Level of Input: Full-time

About the Programme:

REMIT was launched in November 2021 and is now in third year of its programme cycle. ASI- REMIT was assigned two broad areas of the Programme, viz. revenue mobilization and improving investment climate whereas trade and macroeconomy were being implemented by International Trade Center (ITC) and World Bank Trust Fund (WBTF) respectively. Despite challenges and pause period, ASI–REMIT successfully delivered substantial and significantly important reforms and  secured performance rating of “A” in the 2 years consecutively. Based on the successful implementation of planned initiatives and capability of the team to work across the spectrum, FCDO assigned additional components / thematic areas to ASI–REMIT. ASI–REMIT team responded with a high degree of flexibility and adaptability to handle additional work and continued to focus on results and impact as guided by the ToC.

Objective

The REMIT programme is recruiting an trade adviser to provide strategic leadership, technical expertise, and global best practice knowledge, to drive the conceptualization, implementation, quality assurance, and sustainability of the Trade Workstream under the REMIT programme workplan. The adviser will collaborate closely with key stakeholders in Pakistan, including the Ministry of Finance and other entities as relevant (e.g. World Bank, IMF),  to ensure the successful execution and institutionalisation of the trade initiatives under the output.

Roles and Responsibilities:

Lead the Conceptualization and Implementation of Trade Initiatives:

• Spearhead the conceptualization and successful implementation of the agreed trade work plan, providing expert guidance and technical support.
• Lead coordination between REMIT, Ministry of Commerce (MoC), National Trade Bureau (NTB), Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP), and the private sector for effective collaboration.
• Establish and maintain adherence to established global best practice delivery standards within the trade workstream.

Drive Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Advise on the potential scope, deliverables, and timelines, for key upcoming activities within the trade workstream. Define the scope of key activities, particularly in trade policy capacity and systems, and export facilitation schemes.
• Develop comprehensive Terms of Reference (ToR) for interventions, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and expectations for all stakeholders.

Lead Strategic Partnership and Technical Assistance:

• Identify specific technical expertise required for key initiatives and lead in their procurement.
• Lead the process of procuring external Technical Assistance (TA), ensuring alignment with project objectives and outcomes.
• Engagement with the Ministry of Finance, other relevant federal and provincial ministries, and other key stakeholders (IMF and World Bank), in order to gain insights for strategic design and achieve alignment across the sector.

Ensure Quality Delivery and Progress Monitoring:

• Ensure quality and timely delivery of project milestones.
• Where appropriate, supporting the PMU in the identification of specific international technical experts or firms for upcoming trade initiatives.
• Lead regular reviews, identifying issues and deviations, collaborating with REMIT Advisors for effective resolution.
• Present progress and outcomes sequentially to FCDO for evaluation and feedback.

Develop and Lead on Robust Reporting Mechanisms:

• Conduct regular review of draft deliverables associated with TA engagements, advising on areas of improvement and ensuring quality.
• Provide best practice insights into the establishment of effective reporting mechanisms, in order to capture outputs, milestones, and challenges.
• Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including progress reports, assessments, and recommendations.

Foster Sustainability and Institutionalization:

• Lead collaboration with key stakeholders (in particular the IMF and the World Bank) in devising comprehensive plans and policies for the sustainability and scalability of REMIT's trade interventions.
• Lead resource allocation, capacity building, and ongoing institutional efforts at MoC, NTB, and TDAP.

Drive Future Growth and Collaboration:

• Lead the process of exploration and identifying opportunities for extended collaboration between REMIT and MoC, NTB, TDAP, aligning with strategic objectives.
• Innovate and initiate partnerships, ensuring alignment with REMIT, FCDO, and Government goals.

Education & Experience:

• Master’s or advanced degree in International Trade, Economics, Business Administration, Public Policy, or a related field. Ph.D. in a relevant discipline is highly desirable.
• Minimum of 15 years of hands-on experience in international trade policy, trade facilitation, export promotion, or related fields.
• Proven track record of successfully conceptualizing, planning, and implementing trade-related initiatives.
• Extensive experience in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector entities, international organizations, and trade promotion bodies.
• Strong background in political economy analysis and understanding of the socio-economic and political context of Pakistan’s trade landscape.
• Exceptional knowledge of international trade policies, trade agreements, and regulatory frameworks.
• Excellent analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex trade data and formulate evidence-based recommendations.
• Proficiency in trade-related software, analytical tools, and databases.
• Leadership qualities, with the ability to inspire and guide teams, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
• Knowledge of international best practices, quality standards, and compliance requirements related to trade policies and export facilitation.

Reporting:

The Trade Adviser will be a full-time position and will report directly to the REMIT Team Lead and Project Director.