TIF - Trade and Port Expert /Short Term Technical Assistance

Background and Context

The USAID-funded Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) Project purpose is to facilitate export of Lebanese goods and services to generate foreign exchange through investments that simultaneously promote job creation, income generation, and improved livelihoods throughout the country.

TIF has three objectives:

1) increased exports of Lebanese goods and services,

2) investment facilitation leading to increased domestic investment, and

3) improved business and investment enabling environment.

Purpose

TIF Project aims to facilitate increased trade activity of Lebanese goods.  The majority of merchandise traded is by sea.  Strong port performance of a country can lead to reduced transportation costs and increase a country’s competitiveness.  Under Objective 1 and 3, TIF will follow up on the World Bank Reforming and Rebuilding Lebanon’s Port Sector: LESSONS FROM GLOBAL BEST PRACTICES (December 2020) assessment of the Port of Beirut activities: reform, reconstruction, management, and trade facilitation in general.

Tasks

• Identify, monitor and assess gaps and constraints to trade, including in logistics, ports and infrastructure. 
• Identify, monitor and assess policy and regulatory changes to the business environment in Lebanon, particularly with regard to exports and trade, highlighting activities at the Port of Beirut and other points of export if relevant.
• Identify challenges and opportunities for enterprises in relation to export and trade in general including for the agro-food and industrial sector. Assess the impact on enterprises and propose potential actions for support.
• Formulate recommendations based on the situation assessment and the findings related to regulatory reforms, trade facilitation, port and logistics and improvement as per international standards.
• Provide specific technical assistance to relevant entities, if needed or requested by TIF Project or USAID Lebanon.
• Liaise with diverse stakeholders working on the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Port of Beirut in close coordination with TIF Project and USAID Lebanon.
• If needed, and with USAID Lebanon consent, participate in coordination meetings on Port reform, reconstruction, management, and trade with stakeholders.
• Perform other tasks as requested by TIF Project or USAID Lebanon.
• Produce a monthly report on the above-mentioned aspects including trade, port, exports, and effect on enterprises and sectors.

 Location of Assignment

   The location of this assignment is in Lebanon.

Level of Effort (LOE) and Period of Performance

Estimated 40 days from August 2021 until September 2022 subject to potential extension of the performance time, renewal or potential increase of the LOE.

Deliverables

1. Monthly reports:  written reports must be submitted on a monthly basis to highlight updates on the port of Beirut reconstruction process, opportunities to facilitate port reforms and trade facilitation.
2. Verbal briefings: verbal briefings on updates should be provided to TIF Project or USAID Lebanon, upon request.

3. Other tasks as requested

Reporting and Supervision

The consultant will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) of TIF Project and Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) of USAID Lebanon

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Trade/commerce, management, business, finance, or other relevant field.
• At least five years of professional experience in trade and/or policy reform facilitation.
• Demonstrated professional experience in port management, logistics, and policy.
• Knowledge in enterprise management and/or support.
• Demonstrated business acumen and strategizing.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to liaise with diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong communication skills - both written and oral – in English and Arabic.