ePhyto Specialist – ARMENIA

1. Background

The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public-private organisation created to support effective implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through partnerships between government and private sector. GATF is a cooperative effort funded by the governments of Sweden, Canada, Germany, and the European Union. 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 implementing partner.

On behalf of GATF, CIPE is in the process of implementing a project to enhance agri-food trade systems in Armenia, which includes supporting the Food Safety Inspection Body in the implementation of the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) ePhyto Solution. According to the Ministry of Economy of Armenia, the country is currently exporting approximately 150,000 tons of fruits, vegetables and flowers, and 16,000 tons of grapes per year. The Armenian agro-industrial sector groups about 2,400 producers and exporters. Building on the government’s strategies to strengthen the agricultural sector, the ePhyto Solution will reduce material errors, loss of paper documents, and counterfeiting risks, making the phytosanitary certification process more effective and efficient, saving the government and traders time and money.

The Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia already exchanges electronic phytosanitary certificates with its counterparts in the Eurasian Economic Union, through a system that interconnects with the national single window. Through this project, GATF will provide technical and financial assistance to connect the Food Safety Inspection Body’s system to the IPPC Hub and align its certifications with the requirements of the European Union (EU) Trade Control and Expert System (TRACES), enabling the electronic exchange with more than 120 countries, facilitating and promoting the access of Armenian exporters to global market opportunities.

2. Objective

The overall objective of the project is to optimise key procedures for the movement of agri-food products through Armenia’s borders, with the objective of reducing costs for traders, increasing efficiency and efficacy of public and private oversight, and fostering competitiveness. By enabling the Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia to exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates through the IPPC Hub, the project aims to streamline compliance and create opportunities for Armenian products.

In light of the above, GATF and CIPE are looking for an ePhyto Specialist or group who will work closely with the Project Team, the Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia, and other relevant stakeholders to guide the ePhyto Solution implementation.

3. Scope of Work

The ePhyto Specialist is expected to outline the activities required for the implementation of the ePhyto Solution by the Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia, so it will successfully connect and exchange electronic phytosanitary certificates via the IPPC Hub. Additionally, the specialist is expected to review the phytosanitary certification processes and relevant regulatory environment, with a view to optimise the procedures and ensure adherence to TRACES requirements. The deliverables for this assignment include:

• Inception Report detailing the specific activities and proposed schedule to complete the assignment. This plan shall indicate the information required by the specialist to complete their work, which shall be provided by the Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia, and specify the meetings and on-site observation that will be necessary for the assignment, so they can be appropriately coordinated.

• AS IS Report with the narrative and workflow maps explaining the current processes to issue phytosanitary certificates and the regulations and technological tools that support them. This report inform the project baselines, provide input for the project evaluation, and identify the main bottlenecks, challenges and gaps for the proper implementation of a fully-fledged e-Phyto Solution aligned with international standards. It is anticipated that this deliverable will rely heavily on public and private sector feedback to conceptualise the current processes and opportunities for improvement, therefore the consultant is encouraged to develop and implement a methodology in line with this prospect.

• TO BE Report with the recommended process maps to manage (issue, modify, exchange, cancel) the electronic phytosanitary certificates in accordance with the ePhyto Solution guidelines, as well as the necessary changes in regulation and IT systems to effectively connect to the IPPC Hub and comply with TRACES requirements. This report will serve as the basis for the work of the IT provider(s) that will make the necessary adjustments to the Food Safety Inspection Body system.

4. Estimated budget, duration and selection criteria

The estimated budget for the assignment is USD 40,000 plus travel expenses. The estimated duration of the assignment is 3 to 4 months, although it does not require full-time engagement.

Proposals will be evaluated based on a combination of quality and cost. Quality evaluation of the proposals will be based on responsiveness to the requirements set forth in this posting and relevant experience of the provider.

5. Candidate profile

 Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent in economics, science, engineering, information technology, law, or relevant field. Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in modernisation of agricultural import and export procedures, ePhyto Solution implementation, and business process engineering.
• Strong command of phytosanitary products certification process and international best practices as recommended by the IPPC and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Demonstrated experience in at least 2 similar assignments.
• Demonstrated experience working with government agencies.
• English proficiency. Working knowledge of Russian and/or Armenian is a plus.

Other knowledge and skills:

• Excellent analysis and synthesis skills.
• Knowledge of Armenia’s development issues, trade practices, challenges and regional context.
• Ability to travel to Armenia.
• Proactive, self-starter with strong attention to detail.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing environments.
• Familiarity with donor-funded programs desired.

6. Application

Candidates must submit their application by August 11, 2025 to tradejobs@cipe.org with the subject line “ePhyto Specialist Armenia”. Applications shall include:

• Specialist(s) resume in English, emphasizing relevant experience, as indicated in the requirements.
• Cover letter in English, including their financial compensation prospect (inclusive of taxes).
• At least one sample business process reengineering activity report in English, ideally related to experience indicated in the requirements.

7. Deliverables and payment

 A final schedule of deliverables will be agreed with the selected specialist during negotiations and in consultation with project counterparts from the Food Safety Inspection Body of Armenia. The following is an indicative deliverable schedule and payment table.