Trade Policy Expert - Market Development Facility
Australian Aid – managed by Cardno on behalf of the Australian Government
Market Development Facility Technical Assistance for Review of the Duty Suspension Scheme: Trade Policy Expert 1.0
Location Fiji
The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government, Australian Aid initiative with the aim to: >
Classification Adviser Remuneration Framework C3 (Short Term)
Introduction
>
>
Period Up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days
Create additional employment and income earning opportunities for poor and marginalized women and men; Make sectors of the economy in the countries in which the Facility is active, and in which the poor and marginalized are involved as producers and workers, more competitive and unlock growth; and Trigger lasting, 'systemic' changes in the markets systems around these sectors so that constraints to growth are reduced and the ability to make use of growth opportunities and to innovate and deal with future pressures (competitive, regulatory, environmental) increases, so that the benefits for the poor and marginalized will sustain and can expand in time.
Deadline Applications close 10 August (Fiji time)
2.0
Background
MDF entered into partnership with the Fiji Export Council (FEC) on 4th May, 2014. FEC is the apex body which promotes and represents the interests of the Fijian exporters. It is a non-profit entity without share capital, governed by a Memorandum of Association (MOA) under the Companies Act. FEC, formerly known as the ‘Exporters Club’ was established in 2002 by the Government of Fiji (GoF), primarily to administer an export scheme called the Duty Suspension Scheme (DSS) - on behalf of Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA). DSS is a voluntary scheme which belongs to the category of customs arrangements referred to internationally as “Inward Processing Relief” (IPR). It allows goods into a customs territory free from payment of import duties and taxes on condition that the imported goods are intended for manufacturing and processing for export. The scheme would release financial resources of exporters tied up with duty and VAT for export products enabling exporters to operate at their maximum potential. For every export dollar earned, a DSS member earns credit to import duty and VAT free – called the Entitlement Proportion (EP) which varies according to types of activities undertaken. In addition to administering the DSS, FEC is also mandated to: > > > > > >
develop National Export Awareness for stakeholders. improve market access for exports (both regional and international). provide trade intelligence services. facilitate market missions. conduct export educa tion & provide advisory services. work with public sector on Trade Policy Facilitation.
MDF supports FEC to strengthen its ability to effectively lobby with the Government of Fiji (GoF) to bring about lasting changes around export policies and regulations, resulting in broadening of Fiji’s exports base. This requires a broader consultative process with relevant stakeholders and formulation of a well-defined position paper for presentation to the GoF. 3.0
Objective
The main objective of the technical assistance is to assist the FEC in carrying out a formal review on the existing IPR arrangement known as the Duty Suspension Scheme and identify key resolutions to expand its scope and develop the Scheme to include Non DSS exporters to operate and benefit under the scheme. The recommendations and findings are www.cardno.com
1
to be clearly articulated in a Position Paper to be prepared by the appointed Trade Expert. 4.0
Scope
The scope of work required of the Trade Policy Expert will comprise general background analyses of the Duty Suspension scheme, particularly the current constraints or limitations that hinder private sector participation in terms of increasing their export capabilities. The Expert is to identify and recommend measures needed to address such limitations and to enable a greater participation from the export community. The study will also examine the current legislative and regulations relating to the Duty Suspension scheme. During the course of the assignment and following adequate analysis, the Expert is to identify and state the changes that would be required to be made to the existing regulations for Government’s consideration. 5.0
Envisaged Tasks
The technical assistance will be carried out by the selected consultant. It is envisaged that up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days of consultancy services will be required. The specific tasks of the consultant will, inter alia, comprise the following: 1. Conduct a general background analysis of the existing DSS. This will serve to analyze the current limitations and challenges of the scheme. 2. Study the legislative and regulatory framework governing the various export-related tax incentives currently offered by the GoF through the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority. 3. Review available proposals by FEC to improve and strengthen current DSS. 4. Consult with existing industry bodies and stakeholders on their expectations to grow and increase exports under the DSS or other incentive schemes. 5. Consult with wide a range of exporters ranging from large, medium, to small and industry including current DSS members on their expectations to grow and increase their exports. a) Analyze and validate findings from various consultations and discussions. Study few international best practice cases. Clearly outline how recommendations to DSS will translate into development of SME’s enabling it to increase their production capacity and increase their exports over a specified period of time. 6. Review these expectations and formulate appropriate key recommendations on how to enhance and expand DSS to be more flexible to allow more members to join and operate under the scheme and increase Fiji’s export base. 7. Prepare, develop and present a position paper as a formal proposal to GoF. The position paper is to clearly state implementation timeframes including a review period. 8. Formulate suitable monitoring and audit procedures for the Duty Suspension Scheme including the inclusion of Non DSS members as part of Position Paper. 9. The consultant will be required to work closely with FEC (CEO) and will provide update to subcommittee made up of FEC/FRCA/MDF. 6.0
Work Schedule
Provided below is an indicative work schedule of activities and milestones to be used as a guide for the Trade Policy Expert. The Trade Policy Expert may specify the best approach on how the evaluation will be conducted.
Days
Activities
Day 1-3 (+ 3 days) Prepare and submit an inception report providing program + www.cardno.com
2
methodology. Commence review of the current DSS Regulations. Review of other government incentives provided for exporters FEC office
Venue
Day 5-7 (+ 4 days) Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Suva Day7-8(+ 1days) Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Sigatoka Day8-11 Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Nadi (+ 3 days) Day 11-15
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Lautoka
(+ 3 days) Day 15-16
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Ba
(+ 1 days) Day 16-17
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Tavua
(+ 2 days) Day 17-18
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Rakiraki
(+ 1 days) Day 19-21
Review Document Findings – Follow ups - FEC Office
(+ 2 days) Day 21-24
Formulate Position Paper - FEC Office
(+ 3 days) Day 24-25
Present 1st Draft Position Paper for Review - FEC Office
(+ 2 days) Day 25-26
Refine Position Paper - FEC Office
Day 27-28
Present Position Paper to Stake Holders (including key Government Ministries) - 1 Day Workshop
Day 28-29
Refine Position Paper – Finalise Position Paper for submission to Cabinet
7.0
Deliverables 1. An inception report within 3 days of commencement of services outlining the
www.cardno.com
3
detailed work program and proposed methodology to meet the terms of reference. The deadlines for the remaining deliverables are to be determined upon commencement of the assignment. An interim report to be submitted to MDF and FEC. 2. Presentation of the findings to a forum comprising of key Government Ministries and FRCA. 3. Submission of a final position paper to MDF. The position paper must cover, but not limited to, the following areas: b) Recommendations on areas in the DSS to be addressed for expansion of exports in Fiji. c) Recommendations on areas (policy and legislative) to expand DSS criteria to facilitate inclusion of non DSS members who are currently exporting and cannot meet current criteria. d) Clearly outline how recommendations to DSS will translate into development of SME’s enabling it to increase their production capacity and increase their exports over a specified period of time. e) Recommendation on how DSS will be effectively managed and administered with specified monitoring and audit procedures clearly defined 8.0
Duration
The Trade Expert will provide services, up to a maximum of 30 days. 9.0
Education, skills, knowledge, and experience
The Trade Expert should possess the following: > > > > > > >
Have over 10 to 15 years of experience in dealing with Customs Management and Trade Policy Framework. Sound Knowledge of International Trade and Development particularly with Exports Expertise on Compliance Management and Revenue Collection Expertise in writing Policy Paper and Comprehensive reports. Capacity to clearly identify and evaluate export challenges and deliberate on possible solutions. Production / manufacturing including value adding understanding Excellent communication skills
10.0
Classification and remuneration
This position will be remunerated in line with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Adviser Remuneration Framework. It is classified as C3 within that framework. 11.0
Applications
The assignment will be short-term support provided over 30 days. The full Terms of Reference can be obtained from www.marketdevelopmentfacility.org/currentopportunities or by calling +6793100272.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected]. Please quote ‘Trade Policy Expert’ in the subject line. Cardno is committed to Child Protection in all fields. Cardno is an equal opportunity employer. Successful applicants may be required to provide a police clearance certificate. The deadline for submission of applications is 10 August, 2014. www.cardno.com
4
www.cardno.com
5
Market Development Facility Technical Assistance for Review of the Duty Suspension Scheme: Trade Policy Expert 1.0
Location Fiji
The Market Development Facility (MDF) is an Australian Government, Australian Aid initiative with the aim to: >
Classification Adviser Remuneration Framework C3 (Short Term)
Introduction
>
>
Period Up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days
Create additional employment and income earning opportunities for poor and marginalized women and men; Make sectors of the economy in the countries in which the Facility is active, and in which the poor and marginalized are involved as producers and workers, more competitive and unlock growth; and Trigger lasting, 'systemic' changes in the markets systems around these sectors so that constraints to growth are reduced and the ability to make use of growth opportunities and to innovate and deal with future pressures (competitive, regulatory, environmental) increases, so that the benefits for the poor and marginalized will sustain and can expand in time.
