Trade Advisor – Adam Smith International

Level of Input: Full-time

About the Programme:

The Revenue Mobilisation, Investment and Trade (REMIT) is a 39-months (2021 – 2025) programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by Adam Smith International (ASI). REMIT provides technical assistance to Pakistan, aiming to strengthen macroeconomic stability, enhance conditions for sustained growth, job creation, and poverty reduction. The Trade Adviser role focuses on the trade component, collaborating with relevant ministries and stakeholders to enhance Pakistan’s trade competitiveness and overall trade balance.

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.

Drive Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• 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.

Ensure Quality Delivery and Progress Monitoring:

• Ensure quality and timely delivery of project milestones.
• 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:

• Establish effective reporting mechanisms, capturing 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 devising comprehensive plans and policies for the sustainability and scalability of REMIT’s 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.