Consultant – Vietnam – In-country Project Lead

Consultant – In-country Project Lead, Vietnam

GLOBAL ALLIANCE FOR TRADE FACILITATION/CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE ENTERPRISE (CIPE)

 

RFP Issue Date: August 6, 2020

RFP Closing Date: September 5, 2020

RFP Closing Time: 5:00pm EST

Performance Period: October 2020 – October 2021.

 

1.       BACKGROUND

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public-private organization created to support the effective implementation of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), through partnerships between governments and the private sector.

Funding for GATF projects comes from the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, 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), in cooperation with the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).

On behalf of the GATF, CIPE is working with the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC), under the Ministry of Finance, and the private sector to implement a modern customs bond system for the conditional release of goods. Vietnam will be the first country in Asia with such an all-encompassing system. Traders will be able to purchase bonds to guarantee their payment of duties and taxes as well as regulatory compliance, allowing customs to expedite release of their goods.

The project involves: (1) analyzing how the new system will enhance Vietnam’s competitiveness in global supply chains; (2) designing a bond management software module that will interface with Vietnam’s existing e-Customs system; (3) developing a customs bond pricing model in consultation with insurers; (4) providing training for customs and other government officials, as well as private sector stakeholders; and (5) supporting the legal and regulatory reforms required to implement the project.

 

2.       GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The objective of this consultancy is to support the Vietnam Program Officer to implement 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 the General Department of Vietnam Customs (GDVC) Project Team, the Country Lead will be responsible for the following:

  • Supporting the implementation of all day-to-day activities identified in the Project workplan.
  • Establishing close working arrangements with an interdisciplinary team composed of experts from the public and private sectors, GATF, and individual consultants hired to implement the activities identified in the project plan.
  • Liaising with the Project Team of GDVC on a regular basis.
  • Coordinating the flow of information between all relevant stakeholders, which is required for the effective execution of the project.
  • Identifying, collecting, reporting and sharing lessons learned with relevant stakeholders.
  • Any other tasks related to this project as coordinated between GDVC and the GATF.

 

4.       SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES

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

  • Arrange consultations with the public and private sector throughout the execution of the project.
  • Prepare monthly and quarterly progress reports highlighting the activities conducted, challenges faced, propose solutions, and monthly and quarterly objectives.
  • Support the development of the terms of reference for the activities identified in the project plan.
  • Prepare, maintain and follow up on meeting minutes.
  • Participate in evaluation committees to evaluate technical and financial proposals as needed.
  • Co-lead project review exercises designed to adjust, organize and streamline project procedures/schedules/plans, highlighting the activities that will have an impact on project implementation.
  • Monitor progress on all deliverables and outputs identified in the project.
  • Ensure effective coordination between GDVC, private sector representatives from Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industries (VCCI) and Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA), the Global Alliance team, and any individual consultant and consulting firm hired during the implementation of the project.
  • 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.

 

5.       DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT

The duration of the contract is one (1) year full time with the possibility to extend for an additional 6 months depending on performance and project status. Expected start date: October 2020.

 

6.       REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS

The Country Lead shall provide regular project activity reports, primarily, following the schedule below:

Period Start Date – End Date Due no later than
First Quarter January 1st, – March 31st April 1st
Second Quarter April 1st- – June 30th July 1st
Third Quarter July 1st – September 30th October 1st
Fourth Quarter October 1st – December 31st December 1st

 

7.        DELIVERABLES AND PAYMENT SCHEDULE

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

 

8.      TECHNICAL PROFILE OF CANDIDATE

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in political science, social sciences, or information technology preferred.

Knowledge/Experience

  • At least 10 years of experience working in international trade development projects managing a variety of modernization/trade facilitation projects.
  • Demonstrate experience working with government agencies in Vietnam is a requirement.
  • Demonstrate experience managing complex regulatory reform projects requiring the participation of multiple government agencies.
  • Experience working in customs IT modernization projects is preferred.
  • Experience engaging the private and public sector in regulatory reform initiative.
  • Experience working both independently and, in a team, oriented, collaborative environment is essential.

9.        APPLICATION

If interested, please send your updated resume, cover letter in English detailing previous experience at it relates to this ToR and USAID form 140-17  to: stefera@cipe.org  and tradejobs@cipe.org   with the Subject Line: “Application for CL position – Vietnam” by August 31, 2020, 5:00PM EST.

Applicants who are legally able to work in Vietnam preferred. CIPE does not cover relocation expenses. CIPE is an Equal Opportunity Employer.