Deadline Applications close 10 August (Fiji time)
2.0
Background
MDF entered into partnership with the Fiji Export Council (FEC) on 4th May, 2014. FEC is the apex body which promotes and represents the interests of the Fijian exporters. It is a non-profit entity without share capital, governed by a Memorandum of Association (MOA) under the Companies Act. FEC, formerly known as the ‘Exporters Club’ was established in 2002 by the Government of Fiji (GoF), primarily to administer an export scheme called the Duty Suspension Scheme (DSS) - on behalf of Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority (FRCA). DSS is a voluntary scheme which belongs to the category of customs arrangements referred to internationally as “Inward Processing Relief” (IPR). It allows goods into a customs territory free from payment of import duties and taxes on condition that the imported goods are intended for manufacturing and processing for export. The scheme would release financial resources of exporters tied up with duty and VAT for export products enabling exporters to operate at their maximum potential. For every export dollar earned, a DSS member earns credit to import duty and VAT free – called the Entitlement Proportion (EP) which varies according to types of activities undertaken. In addition to administering the DSS, FEC is also mandated to: > > > > > >
develop National Export Awareness for stakeholders. improve market access for exports (both regional and international). provide trade intelligence services. facilitate market missions. conduct export educa tion & provide advisory services. work with public sector on Trade Policy Facilitation.
MDF supports FEC to strengthen its ability to effectively lobby with the Government of Fiji (GoF) to bring about lasting changes around export policies and regulations, resulting in broadening of Fiji’s exports base. This requires a broader consultative process with relevant stakeholders and formulation of a well-defined position paper for presentation to the GoF. 3.0
Objective
The main objective of the technical assistance is to assist the FEC in carrying out a formal review on the existing IPR arrangement known as the Duty Suspension Scheme and identify key resolutions to expand its scope and develop the Scheme to include Non DSS exporters to operate and benefit under the scheme. The recommendations and findings are www.cardno.com
1
to be clearly articulated in a Position Paper to be prepared by the appointed Trade Expert. 4.0
Scope
The scope of work required of the Trade Policy Expert will comprise general background analyses of the Duty Suspension scheme, particularly the current constraints or limitations that hinder private sector participation in terms of increasing their export capabilities. The Expert is to identify and recommend measures needed to address such limitations and to enable a greater participation from the export community. The study will also examine the current legislative and regulations relating to the Duty Suspension scheme. During the course of the assignment and following adequate analysis, the Expert is to identify and state the changes that would be required to be made to the existing regulations for Government’s consideration. 5.0
Envisaged Tasks
The technical assistance will be carried out by the selected consultant. It is envisaged that up to a maximum of 30 consecutive days of consultancy services will be required. The specific tasks of the consultant will, inter alia, comprise the following: 1. Conduct a general background analysis of the existing DSS. This will serve to analyze the current limitations and challenges of the scheme. 2. Study the legislative and regulatory framework governing the various export-related tax incentives currently offered by the GoF through the Fiji Revenue and Customs Authority. 3. Review available proposals by FEC to improve and strengthen current DSS. 4. Consult with existing industry bodies and stakeholders on their expectations to grow and increase exports under the DSS or other incentive schemes. 5. Consult with wide a range of exporters ranging from large, medium, to small and industry including current DSS members on their expectations to grow and increase their exports. a) Analyze and validate findings from various consultations and discussions. Study few international best practice cases. Clearly outline how recommendations to DSS will translate into development of SME’s enabling it to increase their production capacity and increase their exports over a specified period of time. 6. Review these expectations and formulate appropriate key recommendations on how to enhance and expand DSS to be more flexible to allow more members to join and operate under the scheme and increase Fiji’s export base. 7. Prepare, develop and present a position paper as a formal proposal to GoF. The position paper is to clearly state implementation timeframes including a review period. 8. Formulate suitable monitoring and audit procedures for the Duty Suspension Scheme including the inclusion of Non DSS members as part of Position Paper. 9. The consultant will be required to work closely with FEC (CEO) and will provide update to subcommittee made up of FEC/FRCA/MDF. 6.0
Work Schedule
Provided below is an indicative work schedule of activities and milestones to be used as a guide for the Trade Policy Expert. The Trade Policy Expert may specify the best approach on how the evaluation will be conducted.
