Consultant – India – Project Management

TERMS OF REFERENCE

CONSULTING SERVICES TO HIRE A PROJECT MANAGER BASED IN DELHI, INDIA

 1. BACKGROUND

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public-private partnership created to support effective implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (“TFA”) through partnerships between governments and private sector. GATF is a cooperative effort funded by the governments of the United States, Great Britain, Canada, Germany, Australia, and Denmark.

The GATF Secretariat is composed of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the World Economic Forum (WEF), with Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) as implementing partner.

Through the methodology of co-creation between government and private sector entities, CIPE,  on behalf of the GATF, is seeking to develop a project to advance India’s trade facilitation agenda.

The project will need support not only from key government agencies but also leading private sector organizations like the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), and the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM).

To support the development and implementation of the project, as well as manage the public-private ecosystem in which this project will be embedded, CIPE wishes to hire the services of a Project Manager (PM), based in Delhi, India.

The PM will oversee GATF activities in India, including project design and implementation as well as the local public-private partnership on which the project is based.

2. GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this consultancy are:

·        Support the CIPE Trade Team based in Washington, DC to identify, conceptualize and develop a trade facilitation project in India.

·        Manage the technical dialogue with key stakeholders related to trade facilitation in the public and private sectors.

·        Supervise and manage the implementation of the project in line with the objectives, budget, and project timeline identified in the project proposal.

 3. SCOPE OF WORK

Under the supervision of the CIPE/GATF Program Officer and liaising closely with GATF partners in India (particularly ICC India), Washington, DC, Paris, and Geneva, the Project Manager will be responsible for the following:

·        In consultation with the private sector and trade related government agencies (India Customs, agriculture, health authorities,…), identify trade challenges and solutions to be included in a GATF project.

·        Collaborate in the drafting, validation, revision and submission of project concept note, proposal, budget proposal  and other project related documentation.

·        Coordinate the implementation of the project.

·        Manage the technical dialogue on day to day basis with the key stakeholders involved in the design and implementation of the project.

·        Identify, collect data and share lessons learned in line with the reporting requirements of the Alliance.

4. SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

The consultant will conduct, as a minimum, the following activities:

·        Provide on the ground, in-country intelligence on the evolving landscape of trade facilitation reforms in India, conducive to a concept note, project proposal and to successful implementation of a project.

·        Arrange and support scoping visits involving government and private sector stakeholders in the Indian trade facilitation ecosystem.

·        Develop and maintain relationships with key actors in the Indian trade facilitation and international trade ecosystem.

·        Identify opportunities for private sector contributions throughout the development and implementation of the project.

·        Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports highlighting the activities conducted, challenges faced, proposed solutions, and established objectives.

·        Lead the development of terms of reference for the activities identified in the project plan.

·        Participate in evaluation activities to (re)assess technical and financial targets as needed.

·        Co-lead project review exercises, which are designed to adjust, organize and streamline project procedures/schedules/plans, highlighting the activities that will have an impact on project implementation.

·        Participate in regular project evaluation and review meetings to identify current and future bottlenecks/challenges/risks and to develop and initiate resolutions.

·        Document all changes requested to project scope, schedule and budget.

·        Supervise and manage any consultant or firm that might be hired to implement project activities.

·        Any other project tasks as may be agreed among the GATF, Indian government officials, and other relevant public/private stakeholders.

 5. DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

·        The duration of the contract is one 18 months full time with extensions for additional 12-month periods depending on performance and project status. Expected start timeline: December 2019.

 6. REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

·        The selected candidate will report to the Program Officer of CIPE.

 7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND LOGISTICAL ARRANGEMENTS

·        Office accommodation will be provided at ICC India headquarters in Delhi, India or by any other relevant stakeholder. GATF’s project in India may focus on a different city, at which point the physical location of the Country Manager will be reassessed for efficiency purposes. In that case, a relocation package will be considered.

·        Although the position does not require a significant amount of travel, the candidate may be required to attend meetings and provide support for out-of-office events on occasion. All work-related traveling expenses outside of Delhi will be funded by the GATF.

8. DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

·        For the performance of duties outlined in this Terms of Reference, the consultant will be paid monthly.

9. TECHNICAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

Qualifications

·        Bachelor’s degree in engineering, information technology, international trade, business, law, or political or social sciences preferred. Other disciplines as applicable will be considered.

Knowledge/Experience

·        At least 5 years of experience in customs reform, trade facilitation, or implementing government modernization projects.

·        Proven track record managing complex projects involving a diverse set of stakeholders ideally in the public sector in India, particularly those involved in trade.

·        Strong understanding of WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, and other applicable international instruments (WCO Revised Kyoto Convention, SAFE Framework,…).

·        Technical knowledge of supply chains and international trade highly desired.

·        Strong financial acumen with a deep understanding of budget development, management and realignment when necessary.

·        Strong capacity for innovative thinking around public-private cooperation on trade facilitation or modernization of the state.

·        Experience working both independently and, in a team, -oriented, collaborative environment is essential.

·        Reacts to project adjustments and alterations promptly and efficiently.

·        Strong written and oral communication skills in English.

·        Demonstrated experience managing multiple actors in a partnership environment desired, particularly involving corporate or private sector stakeholders.

·        Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Microsoft Project or similar.

 

10. APPLICATION

To apply for this opportunity, please send a resume and cover letter to: Arnold Jorge (ajorge@cipe.org) and Tradejobs@cipe.org with the subject line: “Project Manager INDIA [YOURLASTNAME]”

Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.

Application deadline: November 8, 2019 at 5PM EST.

Applicants must be legally able to work in India.

CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.