1. Background
The Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF) is a public-private partnership created to support the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) through projects that bring together governments and businesses to identify and solve trade facilitation barriers. The Alliance is funded by the governments of the Canada, Germany, Sweden and the EU.
The GATF is implemented by a consortium composed of the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC-WBO), the World Economic Forum (WEF), and in partnership GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit).
As part of a new initiative to develop trade facilitation projects in the MENA region, the Alliance is exploring the possibility of implementing a project in Egypt.
To support this process, the WEF seeks to hire a Trade Advisor with expertise in trade facilitation to support the scoping and design of a new project in Egypt.
2. Objective
The objective of this consultancy is to support the Alliance in identifying a viable trade facilitation project aligned with GATF priorities and TFA provisions. The Trade Advisor will work closely with the Alliance team and partners to:
- Conduct targeted scoping and consultations.
- Identify at least three viable project ideas aligned with GATF priorities.
- Develop a full project proposal using GATF templates and requirements.
3. Scope of Work
The consultancy will be divided into two main phases:
Phase 1 – Project Scoping
- Conduct a review of Egypt’s trade environment, with a focus on import/export processes, trade-related bottlenecks, and stakeholder priorities.
- Engage key public and private stakeholders including customs authorities, border agencies, and relevant business associations.
- Propose at least two-three executive project options that align with GATF’s mission and capabilities.
- Present findings in a scoping report and identify the most viable option in consultation with the Alliance team.
Phase 2 – Project Design
- Once a preferred project idea is selected, develop a draft project proposal following GATF guidelines and templates (samples will be provided).
- Support further stakeholder discussions and in-person observations of key processes as needed to finalize the design and collect inputs.
- Produce a finalized concept note and proposal for submission to the GATF Steering Group.
4. Deliverables and Timeline
- Inception Report outlining workplan and methodology: 1 week after contract signature.
- Stakeholder Engagement Report and Meeting Summary: 4 weeks after contract signature.
- Report with at least two-three project options: 8 weeks after contract signature.
- Draft Project Proposal (based on selected idea): 10 weeks after contract signature.
- Final Project Proposal (revised per feedback): 12 weeks after contract signature.
5. Required Profile
The selected specialist must meet the following criteria:
- Proven expertise in trade facilitation, regulatory reform, customs modernization.
- Deep understanding of WTO TFA and import-export processes.
- Strong connections or familiarity with Egyptian public institutions (e.g. Customs, Ministry of Trade, border agencies).
- Experience designing and implementing donor-funded technical assistance projects required.
- Excellent analytical and writing skills in English and Arabic.
6. Period of Contract
The contract aims to begin in mid-May 2025 and last approximately 3 months, with possibility for extension depending on project needs. The exact start and end dates will be determined during contract negotiation.
7. Payment Schedule
- 15% upon submission and approval of Inception Report.
- 35% upon submission and approval of Stakeholder Report and Project Options.
- 25% upon submission and approval of Draft Proposal.
- 25% upon submission and approval of Final Proposal.
8. Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit their application no later than May 10, 2025, at 17:00 Central European time. Applications must include an up-to-date resume in English and should be sent via email to marie.pellet@weforum.org.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity.