UNConsultant

National Consultant for Trade Data Monitoring in Agrivalue Chains in the Caribbean

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2/5 flags
Formality Risk: Moderate
  • Short Posting Period (7d): Only 7 days between posting and deadline. UN vacancies typically allow 2–4 weeks. Very short windows can indicate the hiring decision is already made.
  • Hyper-Specific Qualifications: Qualifications are highly specific: lists many specific degree fields; requires an unusual combination of languages.

Result of Service

Month 1 (Weeks 3–4) • Inception Note o Approach to Activity 1 o Dataset structure and monitoring format o Aligned with ITC standards Months 2–6 (Ongoing – monthly or quarterly) • Updated Datasets (each period) o Quality-checked trade data (flows, tariffs, unit values, etc.) o Consistent formatting using ITC templates o Clear documentation of updates • Monitoring Briefs (each period) o 2–5 pages per brief o Key trade developments and insights o Concise, decision-oriented analysis Month 6 (End of Contract) • Final Monitoring Report o Summary of trends over 6 months o Key insights from datasets and briefs o Data gaps and challenges o Recommendations for future work

Work Location

home-based (CARICOM)

Expected duration

6 months

Duties and Responsibilities

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all interventions in the region, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within the Division for Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) is responsible for sector-wide transformation, improving market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards, and market systems. The section utilizes the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodologies to implement projects in its Inclusive and Sustainable Agribusiness value chains areas of work. The A4A is a participatory partnership model that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of MSMES, smallholder farmers and value chain actors while ensuring respect of environmental, economic, and social requirements. A4A seeks to develop responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade by aligning investment and coordination across the full ecosystem of VC actors and by building competitiveness especially in agribusiness. The Trade and Market Intelligence section (TMI) is part of ITC’s Division of Market Development (DMD). TMI has developed a range of tools and methodologies for strategic and operational market research, focusing on products and markets of interest to developing countries, assessing sectoral and national trade performance and trade competitiveness. The European Union (EU) funded project “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through Alliances” aims to support agri-MSMEs, cooperatives and producers (smallholder farmers and fishers) to become more competitive and resilient through value addition, diversification, and new market development at the regional level. Objective The objective of this assignment is to support the continuous monitoring, validation, and reporting of trade and related statistics for selected food commodities in CARICOM countries, ensuring alignment with ITC methodologies and facilitating collaboration with national and regional data providers. Description of Tasks/Duties/Responsibilities Under the direct supervision the Programme Officers (OLAC, GIVC, TMI), the National Consultant will undertake the following activities: • Activity 1: trade and tariff data monitoring and reporting The consultant will regularly extract, update, and maintain datasets on trade flows, tariffs, unit values and related indicators for selected commodities and CARICOM countries, using ITC tools such as Trade Map and Market Access Map, as well as other relevant sources. The consultant will ensure that datasets are structured in accordance with ITC data validation and processing protocols, documenting data limitations, revisions, and methodological considerations, and maintaining clear metadata and records to support transparency and reproducibility of results. The consultant will produce regular monitoring outputs summarizing developments over time, identifying and documenting key trends in trade and related indicators. This will include the preparation of short analytical notes highlighting trends, changes, and emerging issues, as well as the updating of factsheets, or presentation materials based on agreed-upon analytical frameworks. The consultant will incorporate feedback from the project team and ensure that outputs are aligned with ITC standards and communication needs. • Activity 2: company-level data collection and validation The consultant will complement secondary data analysis by collecting, compiling, and validating relevant trade and production data from selected beneficiary companies supported under the project. This will include designing simple data collection templates (in coordination with the project team), engaging with companies to gather information on production volumes, sales, export performance, pricing, and market channels, and ensuring consistency with ITC data frameworks. • Activity 3: liaison with national authorities The consultant will establish and maintain working relationships with relevant national and regional stakeholders, including statistical offices, customs authorities, and ministries of trade and agriculture in CARICOM countries. The consultant will facilitate access to up-to-date national data, seek clarification on data discrepancies or methodological issues, and support improved understanding of national data systems. The consultant will act as a liaison between ITC headquarters and national counterparts, ensuring effective communication and coordination. • Activity 4: Coordination with ITC headquarters The consultant will work in close coordination with ITC headquarters, following established methodologies, data treatment protocols, and templates. The consultant will participate in regular coordination meetings, provide updates on progress, and ensure that all work is aligned with guidance from relevant team members. As part of activities 1-4, the National Consultant will confirm the priority commodities for the project with the project team and discuss and agree with the relevant team on methodologies to follow and reporting templates to adopt. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other). University degree in trade, economics or similar field. • Minimum of 2 years professional experience • Experience in trade data analysis • Experience with national statistical systems • Experience in data management Skills - Strong data analysis skills - Fluent in R/Python/Stata/SAS or other similar statistical software - Knowledge of trade databases - Stakeholder engagement skills - Strong written communication

Languages

Proficiency in English.

Additional Information

Not available.
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