The Mission of Formulation onPromoting the formation of

China-ASEAN free trade area by establishing cross-border

economic co-operation zones

Terms of Reference

Post Title: International Consultant

Duration:   One person/ month between Octorber X- December X, 2006

Duty Station:   Based in Beijing with possible travel to Yunan Province , Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and the relevant area in Vie Nam

Background:   

The above-mentioned project will be set up to support the establishment of cross-border economic co-operation zones between Chongzuo city of Guangxi and Liangshan Province of Viet Nam as well as Honghe Prefecture of Yunnan and Laojie city of Viet Nam . The project is aimed at helping strengthen the regional economic co-operation between China and its neighboring countries (especially between China and Viet Nam), promoting economic development in the Lancang-Mekong River sub-region, improving the livelihood of the people in the region and upgrading the management capacity of the relevant government institutions in international economic co-operation. During the implementation, the project will conduct research on the practices and modalities of cross-border economic co-operation, and functions and future development trend so that a win-win strategy and appropriate institutional arrangements can be worked out for the common prosperity of the countries in the sub-region. Besides, the project will emphasis human-centered development through capacity building by applying scientific development approaches in a bid to achieve sustained and balanced development in the target areas by reducing poverty, vitalizing border area development and promoting interactions between different provinces within China and that between China and its neighboring countries in southeast Asia so that the project could make direct contributions to the establishment of the Free Trade Area between China and ASEAN countries by 2010.

Duties:

The incumbent is expected to perform the duties with time allocation as follows:

•  Briefing and debriefing with UNDP (1 working day);

•  Desk review of related literature on the concept paper, relevant national and provincial strategic plans, materials related the cooperation between China and ASEAN especially the economic cooperation between China and Vie Nam etc..(4 working days);

•  Discussion with key partners including CICETE, the national consultants, the provincial authorities and agencies (4 working days);

•  Preparation of the project document with advisory assistance of national consultants (18 working days including field trips);

•  Participation in local PAC meeting (1 working day, as required)

•  Revision of project document incorporating comments received (2 working days, as required)

•  The project document will be submitted to UNDP for approval.

Qualifications:

•  Advanced degree in development related fields of studies;

•  Full understanding of regional cooperation, especially in industrial development related sectors;

•  Understanding of ASEAN plus China is an asset;

•  Proven ability in conducting research on regional economic cooperation, industrial development, sustainable development, investment promotion;

•  Prior experiences on development work, especially in China and ASEAN countries;

•  Sensible about the linkage between trade and development, especially the social impact on such issues as gender, ethnic minorities and poverty reduction, etc.

•  Ability to draft high quality project document;

•  Good command of English both in writing and speaking;