Vietnam Digital Trade
SCOPE OF WORK
Local STTA Trade Expert (focused on global supply chain)
Date: November 25, 2024
Position: Local STTA Trade Expert (focused on global supply chain)
Reports to: USAID Vietnam Digital Trade (VDT) Technical team
Location: Hanoi, Vietnam
Eligibility: Vietnamese
LOEs: (STTA) 15 days
Period of Performance: 01 December 2024 – 01 January 2025
International Development Group LLC is an international development consulting firm that assists donors, governments, and the private sector to create and take advantage of opportunities for sustainable, broad-based economic development and poverty reduction. IDG provides entrepreneurs and policymakers with the practical tools needed to achieve real and measurable impact for their communities and countries. IDG assistance programs aim to build the capacity, skills, and knowledge of local individuals and institutions in the public, private, and not-for-profit sectors, fostering synergies between local knowledge and international experience.
Project Background
The VDT is a two-year activity (2023-2025) addressing regulatory gaps and promoting private sector engagement in the rapidly growing digital economy. USAID VDT Activity supports the Ministry of Industry and Trade’s (MOIT)’s implementation of frameworks that facilitate digital trade, with an emphasis on supporting MOIT in holding public-private dialogues to ensure implementation is done in consultation with the private sector. Regulations that are responsive to private sector needs remove bottlenecks in trade faced by enterprises and increase regulatory transparency, helping to shape an e-commerce sector where enterprises of all sizes can benefit. The Activity encourages the participation of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in digital trade by introducing new business models and other best practices, such as traceability of goods, as well as facilitating cross-border connections between enterprises via MOIT’s digital trade promotion platform.
Activity Background
As approved in the work plan between the MOIT and USAID, the VDT will support the MOITin assessing the impact of the digitalization of the Global Value Chain (GVC) in Vietnam. In conjunction with this activity, the MOIT is organizing the Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum 2024 on December 6, 2024, in Ho Chi Minh City with the participation of the Vice Minister of MOIT and leadership of the US Embassy/Consular in Vietnam.
The event aims to update and forecast trade and investment policies of Vietnam and the United States as the two countries enter the second year of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It will highlight Vietnam’s emergence as a reliable destination amid the global supply chain shifts of major US corporations. Additionally, the forum will address new policies expected from the US following the Presidential election, which may impact bilateral economic and trade relations.
The forum will feature participation from ministries, branches, associations, businesses, and experts from both Vietnam and the United States. It will provide businesses with crucial information to help them align their business plans with their long-term vision. Moreover, the forum will offer opportunities for businesses from both sides to meet, network, and explore business opportunities through introductions, promotions, and trade connection activities.
In line with the objectives of the VDT, the MOIT has requested USAID VDT to support the event by providing a local STTA expert to assist with the organization and follow-up of the forum. In consultation with the VDT Technical Team, the local STTA expert will work closely with the MOIT to support this event. The expert may also collaborate with other members of the VDT team to undertake this activity.
Key Tasks/Responsibilities:
The STTA Trade Expert (focused on GVC) will be responsible for:
- Collaborate with VDT team and MOIT to design and agree on agenda for the Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum 2024.
- Study on opportunities and challenges for global trade and Vietnam in the new context, and develop solutions to ensure supply chain security amidst global supply chain shifts.
- Contribute to the presentation/speech for USAID/USAID VDT on the studied topics.
- Prepare the post-event report for the Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum 2024, highlighting key outcomes and identifying issues for follow-up.
- Collaborate with the MOIT and relevant agencies to address and resolve issues identified after the Forum, providing actionable solutions.
Deliverables
- A finalized agenda for the Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum 2024.
- A concise study on opportunities and challenges for global trade and Vietnam in the new context, including solutions to ensure supply chain security amidst global supply chain shifts.
- Inputs for a presentation/speech prepared for USAID/USAID VDT to be delivered at the Forum.
- A post-event report on the Vietnam-US Cooperation Forum 2024, highlighting key outcomes, remaining issues, and proposed solutions for follow-up.
Qualifications
The Local STTA Trade Expert (focused on GVC) should have the following qualifications:
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in International Trade, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in international trade, global value chains, or economic policy analysis.
- Proven track record of working with government agencies, international organizations, or trade associations.
- Experience in organizing and managing high-level forums, conferences, or workshops.
- In-depth knowledge of global value chains, trade policies, and economic development.
- Expertise in digitalization and its impact on global trade and supply chains.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to conduct comprehensive studies and provide actionable insights.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Vietnamese.
- Ability to prepare and deliver high-quality presentations and speeches.
- Experience in drafting detailed reports and policy briefs.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and international experts.