Senior Trade Adviser - Policy and Negotiations
Reference: G/SEY/0587
Location: Trade Division, Ministry of Finance, Seychelles
Duration: 2 years
Closing Date: 10 Jul 2012
Background
Seychelles has a population of approximately 90,000 and as such is among the smallest of the small island developing states. Along with its remote geographical location and weak communication links, Seychelles is very vulnerable to external shocks. The country is at a key stage in its development as it forges ahead with an IMF Macro-Economic Reform Program which commenced in November 2008. One element which contributed to the need for the programme was the imbalance of trade, importing 90 per cent of goods consumed and exporting comparatively little. Trade policy is now geared towards positioning the Government of Seychelles (GoS) as a facilitator, and the private sector as drivers of sustained growth and creators of wealth.
The GoS is committed to stimulating economic growth through initiatives such as: reviewing the manner in which it regulates business aiming to assess where procedures can be simplified, increasing participation of the private sector in the decision making process and publishing policies to allow for access to information for all economic operators.
Regional integration is considered the necessary platform for the smooth transition of Seychelles into the global economy. Regionalism will allow Seychelles to develop and create competitiveness in niche markets, as well as in the three pillars of the economy: fisheries, tourism and financial markets. In participating in regional trade blocs, Seychelles will have to take into account the global trading patterns. The ever increasing membership of the WTO means that all of its trading partners are bound by the Rules of the Organisation; as such Seychelles is affected by these rules, even if not currently a member. Policies will be developed to take into account the dynamic nature of these Trade Rules which are governed by the World Trade Organization (WTO). In order to take full advantage of these rules, as well as take part in their future development, Seychelles must play its role and will have to be an active member of the multilateral trading system to endeavour to raise awareness of the specificities of a small economy in the development of these rules.
Rationale
The Republic of Seychelles is seeking to advance towards WTO Accession but with limited expertise and experience in dealing with the range of bilateral and multilateral trade negotiations that are involved. While accession to WTO will respond to the specific need for improved market access to WTO members' markets, the primary motivation is to participate in the Multilateral Trading System(MTS) in a more systematic and beneficial manner. Though Seychelles accession to WTO is a critical outcome of this project, institutional strengthening within the Trade Division and other relevant institutions of government are also important. Being a small vulnerable economy, it is critical that the MTS negotiations allow for the necessary policy space and flexibility that will allow Seychelles to achieve sustainable economic development.
The GoS see WTO accession and the improved and more secure trading arrangements that will follow, as vital tools to help in the attainment of the development objectives as highlighted in its country strategy documentation (Medium Term National Development Strategy 2013-2017). As GoS shifts its economic model - to facilitate business, enhance the role of the private sector and transform the role of the public sector from an agent to a facilitator of economic growth - there is a fear amongst some private sector operators that accession to the WTO will negatively impact them and increase competition within the country to their detriment.
Seychelles is party to several regional integration processes in Africa including COMESA, SADC and the tripartite process. Seychelles needs to ensure that reform for WTO compatibility and that for advancing regional integration are synchronized and commitments at the multilateral level are in line with regional integration priorities and interests.
Commonwealth technical assistance is thus sought to facilitate the processes for WTO accession while increasing the institutional capacity of the Trade Division in the areas of negotiating skills, strategy and techniques; conduct of trade negotiations at the multilateral and bilateral levels; and in the implementation of approved institutional and legislative reforms. The project further makes provision for an additional short-term placement of legislative drafter, (Trade Law) to assist the GoS in addressing the required legislative changes.
Purpose of project
The project aims to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Trade Division, Ministry of Finance in preparation of Seychelles accession to the WTO. The project goal is to facilitate the advancement of the Government of Seychelles trade and development interest in the multilateral trading system.
Scope of work
The expert will be based at the Trade Section, Ministry of Finance for a period of two years and will report directly to the Director General, Trade. The expert will work closely with the negotiating teams and assigned counterpart. During the period the expert will be required to undertake:
- Assessment of Seychelles current WTO accession process.
- Preparation of the WTO accession road Map.
- Provide assistance in negotiations for accession to WTO and in other trade negotiations as required.
- Examination of relevant domestic policies and identification of required legislative changes.
- Identification of an advice on the necessary adaptation of existing domestic trade policy regime.
- Training and mentoring assigned counterpart staff within the Trade Section and respective negotiation teams.
- Providing advice on negotiating strategy for multilateral, international, bilateral and regional trade negotiations.
- Providing support and advice in the preparation and implementation of sensitization programmes for stakeholder ministries.
- Advising on and devising a trade policy that deals with domestic as well as international matters.
Project outputs
- Review of the current preparatory status of Seychelles WTO Accession undertaken;
- Refinement of strategy and submission of an Accession Road Map;
- Identification of domestic policy and legislative changes required to satisfy the accession process;
- Assistance provided in negotiations for an early accession to the WTO and in other trade negotiations required.
- Advice provided on the adaptation of domestic trade policy regime to bring in conformity with WTO requirement;
- Trade Division and negotiation teams trained and mentored in the conduct of trade negotiations at the multilateral and bilateral level;
- Government of Seychelles advised on negotiating strategies for multilateral and other international, bilateral trade negotiations;
- Sensitization programmes, notably for stakeholder ministries, developed and implemented.
- Advise and develop a trade policy that deals with domestic as well as international matters.
Transfer of expertise
The Commonwealth Secretariat attaches particular importance to the transfer of expertise and knowledge to counterparts. The expert will work closely with assigned staff of the Trade Division, designated staff within the Ministry of Finance and in negotiation teams.
Required experience and qualifications
- Masters degree or above in International Trade or related field;
- Minimum 20 years’ experience in multilateral and bilateral trade negotiations;
- Familiarity with the WTO relevant agreements and its operations;
- Extensive experience in trade policy management and oversight;
- Strong relevant experience in a small developing Commonwealth country;
- Substantial experience in capacity building interventions by way of mentoring and training;
- Evidence of trade policy advice provided and accepted by governments.
- Prior senior management responsibility reporting to government officials.
- Excellent IT and communication skills
- Ability to work under challenging conditions.
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