to the COTONI project, specifically concentrating on the Cotonou-Niamey corridor to enhance efficiency, reliability, and competitiveness.

Job Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct a strategic analysis of the Cotonou-Niamey transit and transport corridor. The consultant will develop operational recommendations and a roadmap for implementing reforms to improve the corridor's efficiency, reliability, fluidity, interoperability, and competitiveness. This involves reducing logistical costs, strengthening institutional cooperation, and digitalizing trade and transit procedures, aligning with regional trade agreements and national legal frameworks. The role aims to sustainably improve transport and transit operations, contributing to the overall goals of the COTONI project and broader trade facilitation efforts in West Africa.

Responsibilities

The consultant will develop a model manual for calculating the operating and maintenance costs of freight transport vehicles. They will design and facilitate a training workshop on mastering these cost calculations for transporters, clients, and public officials, including the production of a digitalized manual. Additionally, the consultant will organize and lead a workshop in Benin to update draft agreements on a single transit guarantee and a quadrilateral transport agreement, adapting them to recent developments and AfCFTA negotiations. Responsibilities also include finalizing a draft decree on transport and intermediation, adapting legal frameworks for coherence in transport and digitalization activities, and assisting experts in preparing a comprehensive study on system interoperability for transit, transport, and digitalization (TTD).

Work Experience

A minimum of 10 years of experience in the fields of transport, transit, and trade facilitation is required. Experience in developing strategic analyses and implementing reforms in these areas is also necessary.

Skills

Strategic analysis, transport and transit reform, trade facilitation, cost calculation (transport), workshop facilitation, legal framework adaptation, digitalizing trade procedures, project management, French language proficiency.

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