ASYCUDA Consultant (international trade and private sector development)

Result of ServiceThe consultant will contribute to mapping Afghanistan business and trade facilitation, and enhancing Afghan traders capacity, particularly through MSMEs and industrial parks development with a view to enhancing benefits of ASYCUDA system for business community Work LocationHome based Expected duration01/09/25 - 31/12/25 Duties and ResponsibilitiesActions by UNCTAD in Afghanistan have been focused on facilitating trade, strengthening the private sector, and maintaining ASYCUDA, the digitized customs mechanism. These priority areas have remained despite the significant changes in the political landscape of Afghanistan since August 2021. With the support of the UNDP, UNCTAD’s work in Afghanistan continues to strengthen capacities and capabilities of the trading community with a focus on women-owned and women-operated micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) as well as industrial parks. Addressing the most pressing needs of MSMEs and industrial parks and enabling them to take full advantage of industry-specific knowledge and technology, as well as to use the full advantage of ASYCUDA system. Under the general supervision of UNCTAD ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for CEE, Central Asia and Afghanistan the incumbent should perform the following duties: - Work closely with the ASYCUDA local team and UNDP to complete the documentary on clustered MSMEs. - Complete the Cluster Development Handbook for Afghanistan. - Outline capacity building modules for clustered MSMEs. - Oversee the translation and testing by the contracted survey firm of the survey questionnaire - Write a baseline report based on the findings from the analysis of the data from the survey and key informant interviews. - Work closely with UNCTAD and UNDP to coordinate presentations of the research findings for international stakeholders. - Develop the framework and proposal for Phase 2 of this project. Qualifications/special skillsAn advanced university degree, Master, in Social Sciences, preferably with a focus on development economics and development policy making processes is required. PhD would be an advantage. At least 7 years of experience in policy research and analysis on governance, economic development or related fields, in particular in Central Asiia and Afghanistan region is required. Work experience of in-country research in Afghanistan is required. Work experience of conducting researches under the UN programmes is desirable. LanguagesFluency oral and written in English is required. Knowledge of Pashto and Dari is desirable Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.