OCTA VACANCY NOTICE POSITION: TRADE ECONOMIST APPLICANT INFORMATION The Office of the Chief Trade Adviser invites applications for the position of Trade Economist. The closing date for applications is 15 September 2013. The attached statement sets out the duties, responsibilities, experience and skills required for the position, as well as a summary of the terms and conditions of employment. This is a fixed-term two-year contract position with the possibility of renewal. BACKGROUND The Office of the Chief Trade Adviser (OCTA) is an independent trade advisory body to the Pacific Forum Island Countries (FICs), based in Port Vila, Vanuatu. OCTA provides advice and support the FICs in the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER Plus) trade negotiations with Australia and New Zealand. The objective of PACER Plus is to establish a rule-based regional framework governing trade relations among Forum Countries through the formation of a comprehensive free trade agreement covering trade in goods, services and investments. OCTA assists the FICs to analyse trade policy issues, develop and coordinate negotiating positions, engage with stakeholders, build trade negotiation capacity, and advance their positions in PACER Plus trade negotiation meetings. OCTA is financially supported by the Governments of Australia, New Zealand and other donors. The operations and activities of the OCTA are under the exclusive control of the FICs and independent of development partners. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Trade Economistreportsto the Chief Trade Adviser, who is the Chief Executive Officer of the OCTA. The Trade Economist will be required to provide direct support to the work of the Trade Policy Advisers and other OCTA’s professional staff as required. The position will involve the following key tasks: • Conduct research and analysis of FICs’ economies and assist them on trade policy issues related to PACER Plus negotiations, including, but not limited to: - assess the fiscal and customs revenuesimplications of tariff reductions/liberalisation and assist in the development of FICs’ trade in goods offers; - assist in the development of rules of origin adapted to FIC’s production capacities; - quantifyservices and investments opportunities and contribute to related negotiating offers. • Collect, compile and analyse statistical data on trade and trade-related economic statistics in particular on trade in goods, services and investments. Adjust data and whenever necessary make estimations according to established methodologies. • Verify statistical suitability, validity and accuracy of trade data submitted by OCTA’s Members as well as collection of data by other suitable sources (e.g. United Nations Statistics Division Commodity Trade Statistics Database, WTO databases, IMF, etc.) • Liaise with trade, customs and statistical officers and other government officials in the Pacific FICs with regard to trade data and related policies and provide support, where needed, in building the capacity of OCTA Members in the production and dissemination of quality and timely trade data. • Contribute to OCTA’s development of relevant databases, web publishing tools and other software for collection, storage of statistical data. • Participate in technical assistance and training activities in the substantive areas of OCTA’s work, including national and regional consultations and formal negotiations on PACER Plus and other activities as needed. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Essential • An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, preferably related to international trade from a recognised institution. • Thorough background in economic research on regional and international trade and policy issues. • Ability to apply economic theories and concepts in different sectors of economic development especially in relation to trade. • Skills and experience in conducting tariff analysis, including in dealing with high volume trade data, in using appropriate software and databases, and in interpreting and using the results of data analysis. • Good knowledge/working experience in international trade and the areas of customs tariffs and HS nomenclature classifications and computer software for applied statistics (e.g. Stata), including MS Excel and database management systems, particularly MS Access applications and SQL language. • An understanding of international trade policy issues affecting small developing countries and the trade, economic and other issues facing the FICs. • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. • Ability to build working relationships with FIC officials and national and regional stakeholders. • Commitment to working as part of a team. Desirable • Knowledge of and/or experience of the Pacific region. • An understanding of the relevant regional frameworks and agreements. • Experience working in a ministry of foreign affairs or an international or regional organisation and exposure to diplomatic protocol. • Experience liaising with government ministers and officials. • Experience working as part of a government team in international trade negotiations. SALARY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS Contract Term The appointment will be for a two-year period, subject to performance and continued funding availability. Salary The base salary will be between $90,000 and $102,000 depending on the professional experience of the successful candidate. Superannuation A superannuation entitlement equivalent to 8 percent of salary will be paid. Annual Leave Annual leave will accrue at a rate of 25 working days per annum. Accommodation If the successful applicant is not a resident or national of Vanuatu, an accommodation allowance of 75 percent of the cost of rental accommodation up to a maximum of AUD 25,000 per year. Taxation Emoluments are not subject to income taxes in Vanuatu. It is the responsibility of the applicant to determine the tax status of OCTA salary in their respective home countries. Benefits Additional benefits may be negotiated with the successful applicant, including relocation and repatriation costs, an establishment grant, medical insurance and dependent child allowance. HOW TO APPLY The closing date for applications is 15 September 2013. Applications should be addressed to the Office of the Chief Trade Adviser, Air Vanuatu House, Rue de Paris, PO Box 561, Port Vila, Vanuatu, and sent to [email protected]. Applications should be submitted as an email attachment in Microsoft Word format. Applicants should include a cover letter and an updated resume in their applications. Applications should contain full information on the education and career background of the applicant. Applicants must also provide the names, address, email, fax, and telephone numbers of three employment referees.
Posted on: Sun, 18 Aug 2013 06:03:33 +0000
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