Workstream Lead ( Private sector and innovation expert)

Workstream No. 3 Lead Private sector and innovation expert

About the Project:

The FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (TFCS) is a £15m programme financed by FCDO and operational from 2020 – 2023. The objective of the TFCS is to improve the trade performance and customs capabilities in the OPTs. It will ultimately contribute to increased inclusive private sector-led economic growth and fiscal sustainability in the OPTs. The programme is designed to be flexible and adaptable, and it will work politically and technically to make progress across the four key interrelated workstreams.

• Workstream 1: Support to expedite the movement of goods and reduce transaction costs
• Workstream 2: Support to improve Palestinian trade-related institutions and business enabling environment
• Workstream 3: Support to improve the private sector’s skills and innovation to export and create jobs
• Workstream 4: Support to improve PA’s customs readiness to assume functions from Israel and revenues from trade-related taxes

Cowater is responsible for managing the implementation of this programme on behalf of FCDO and under its supervision. This includes designing and implementing interventions and providing quarterly and annual reports. The Cowater-led TFCS team is expected to identify and implement interventions that will improve trade performance and fiscal sustainability in the OPTs through the provision of grants for technical assistance, policy dialogue, analysis, and small-scale infrastructure (if needed). This will include interventions that will enhance trade logistics, reduce trade transaction costs, build trade-related institutions, create a more conducive enabling environment for trade, and provide grants to firms to procure technical assistance and equipment to improve their exports and be competitive. The programme will support interventions to facilitate the transfer of customs functions to the Palestinian Authority.

The programme is expected to implement between 40-60 strategic and systematic interventions across the workstreams. The Cowater TFCS team will develop concepts and full intervention proposals for the programme’s Steering Committee to approve for implementation. The proposals will include measurable indicators and targets.

The Workstream 3 lead will lead the component on private sector competitiveness, skills, innovation and export development. They will be responsible for the following tasks/activities:

1. Lead the design and delivery of interventions to support: (i) private sector, (ii) job creation and (iii) export-led firm growth,
2. Lead a market driven approach to help firms to identify potential foreign buyers / markets for their goods and services and then help the firms to meet buyers/market needs. This includes looking at the whole range of links between the buyer, the firm, and its suppliers.
3. Connecting Palestinian firms with new export markets in the world.
4. Building the capability of Palestinian firms through: (i) helping access inputs to support production, (ii) upgrading production techniques and quality control systems, (iii) procuring innovative and new technologies, certifications, training, equipment or service, (iv) support firms that could potentially have higher impact on the Palestinian economy through its linkage with domestic supply chains, (v) identify and assist firms with strong growth potential to increase its exports and create jobs including for women.
5. Ensuring the programme delivers on Women’s economic empowerment
6. Work closely with the Knowledge Management Lead, Communications Lead, Monitoring and Evaluation Team on issues pertaining to their area of responsibility.
7. Support the Senior Management Team as required in work planning, results measurement, and reporting.

جميع الحقوق محفوظة لموقع جوبس.

• Degree/diploma in economics, trade, business administration, private sector development, international development or a related discipline
• At least 10 years professional experience with a minimum of 5 years professional experience working in a related field (e.g. trade facilitation, trade policy, customs services, private sector economic development and market systems development).
• Experience with donor approaches to delivery, private sector development, monitoring and evaluation, market systems, gender and social inclusion is preferred.
• Familiarity with FCDO/FCO/DFID programmes is preferred.
• Knowledge of the political, economic, and social constraints in the Occupied Palestine Territories (OPTs), West Bank and Gaza.
• Experience with international donor reporting requirements is preferred.
• Excellent writing skills (reports, work plans, proposals).
• Strong managerial and organisational skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent communication skills (formal and informal) and ability to work in English and Arabic is required.

Application Process:

Interested applicants are kindly requested to submit their CVs with a cover letter clearly indicating the position name and explaining how they are qualified to fulfill the specified position requirements.

Completed applications must be sent by email at [email protected]

 We thank all applicants for their interest in this project, however, only those shortlisted will be contacted.