Economic Specialist for the Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction and Development

***Only candidates with the relevant right to work will be considered***

Terms of Reference

FCDO Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer) Programme

Economic Specialist for the Gaza Recovery, Reconstruction and Development (GRRD)

Title: Economic Specialist

Location: Palestine

Job Type: Full-time

Period: Six months, with possibility of extension

Reports To: GRRD Team Leader

The Project: FCDO Trade Facilitation and Customs Support (Tasdeer)

Tasdeer: The Trade Facilitation and Customs Support programme (Tasdeer) is a programme funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and implemented by consortium led by Cowater International. Our objective is to improve the Palestinian private sector’s competitiveness and the PA’s capacity in trade, customs and import policy regulation and administration. Tasdeer aims to increase sustainable private sector-led economic growth and job creation in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and the PA’s fiscal sustainability while ensuring equitable access to increased trade and improved institutional capacity.

Tasdeer is committed to Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and to ensuring that the benefits of the programme are equally accessed by all groups throughout the supply chain. The interventions implemented are designed to take into consideration the roles and needs of women, youth, and people with disabilities, including those in marginalized areas (i.e., East Jerusalem, seam zone, area C and Gaza), ensuring that all interventions and activities are GESI responsive.

Background

In the wake of the ongoing war on Gaza, the Palestinian Government is spearheading efforts to rebuild and revitalize the economy of the Gaza Strip. As part of the broader Build Palestine Strategic Framework, the government is focused on creating sustainable economic growth, fostering resilience, and ensuring long-term prosperity for the people of Gaza. The Economic Specialist will play a crucial role in advising and supporting these efforts, particularly in designing and implementing strategies that will facilitate economic recovery and development in Gaza.

The Economic Specialist will work closely with Minister of Planning and his GRRD core team to ensure that economic recovery efforts are well-coordinated, evidence-based, and aligned with the overall national development agenda.

Objective of the Assignment

The primary objective of the Economic Specialist is to provide expert economic analysis, advice, and support to the Minister of Planning and his GRRD core team in the design and implementation of strategies aimed at the economic recovery of Gaza. The Specialist will ensure that these strategies are grounded in sound economic principles, responsive to the current economic challenges, and focused on achieving sustainable growth.

Scope of Work

The Economic Specialist will be responsible for the following key tasks:

1. Conduct comprehensive economic assessments of the Gaza Strip to identify the key challenges and opportunities for economic recovery and growth.

2. Develop and recommend economic policies and strategies that align with the national vision for sustainable development and resilience in Gaza.

3. Provide expert advice on the prioritization of economic recovery initiatives, ensuring they address the most critical needs and have the highest potential for impact.

4. Work closely with government ministries, international donors, and financial institutions to coordinate economic recovery efforts and secure the necessary funding and support.

5. Assist in the design and implementation of economic recovery programs, including those focused on job creation, private sector development, and infrastructure investment.

6. Monitor and evaluate the impact of economic recovery initiatives, providing regular reports and recommendations to the Minister of Planning and his GRRD core team.

7. Support the capacity building of local economic institutions to enhance their ability to participate in and contribute to the recovery process.

Qualifications and Experience

1. An advanced degree in Economics, Development Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.

2. A minimum of 10 years of experience in economic analysis, policy development, or economic recovery, particularly in post-conflict or developing regions.

3. Proven experience in working with government institutions, international organizations, and donor agencies on economic recovery and development projects.

4. Strong understanding of the economic context of Palestine, particularly Gaza.

Skills

1. Excellent analytical, communication, and advisory skills.

2. Strong ability to translate complex economic analysis into practical policy recommendations.

3. Proficiency in both Arabic and English, with the ability to produce high-quality reports and presentations in both languages.

Duration and Location

1. The initial contract will be for six months with the possibility of extension based on performance and the needs of the economic recovery efforts.

2. The Economic Specialist will be based in Ramallah.

Reporting Line

The Economic Specialist will report directly to the GRRD Team Leader at the Ministry of Planning and International Cooperation and will work in close collaboration with other relevant government ministries and international partners.

Please submit your CV and cover letter to hr@tasdeer.ps by October 31, 2024