We are currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Technical Advisor for Trade National Single Window (NSW) for the USAID-funded Sri Lanka PARTNER Project. ** This position may require deployment to Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Project description
Deloitte Consulting LLP is implementing USAID’s Sri Lanka Partnership for Accelerating Results in Trade, National Expenditure and Revenue Activity (PARTNER). The Activity will identify unique and innovative methods to facilitate motivated government, civic, and private sector stakeholders in supporting locally driven, politically feasible progress on core issues impeding economic governance and trade in Sri Lanka. USAID’s theory of change is if trade is facilitated and government efficiency and service delivery improved, then private sector competitiveness and investment in Sri Lanka will increase. PARTNER is expected to improve the policy and regulatory environment for trade and investment by achieving two objectives: Objective 1: Government Efficiency and Service Delivery Improved and Objective 2: Enabling Environment for Trade and Investment Strengthened.
Job Description
The Technical Advisor for Trade National Single Window (NSW) will support activities under Component 2: Enabling Environment for Trade and Investment Strengthened. The Technical Advisor will assist in structuring the NSW Project Implementation Unit (PIU) and provide training and awareness sessions to NSW and other relevant stakeholders. The Technical Advisor will work closely with project leadership, beneficiaries, and the donor to execute the activities outlined below.
Job Summary/Responsibilities
1. Develop staff structure, JDs, SOPs for the NSW Project Implementation Unit (PIU)
1.1. Review the draft organizational structure and staff composition (core team) proposed by the DTIP and provide necessary recommendations for any modifications (within the overall framework of the proposed structure). The objectives are to evaluate the proposed organizational structure and staff composition in terms of their ability to meet the goals and objectives of the implementation of the NSW and make recommendations to optimize the effectiveness of the PIU. In consultation with the DG DTIP and other relevant key stakeholders:
1.1.1.Review and conduct a thorough analysis of the draft organizational structure and staff composition (core team) proposed by the DTIP and provide necessary recommendations for any modifications (within the overall framework of the proposed structure), considering roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, and overall alignment with the project objectives, and experience with similar PIUs for single window/one-stop shop implementation.
1.1.2.Conduct interviews or meetings with relevant stakeholders to gather their perspectives and expectations, and identify other potential areas of improvement.
1.1.3.Provide clear and concise recommendations for modifications to the draft organizational structure, ensuring alignment with the overall framework proposed by DTIP.
1.1.4.Suggest specific changes to PIU structure, roles, responsibilities, reporting lines, or positions as necessary based on industry practices and stakeholder requirements.
1.2. Develop detailed JDs for the key positions. Develop detailed and accurate job descriptions that clearly outline the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for each position within the organization, ensuring consistency and standardization in job descriptions and alignment with the overall organizational goals, values, and strategic direction of the PIU, support recruitment efforts, and facilitate effective performance management. Tasks will include the following:
1.2.1.Review existing job descriptions, if available, and gather information on job responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations from relevant stakeholders (e.g., supervisors, incumbents, HR department).
1.2.2.Conduct interviews or surveys with job incumbents and supervisors to gather additional insights into job requirements and expectations.
1.2.3.Analyze the collected information and identify the key responsibilities, qualifications, and performance expectations for each position.
1.2.4.Develop comprehensive and detailed job descriptions that accurately reflect the requirements and expectations for each position.
1.2.5.Review and validate the job descriptions with relevant stakeholders to ensure accuracy and completeness.
1.2.6.Finalize the job descriptions based on feedback and incorporate any necessary revisions
1.3. Develop Lines of Authority and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the unit to establish clear lines of authority and reporting within the PIU, defining roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority; develop comprehensive SOPs that outline the processes and procedures for project implementation, monitoring, and reporting; enable consistency and standardization in project management practices within the PIU; and support effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among team members and stakeholders. The development of lines of authority and SOPs for the PIU will involve the following steps:
1.3.1.Identify key stakeholders and their roles in project implementation, including project managers, team leads, support staff, and external partners/agencies and/or other donors and consultants involved in the development of the NSW.
1.3.2.Conduct interviews or workshops with relevant stakeholders to gather insights to inform decision-making processes, communication channels, and coordination mechanisms.
1.3.3.Develop a proposed lines of authority chart that clearly defines reporting relationships, roles, and decision-making authority within the PIU and with other stakeholders.
1.3.4.Develop comprehensive SOPs for key project management processes, including project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting.
1.3.5.Review and validate the proposed lines of authority and SOPs with key stakeholders to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with project objectives and organizational requirements.
1.3.6.Finalize the lines of authority chart and SOPs based on feedback and incorporate any necessary revisions.
Deliverables: Organizational structure, JDs for key positions, Line of authority, and SOPs
· Present the above outputs to the Project Implementation Committee (PIC) - a sub-committee under the NSW Steering Committee for their review and feedback
· Finalize the deliverables based on stakeholder input and submit to DTIP (with USAID technical concurrence)
Tentative Timeline: 2 months
2. Conduct awareness sessions on NSW to the key stakeholders
2.1. Workshop 1. Conduct two-day introductory workshop (outside Colombo) for nominated focal points from NSW implementing agencies and NSW steering committee members. Topics to be finalized in consultation with DTIP and NSW steering committee and may include:
2.1.1. Introduction to NSW concept and its benefits, including outcomes achieved in other countries at a similar level of development
2.1.2.Overview of international good practices in NSW design and implementation
2.1.3. Overview of key components of SL NSW Blueprint
2.1.4. Presentation of the PIU role and responsibilities
Deliverables: Workshop presentation materials, Handouts, and Training reports
Tentative Timeline: 2 weeks (within first 2 months of work on PIU)
2.2. Workshop 2. Conduct two-day workshop, once the review of the blueprint and implementation planning is completed by the PIU team for nominated focal points from NSW implementing agencies, NSW steering committee members, and PIU. Topics to be finalized in consultation with DTIP and NSW steering committee and may include:
2.2.1. Analysis of the key components of the NSW blueprint and recommendations
2.2.2. NSW implementation plan
2.2.3. Roles and responsibilities of NSW implementing agencies
Deliverables: Workshop presentation materials, and Handouts; Training report; and Action plans
Tentative Timeline: 2 weeks in month 9 or 10
2.3. Advisory support to the PIU team
2.3.1.Deploy 1-2 international consultants with NSW implementation experience to be stationed at PIU and provide hands-on advisory support to the PIU team. Specific tasks to be determined in consultation with DTIP and the NSW Steering Committee, but may include ongoing assistance to the PIU in its coordination and monitoring of the NSW implementation, including communications, monitoring reports/dashboard, and coaching.
Deliverables: TBD based on identified needs
Tentative Timeline: 3 months
Required Qualifications
About Deloitte:
For more than 25 years, Deloitte’s International Development Organization (IDO) practice has worked with governments, development agencies, NGOs, and private firms in over 60 countries to build the institutions, legal framework, and policies required for effective public and private sector growth.
Deloitte is a leading provider of innovative development solutions to development agencies, foundations, governments, and Fortune 500 companies. Our dedicated IDO team is the vanguard for the delivery of profound impact in the global development space in alignment to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. With more than 1000 development experts around the world, Deloitte has implemented over 150 donor projects worth a total of more than $3 billion in more than 70 countries.
