The EU4Commerce project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, is designed to enhance trade facilitation and economic growth in Palestine by upgrading commercial crossings and strengthening trade-related infrastructure in the West Bank. The project responds to significant economic challenges in Palestine, including sharp declines in GDP and private sector activity due to recent crises, by addressing both systemic and physical barriers to trade.
Through a phased approach, the project will first focus on stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and comprehensive feasibility studies to develop a robust implementation framework for trade infrastructure improvements. Subsequent phases will involve the planning, design, and construction of key trade facilities, as well as the procurement of necessary equipment and services, with the ultimate goal of reducing transaction costs, improving competitiveness, and supporting sustainable economic development in line with international best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Trade Infrastructure and Policy Specialist will lead the conceptualization, planning, and development of policy frameworks and strategic approaches that guide the improvement of trade-related infrastructure under the EU4Commerce project. The specialist will be responsible for conducting policy analysis, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and developing implementation frameworks and business models that define the objectives, governance, and operational requirements for new or upgraded trade facilities
While the technical and engineering design of physical infrastructure will be carried out by dedicated engineering teams, the specialist will ensure that all infrastructure interventions are informed by robust policy analysis, aligned with trade facilitation goals, and responsive to stakeholder needs. The role is pivotal in bridging policy, operational, and technical considerations to support effective, sustainable, and internationally-aligned trade infrastructure development in Palestine. The specialist will work with Parties involved in trade and Project Board on strategic issues or solutions, and will lead on all policy, strategic dialogues, prefeasibility, and consultation related activities.
The Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:
1. Lead Policy Analysis and Framework Development
Conduct comprehensive analysis of trade policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional arrangements relevant to trade infrastructure in Palestine.
Lead the development of the implementation framework, business models, and policy recommendations that define the scope, objectives, and operational requirements for trade-related infrastructure interventions.
Integrate outcomes from stakeholder consultations and technical assessments to ensure the implementation framework is robust, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.
Prepare clear documentation of defined infrastructure interventions, which will serve as the basis for subsequent engineering design work.
2. Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement and Governance Processes
Organize and facilitate structured stakeholder engagement and policy dialogues, mobilise parties, ensuring inclusive participation from Parties and governmental institutions, private sector, development partners, and other key stakeholders.
Support the effective functioning of the Project Technical Committee (PTC) by providing technical input, synthesizing feedback, and ensuring that committee recommendations are well-informed and actionable.
Present defined infrastructure interventions and policy recommendations to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for review and endorsement, ensuring all interventions are aligned with project objectives and stakeholder priorities.
Ensure that all major changes to project scope or direction are processed through the established governance channels, with clear documentation and justification.
3. Provide Technical Advisory and Project Planning Support
Offer technical advice and strategic input during feasibility studies, site selection, and the development of operational models for trade facilities.
Coordinate closely with engineering and technical teams to ensure that policy and operational requirements are fully integrated into the planning process.
Contribute to the preparation of project documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including donors and partners.
Identify and assess risks, challenges, and opportunities related to trade facilitation and infrastructure development.
4. Support Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Sharing
Monitor progress of policy and infrastructure planning interventions against project objectives and key performance indicators.
Prepare regular progress reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products to inform decision-making and share lessons learned.
Promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable approaches in trade infrastructure and policy development.
Key Results Expected:
A comprehensive, evidence-based implementation framework and set of infrastructure interventions, developed through inclusive consultation and technical analysis, and formally endorsed by the Project Steering Committee.
Effective coordination and consensus-building among diverse project partners, with clear governance processes followed for all major decisions and changes.
Trade infrastructure interventions that are strategically aligned, operationally feasible, and responsive to stakeholder needs, providing a solid foundation for subsequent engineering design and implementation.
Enhanced transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in trade facilitation processes.
Timely and high-quality reporting and knowledge dissemination supporting project visibility, donor confidence, and long-term impact.
