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Background:

DAI has been awarded a contract by USAID to implement the five-year Trade Central Asia activity from October 2021 to September 2026. The goal of USAID’s Trade Central Asia activity is to improve region-wide trade connectivity and harmonization to accelerate economic growth and increase economic opportunity in Central Asia through: harmonization of customs and border procedures; increasing public-private dialogue on cross-border trade and investment; and improving cross-border firm-to-firm connectivity; addressing gender-relevant trade issues. The Activity will be implemented in the five Central Asian countries, including in Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

The announced vacancy is contingent upon formal approval of TCA’s proposed activities by Government counterparts.

Summary of Primary Duties:

The incumbent will support TCA’s technical activities in Turkmenistan in its wide context, facilitating work of local and international advisors, while serving as an interface between TCA and its local counterparts on a broad range of issues related to economic and trade development assistance.

This is a full-time position that will be based in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Responsibilities:

The Specialist will function at the local level interacting with local business groups, NGOs and professional associations, relevant Government authorities to ensure that TCA coordinates its activities accordingly. S/he will perform the following tasks:

• Participate in planning and implementing the Project’s technical activities, including event planning and organization, logistical support, monitoring and reporting in the following areas: export promotion, cross border trade, accession to the World Trade Organization, trade facilitation, transportation & logistics, etc.);
• Assist with conducting legislative reviews and benchmarking assessment of relevant local legislation related to trade and customs facilitation;
• Perform oral and written translation (English-Turkmen-Russian) assignments;
• Liaise with business groups, and service providers to define assistance needs and solutions;
• Support timely M&E data collection;
• Participate in assessments; coordinates short term technical assignments for national and international TCA’s advisors; and helps organize B2Bs;
• Other duties as assigned by the Country Director.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in development economics, international law and business administration, preferably from a European or North American university (Master’s degree is advantage);
• At least five years of working experience in one of the following fields: international trade, international relations, international law, institutional and human capacity building;
• Good understanding of international trade system, in particular, the World Trade Organization (WTO) structure and its major agreements;
• Experience of working with government bodies responsible for economic and trade relations, including the State customs authorities;
• Good understanding of the legislative system of Turkmenistan;
• Fluency in Turkmen, Russian and English languages. (Note: language skills will be tested);
• Excellent written and oral communications skills;
• Availability to commence in June 2022;
• Advanced computer skills, including good working knowledge of MS Office application programs;
• Attention to detail, self-confidence & ability to work independently.

Reporting:

Trade Specialist will report to the Country Director in Turkmenistan.

Location:

Ashgabat, Turkmenistan

Interested candidates should send their CV and letter of interest to TCA_recruitment@dai.com with copy (CC) to TCA_ExportSupport@dai.com with the “Trade Specialist – TCA Turkmenistan” in the subject line by April 29, 2022.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.