Days
Activities
Day 1-3 (+ 3 days) Prepare and submit an inception report providing program + www.cardno.com
2
methodology. Commence review of the current DSS Regulations. Review of other government incentives provided for exporters FEC office
Venue
Day 5-7 (+ 4 days) Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Suva Day7-8(+ 1days) Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Sigatoka Day8-11 Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Nadi (+ 3 days) Day 11-15
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Lautoka
(+ 3 days) Day 15-16
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Ba
(+ 1 days) Day 16-17
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Tavua
(+ 2 days) Day 17-18
Consultations with Exporters /Industry Bodies / Stakeholders – Rakiraki
(+ 1 days) Day 19-21
Review Document Findings – Follow ups - FEC Office
(+ 2 days) Day 21-24
Formulate Position Paper - FEC Office
(+ 3 days) Day 24-25
Present 1st Draft Position Paper for Review - FEC Office
(+ 2 days) Day 25-26
Refine Position Paper - FEC Office
Day 27-28
Present Position Paper to Stake Holders (including key Government Ministries) - 1 Day Workshop
Day 28-29
Refine Position Paper – Finalise Position Paper for submission to Cabinet
7.0
Deliverables 1. An inception report within 3 days of commencement of services outlining the
www.cardno.com
3
detailed work program and proposed methodology to meet the terms of reference. The deadlines for the remaining deliverables are to be determined upon commencement of the assignment. An interim report to be submitted to MDF and FEC. 2. Presentation of the findings to a forum comprising of key Government Ministries and FRCA. 3. Submission of a final position paper to MDF. The position paper must cover, but not limited to, the following areas: b) Recommendations on areas in the DSS to be addressed for expansion of exports in Fiji. c) Recommendations on areas (policy and legislative) to expand DSS criteria to facilitate inclusion of non DSS members who are currently exporting and cannot meet current criteria. d) Clearly outline how recommendations to DSS will translate into development of SME’s enabling it to increase their production capacity and increase their exports over a specified period of time. e) Recommendation on how DSS will be effectively managed and administered with specified monitoring and audit procedures clearly defined 8.0
Duration
The Trade Expert will provide services, up to a maximum of 30 days. 9.0
Education, skills, knowledge, and experience
The Trade Expert should possess the following: > > > > > > >
Have over 10 to 15 years of experience in dealing with Customs Management and Trade Policy Framework. Sound Knowledge of International Trade and Development particularly with Exports Expertise on Compliance Management and Revenue Collection Expertise in writing Policy Paper and Comprehensive reports. Capacity to clearly identify and evaluate export challenges and deliberate on possible solutions. Production / manufacturing including value adding understanding Excellent communication skills
10.0
Classification and remuneration
This position will be remunerated in line with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Adviser Remuneration Framework. It is classified as C3 within that framework. 11.0
Applications
The assignment will be short-term support provided over 30 days. The full Terms of Reference can be obtained from www.marketdevelopmentfacility.org/currentopportunities or by calling +6793100272.
Applications should be emailed to [email protected]. Please quote ‘Trade Policy Expert’ in the subject line. Cardno is committed to Child Protection in all fields. Cardno is an equal opportunity employer. Successful applicants may be required to provide a police clearance certificate. The deadline for submission of applications is 10 August, 2014. www.cardno.com
4
www.cardno.com
5
