Terms of Reference Study on Restructuring of Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development 

Background

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only development agency that is fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic development and contribute to achieving the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. ITC is implementing the EU-funded ‘Growth for Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress’ (GRASP) project which aims to contribute to the reduction of poverty through the development of rural MSMEs in selected districts within two provinces of Pakistan: Balochistan and Sindh. GRASP will focus on selected product lines within livestock and horticulture. GRASP will take a holistic approach to build MSME competitiveness in agribusiness value chains starting from a deep understanding of markets and working back through the value chain to enable MSMEs and ultimately producers to create and capture additional value. To do this, GRASP will implement three outputs as under: Output 1: (Policy & regulations) Institutional capacity strengthened, and business environment improved for rural SME development. Output 2: (Productivity, quality, and value addition) Agribusiness service providing SMEs (run by Male/Female) and their BIOs are capacitated to enhance primary production and quality Output 3: (Market linkages and finance) Commercially operating SMEs (Male/Female) are trained in appropriate environmentally sustainable technologies value and enhance marketed volumes Under output 1, GRASP will seek to improve the regulatory and institutional frameworks, at federal and provincial levels in Balochistan and Sindh, in the areas of domestic commerce, agricultural policies, rural MSME development, and food safety, including plant and animal health. GRASP will undertake regulatory reform by developing and updating policies, laws, and regulations (including upgrading existing laws) and strengthening government institutions to reduce barriers to competition and market openness and foster market dynamics while ensuring essential social and environmental welfare. GRASP will employ highly inclusive approaches to the design and implementation of regulatory reforms through close participation of all relevant stakeholders, especially the private sector including the small hold farmers and women through a wide range of consultations and public-private dialogue (PPD)  

Description of Duties/Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of the National Project Coordinator and the technical guidance of the Policy Adviser and Output 1 Lead, Pakistan GRASP project, the national consultant will conduct a study on restructuring of Pakistan Institute of Trade and Development (PITAD) The consultant will do the following activities: Activity 1: Review the Performance of PITAD after its transformation from FTIP and identify areas to focus for improvement.

Activity 2: Study Major training institutes (minimum three) in Pakistan and suggest best practices for adoption in PITAD. Activity 3: Consult with the leadership at PITAD and Suggest a future roadmap for PITAD with respect to nature of organization keeping in view the dual focus of PITAD on research and training. Consultant is also expected to reach out to the trained Officers for their feedback. Activity 4: Study the financial situation of PITAD and how financial independence can improve its performance through augmenting HR and allied activities.  Copyright The Consultant has to ensure that s/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. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.  

Expected Outputs and Timelines

Output 1: Submit an initial baseline report on Performance of PITAD, challenges and opportunities to Policy Adviser, ITC which would form basis of discussion with PITAD. Timeline: 31st March 2023 Output 2: Submit a final report detailing the mandate, financial, human resources and other changes needed to transform PITAD into an independent and improved Timeline: 15th May 2023 

Location 

This position is Islamabad based

Travel

Within Pakistan   

Skills

Excellent presentation, writing and communication skills Excellent policy research and analysis skills

Education

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other)

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) in economics, development studies, public administration/management, political science or a closely related field. Extensive work experience may be considered with Bachelors’ degree

Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.

Experience

10 years of experience in the field administrative & financial management in large companies or institutions Previous experience working in conducting regulatory assessments.

Language

Fluency in English and Urdu is mandatory