Local Consultant – Ecuador – Project Coordinator – Modernisation of Sanitary Procedures

Local Consultant – Ecuador – Project Coordinator

Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation/ Center for International Private Enterprise

1. BACKGROUND

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public-private delivery mechanism created to support effective implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through partnerships between governments and the private sector. GATF is a cooperative effort funded by the governments of the United States, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Denmark. The GATF Secretariat is composed of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-WBO), and the World Economic Forum (WEF), with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as an implementing partner. The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE) works with local business leaders to expand the opportunity for inclusive growth through market-led solutions, develops programs to promote a rule-based system which emphasizes principles of democratic governance, enables entrepreneurship, opens trade, and fights corruption. CIPE and its global partner network create knowledge and practical tools to drive local change.

CIPE, on behalf of GATF, is in the process of implementing a project to strengthen the single window and modernize trade-related sanitary procedures in Ecuador. Efforts to automate and modernize trade-related procedures in Ecuador have stalled in recent years due mainly to public financial constraints. This has affected the interaction between the private sector and the government, and hindered Ecuador’s participation in the global economy. There is consensus among Ecuadorian public and private stakeholders on the importance of rekindling and expanding digitalization in all cross-border trade activities. Three key areas in which technological progress is required to boost competitiveness and trade facilitation in the country are the Ecuadorian Single Window (Ventanilla Unica Ecuatoriana – VUE), the laboratory network of the Phyto and Zoo Sanitary Regulation and Control Agency (AGROCALIDAD), and the National Agency for Sanitary Regulation, Control, and Observation (ARCSA).

The main objective of this project is to increase the efficiency of trade-related services through process reengineering and technological advancement. After the completion of the project, it is expected that:

• VUE will have a broader coverage, less time will be required to process the set of e-services selected for the project through the platform, and additional efficiencies will be achieved in the e-services that will be updated.
• Information management and administrative processes at AGROCALIDAD laboratories will be more efficient and better contribute to the agency’s trade-related controls.
• Applications queue at ARCSA will be eliminated and the agency will have an increased capacity to process sanitary registry requests.

GATF has launched the project in March of 2021 and expects to implement its three components over a period of 24 months.

To support the implementation of Components 2 and 3 (Modernization of AGROCALIDAD laboratory network and Improvement of ARCSA’s systems) of the project, GATF wishes to hire the services of a local Project Coordinator who will work closely and cooperatively with the Ecuadorian government agencies involved, the Project Implementation Unit, and the rest of the Alliance team to ensure its timely and adequate implementation.

2. GENERAL OBJECTIVE

The objective of this position is to provide local coordination and day-to-day management of project activities to ensure the successful and efficient implementation of Components 2 and 3 (Modernization of AGROCALIDAD laboratory network and Improvement of ARCSA’s systems) of the project.

3. SCOPE OF WORK

Under the supervision of the designated GATF/CIPE Program Officer the Project Coordinator’s activities shall include, but are not limited to the following:

1. Providing project management services to facilitate the day-to-day implementation of the project in Ecuador in accordance with the GATF’s goals.
2. Leading project activities, with emphasis in process reengineering and procurement, in coordination with Ecuadorian government officials and CIPE.
3. Liaising with Ecuadorian government officials, private sector stakeholders, and relevant non-government organizations.
4. Establishing close working arrangements with an interdisciplinary team including officials of the Phyto and Zoo Sanitary Regulation and Control Agency (AGROCALIDAD); the National Agency for Sanitary Regulation, Control, and Observation (ARCSA); and the Ministry of Production, International Trade, Investment, and Fisheries (MPCEIP), as well as consultants or service providers hired to implement the project activities.
5. Developing strategic plans for the implementation of the project in coordination with CIPE management/program officer.
6. Providing support as GATF/CIPE Coordinator to the Project Implementation Unit, in organizing and convening periodical public-private stakeholder meetings.
7. Supporting missions from CIPE project management, international technical experts, and delegations from private and public stakeholders supporting the project’s implementation.
8. Coordinating with GATF/CIPE Monitoring and Evaluation officers in the collection and analysis of data on the progress and implementation of the project.
9. Undertake other tasks required to successfully implement the project and improve coordination with relevant authorities.

4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

It is expected that the consultant will conduct, as a minimum, the following activities:

• Update and manage the project plan for Components 2 and 3 (Modernization of AGROCALIDAD laboratory network and Improvement of ARCSA’s systems)
• Arrange consultations with the private sector throughout the execution of the project.
• Provide technical and logistical support to any individual consultant or consulting firm hired during the implementation of the project.
• Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports highlighting the activities conducted, challenges faced, propose solutions, and monthly and quarterly objectives.
• Support the procurement process of any consultant or consulting firm required to implement the project by drafting terms of reference, evaluating technical and financial proposals if necessary.
• Prepare, maintain, and follow up on meeting minutes.
• Co-lead project review exercises designed to adjust, organize, and streamline project procedures/schedules/plans, highlighting the activities that will impact on project implementation and propose corrective actions if needed.
• Ensure effective coordination with AGROCALIDAD, ARCSA, MPCEIP, private sector representatives, the GATF/CIPE team, and any individual consultant, service provider and consulting firm hired during the implementation of the project.
• Document all changes requested to project scope, schedule, and budget.
• Translate brief documents from English to Spanish and vice versa as needed.

5. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The duration of the contract is two (2) years full time with the possibility to extend for an additional 6 months depending on performance and project status. Expected start date: June 2021.

6. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS
The selected project coordinator will report to CIPE’s Program Officer leading the project. The candidate will also work closely with the Project Implementation Unit.

7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

• Candidates should already reside in or around Quito,
• Occasional travel to other locations in Ecuador could be required. All work-related traveling expenses outside Quito will be funded by the GATF/CIPE.
• Office space will not be provided by GATF/ Accommodations will be arranged, as needed and feasible with the involved government agencies.
• Meeting space for periodical Project Implementation Unit meetings will be provided, as needed, by the members of the Project Implementation Unit in Quito, Ecuador

8.  PAYMENT SCHEDULE

The selected candidate will submit invoices monthly to CIPE for approval and payment. CIPE will make payments upon receipt and acceptance of said invoices.

9. TECHNICAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

9.1 Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Project Management, Information Technology (IT), Industrial Engineering, or another relevant.

9.2 Knowledge/Experience

• At least 5 years demonstrated experience in IT, digital transformations, or process modernization/reform projects
• Demonstrated experience working for or with Ecuadorian government agencies is preferred
• Experience in donor-funded project implementation and coordination is preferred
• Familiarity with international trade procedures and border controls is preferred
• Previous experience in project monitoring and evaluation (M&E)
• Sound working knowledge of project management techniques, tools, and software
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Experience working both independently and in team-oriented, collaborative environments is essential
• Legally authorized to live and work in Ecuador
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Spanish

10. APPLICATION

To apply for this opportunity, please send a resume and cover letter in English, to tradejobs@cipe.org by 5:00pm Eastern Standard Time, April 15th, 2021 with the subject line: “GATF Ecuador Project Coordinator 2 – [FULL NAME]”.

Any and all questions should be communicated in writing before the due date to the same email address. Questions and responses will be publicly available at cipe.org.

11. EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

Evaluation of an applicant’s suitability for this consultancy will be based on the applicant’s technical background as provided on the resume and cover letter as well as the applicant’s financial requirements. CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.