Consultant on Brexit and the New Bilateral Trade Agreement (retainer position)

Nordic Support for Progress of North Macedonia

The Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency has decided to fund a project “Support to progress in North Macedonia - Government reform agenda in the EU-accession process” to be implemented by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The objective of the project supported by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) is to support the enhancement of the EU integration capacity of the Republic of North Macedonia by providing technical assistance to government institutions during the accession period.

SIDA has allocated funding for the implementation of the project in Macedonia during 24 months.

The Overall Objective of the SIDA support is to contribute to, and effectively communicate to the public, the implementation of the Stabilisation and Association Agreement, accession negotiations and government reform priorities in the Republic of North Macedonia.

Project interventions are aimed towards communicating the benefits of the EU accession process to the general population, as well as to involve the civil society and media throughout the accession phases. All project activities will be undertaken in partnership with the Government of Macedonia, in cooperation with the national institutions, with the aim of allowing them to adopt/adapt the legal requirements and, where relevant, EU accession criteria.

This will ensure national ownership and support the development of national capacities.

Background Information - in relation to the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), and UK initiative on future trade relations, related to Brexit

Macedonian Government is in the process of preparations for formal opening of the accession negotiations with the EU, and is accelerating government reforms, including the implementation of the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA) in two successive stages. At the present, there is an on-going transition to the second stage of the SAA, and explanatory meetings of the chapters of the acquis with the European Commission. The overall process is coordinated by the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA), as the main coordination body in the accession negotiation process.

Relevant to this assignment and as consequence of the Brexit process (between the EU and UK), there is an on-going process of consultations between UK Government and Macedonian Government on future trade relations.

As part of the initiative to start bilateral negotiations with third countries, the UK submitted a draft version of the Partnership, Trade and Cooperation Agreement (PTCA), based on the Stabilization and Association Agreement (SAA), which should define future trade relations between the two countries.

Macedonian Government will have to review the draft PTCA in relation to SAA (with its Annexes and Protocols), examine the in-depth implications into the trade policy and the economic landscape in the country in various areas, and take steps to define its position in further talks with the UK. SEA has prepared an initial analysis of the draft model of the PTCA, as a basis for further work on the assessment of the effects and implications in different areas of the SAA.

SEA will serve as the focal point, provide all relevant documentation, working tools and instructions, and designate the contact person/ coordinator to facilitate the work of the selected Advisor under this ToR.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Consultant on Brexit and the New Bilateral Trade Agreement between Macedonian Government and UK, will provide technical support to the Secretariat for European Affairs (SEA) and other beneficiaries, to review of the Agreement on Brexit reached between the EU and UK and define Government’s positioning on future trade relations with the UK.

All relevant documents for this assignment will be provided by the project in cooperation with the SEA.

More specifically, the Consultant will undertake the following activities/responsibilities:

• Prepare summary of key aspects of Brexit negotiations outcome with an assessment of the implications to the trade relations between EU and UK;
• Prepare analysis and assessment of the implications of Brexit on trade relations between the EU and Macedonia (as a  third country), as well as countries in the region;
• Review draft model of PTCA and prepare a comparative analysis of its relation to SAA (including its annexes and protocols), covering and identifying issues of particular importance and areas that need further in-depth analysis, with recommendations;
• Assess and elaborate implications of draft PTCA to Macedonian trade and economic policies, identify important issues/modalities, propose draft framework for consultation, as well as advise SEA and other beneficiaries in consultations with the UK, as relevant;
• Advise on conducting consultations with the UK;
• Conduct up to three workshops on: the key aspects of the Brexit negotiations outcome and its implications; the comparative analysis of PTCA and SAA, with recommendations; the draft framework for consultations with the UK on PTCA, with recommendations;
• Identify issues and areas that may be subject to further project assistance or other donor assistance;

Education

• Advanced University Degree preferably in Law, Economic, or similar relevant to the assignment, is required;
• University Degree (Bachelor’s degree / first level) with a combination of two additional years of relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree

Work Experience

• Minimum five years of professional post graduate experience in development of strategic documents and/or drafting legislation in SAA related to trade policy or economy gained in EU Member State, candidate or potential candidate country is required.
• Previous professional experience related to free trade agreements will be considered an asset;
• Previous professional experience related to the preparation and implementation of SAA, its Annexes and Protocols, will be considered an asset;
• Knowledge of government and administrative structures for implementation of the acquis, processes, and key strategic documents related to the EU accession negotiation process will be considered an asset.

Language Requirements

• Fluency in Macedonian and English (speaking, reading and writing) is required

ALL CANDIDATES ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A CV AND COVER LETTER ALONG WITH THEIR APPLICATION

This is a local position, it is therefore open to nationals of the Republic of North Macedonia and to individuals who have a valid residence/work permit. Contract type: Local ICA Retainer
Contract level: L-ICA 10
Contract duration: Up to 40 working days in period of one year

For more details about the ICA contractual modality, please follow this link:
https://www.unops.org/english/Opportunities/job-opportunities/what-we-offer/Pages/Individual-Contractor-Agreements.aspx

• Please note that the closing date is midnight Copenhagen time
• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.
• Only those candidates that are short-listed for interviews will be notified.
• Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
• UNOPS seeks to reasonably accommodate candidates with special needs, upon request.
• Work life harmonization - UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands. We have a progressive policy on work-life harmonization and offer several flexible working options. This policy applies to UNOPS personnel on all contract types
• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post
• The incumbent is responsible to abide by security policies, administrative instructions, plans and procedures of the UN Security Management System and that of UNOPS.  

It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential recruits/interns. Recruitment/internship in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.

UNOPS is an operational arm of the United Nations, supporting the successful implementation of its partners’ peacebuilding, humanitarian and development projects around the world. Our mission is to help people build better lives and countries achieve sustainable development.

UNOPS areas of expertise cover infrastructure, procurement, project management, financial management and human resources.

Working with us

UNOPS offers short- and long-term work opportunities in diverse and challenging environments across the globe. We are looking for creative, results-focused professionals with skills in a range of disciplines.

Diversity

With over 4,000 UNOPS personnel and approximately 7,000 personnel recruited on behalf of UNOPS partners spread across 80 countries, our workforce represents a wide range of nationalities and cultures. We promote a balanced, diverse workforce — a strength that helps us better understand and address our partners’ needs, and continually strive to improve our gender balance through initiatives and policies that encourage recruitment of qualified female candidates.

Work life harmonization

UNOPS values its people and recognizes the importance of balancing professional and personal demands.