Result of Service

The services of the consultant will support the development of a robust national e-commerce strategy in Trinidad and Tobago that will promote the e-commerce sector. 

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

07.07.24 to 06.12.24

Duties and Responsibilities

The Assessments build on a combination of quantitative and qualitative information, including desk review, mapping of developments’ partners digital related activities, customized surveys for public and private stakeholders and a dedicated questionnaire for consumers, as well as information collected through a series of multi-stakeholders’ consultations. The process contributes to foster public-private sector dialogue and encourage inter-ministerial coordination and collaborative partnerships with eTrade for all partners and the donor’s community to support the implementation of the recommendations contained in the Assessments.    The Digital Economy Capacity-building Section is also implementing support to E-commerce Strategy (ECS) Development, which assists developing countries to elaborate e-commerce strategies on the basis of comprehensive assessments. Policy advice is offered to partner countries as well as regional bodies for building and maintaining a dynamic and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem that can support sustainable development gains.  The Ministry of Trade and Industry of Trinidad and Tobago has submitted a request to UNCTAD to develop a national e-commerce strategy. The strategy will be based on a thorough analysis of the digital and e-commerce ecosystem of Trinidad and Tobago, conducted through an eTrade Readiness Assessment (eT Ready). The assessment includes a thorough review of the eTrade for all seven policy areas: i) e-trade readiness assessment and strategy formulation, ii) ICT infrastructure and services, iii) trade logistics and trade facilitation; iv) legal and regulatory frameworks; v) payment solutions; vi) digital skills development; and vii) access to financing. On the basis of the assessment and its findings, a national e-commerce strategy will be developed. Under the supervision of the Chief of the DECB Section, the consultant will perform the following tasks: 1. Deliver revised final versions of the eTrade Readiness Assessment for Trinidad and Tobago, incorporating all comments from government counterparts, eTrade for all partners and final comments during the validation workshop of the eT Ready. 2. Participate in the validation workshop for the draft eTrade Readiness Assessment, present the report and facilitate discussions with government, private sector, civil society and academia representatives. 3. Participate in a vision workshop for the e-commerce strategy and facilitate discussions on specific priorities of the national e-commerce strategy. Participate in bilateral discussions that can be organised in-person or online. 4. In coordination with the other international consultant, develop the draft ECS, including by preparing the following sections of the ECS draft: – Situational analysis of the e-commerce strategy on the basis of a summary of the eT Ready (5 pages max) – The draft strategic goals, objectives and measures linked to two priority policy areas for the strategy, as well as related elements to be included in the strategy implementation plan – The governance framework for the strategy 5. Reach out to development partners to determine possible support for specific measures included in the ECS. Map all public and private sector initiatives which provide an enabling environment for e-commerce development. 6. Facilitate multistakeholder consultations on the draft strategy, which can be organised online, involving public sector and private sector (business, civil society, academia, etc.).   7. Prepare the successive revision drafts of the ECS components to be presented to UNCTAD, the Ministry of Trade and Industry, selected eTrade for all Partners and key stakeholders for their feedback and comments.   8. Participate in the validation workshop of the strategy, which can be organised online, prepare required presentation materials and integrate comments from the discussions to finalize the strategy, participate in other meetings as needed.

Qualifications/special skills

Master’s in ICT, Economics, Business Administration, International Laws, Trade Development or related areas. At least 10 years of working experience in the field of trade and development, particularly in the Caribbean region, of which 5 years of trade-related technical assistance and policy formulation. Knowledge of trade and e-trade development issues. Research skills and excellent drafting skills are also required. Previous experience in assessing e-commerce ecosystems and providing advisory services in ITC, e-commerce and trade related areas in developing countries, including in the Caribbean and Trinidad and Tobago in particular, is desirable. Experience working with the United Nations system and/or other international organizations is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written).

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.