Local Short-term Technical Assistance for E-commerce Survey & Assessment

USAID Trade Facilitation Program

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Proposed Personnel:       Local Short-term Technical Assistance (STTA)
                                        E-commerce Survey & Assessment 

Period of Performance:   June - September 2022

Origin/Destination:         Da Nang

Travel Dates:                   tbc

Activity No.                      4.8.2 Support Activities for PTFC Da Nang

MEL indicator(s):             IR3.1-2.

Program Background

Under activity 4.8 – The USAID Trade Facilitation Program will focus part of its efforts in Years 3 & 4 on the six (06) selected provinces and agreed with GDVC to develop and introduce a mechanism for the GVN’s trade facilitation measures, ventures, and related activities at the provincial level. 

To improve the harmonized implementation at the provincial level of government policies and activities emanating from the NTFC’s roles and responsibilities, under activity 4.8.2, the Program has promoted the establishment of a local TF mechanism in each province to maintain the regular dialogue/consultation between key government agencies and private sector actors including the VCCI, focusing on the hot issues/obstacles to the implementation of trade facilitation provisions. The local TF mechanism, in each locality, will promote and organize awareness events and communication campaigns to advocate for the appropriate implementation of trade facilitation policy elaborated at central level. 

The local TF mechanism will facilitate the establishment of a central-provincial cooperation and communication mechanism focused on trade facilitation measures, including simplification, streamlining, reduction of specialized inspection through, among the others, the adoption of a risk-management approach, and enhancement of coordinated border management (CBM). The Program will support the development of this mechanism in close cooperation with local authorities of the six targeted provinces and in consultation with the representatives of private sector, including business associations, local customs departments, and line departments, and VCCI at the provincial level. The Program will look for innovative and alternative methods to increase awareness amongst the private sector stakeholders other than the conventional and familiar workshops.

So far, 5 out 6 provinces have set up their local TF mechanisms. For Da Nang in particularly, the People’s Committee issued Decision in May 2021 on the setup of Da Nang Steering Committee for Trade Facilitation which has planned activities for TFP support in 2022.

Activity Background

The Ministry of Finance is drafting a Decree "Regulations on customs management of exported and imported goods transacted via e-commerce" in order to create a legal corridor for individuals and organizations to participate in e-commerce activities for exported and imported goods, customs procedures shall be proactive and convenient as well as ensuring fair and sound competition between entities participating in e-commerce activities.

Da Nang City is also gradually implementing plans and solutions to develop the e-commerce market in general and cross-border e-commerce in particular. In order to take the lead in applying the Decree "Regulations on customs management for exported and imported goods transacted via e-commerce" quickly and effectively, it is necessary to re-evaluate the current state of cross-border e-commerce in the city and propose appropriate development solutions according to the Decree.

The Program is therefore working with PTFC Da Nang to implement this survey to form a basis for state management agencies to set out orientations and policies for e-commerce development, create a favorable environment and conditions for local enterprises to develop e-commerce business, especially cross-border e-commerce activities in accordance with the Decree "Regulations on customs management of exported and imported goods transacted via e-commerce" to be issued soon by the Ministry of Finance.

Objectives

The Program and PTFC Da Nang have taken over the endorsement from the Program Management Unit (PMU) to implement the survey that includes two parts:

Part 1: Collecting information and data related to the e-commerce market and related import-export activities in Da Nang.

Conduct a survey using a Survey Sheet

Analysis, assess the current situation and then make suggestions and recommendations;

Part 2: Presentation the report in the workshop organized by the program and PTFC Da Nang

Tasks and responsibilities

The purpose of this assignment is to assist the Program and PTFC Da Nang in the conduct of the survey which will involve in the following tasks:

1. Collect information and data related to the e-commerce market and related import-export activities in Da Nang.
   Collect specific information about B2C e-commerce market in Da Nang
   Collect information on trends, advantages and disadvantages in cross-border e-commerce in Da Nang
   Summarize the collected results.
   
2. Survey through the Form of Questionnaire
   Develop a survey plan and questionnaire form; make a list of businesses in the survey ( about 100 -150 enterprises)
   Conduct the survey and collect data of the businesses
   Summarize the survey results
   
3. In-depth interviews with focused subjects
   Develop a plan and prepare interview content, make a list of units and businesses participating in in-depth interviews (10 units)
   Summary of interview results.
   
4. Analyze and assess the current situation, make proposals and recommendations
   Propose solutions to promote e-commerce development in Da Nang City in accordance with the Decree "Regulations on customs management for imported and exported goods transacted via e-commerce";
   Provide cross-border e-commerce development orientations.
   Finalize the report and executive summary.
   
5. Present the findings and respond questions raised at a report dissemination workshop

Qualification requirements

The consultant should satisfy the following criteria:

• Bachelor's degree, with at least 10-year experience in research methodologies, consulting,  or a master's degree or higher and at least 5 years of experience in a relevant field;
• Extensive knowledge and experience in organizing surveys and collecting opinions of enterprises on related-customs work; experience in market research, conducting surveys, policy research in the field of e-commerce.
• Priority is given to experts who have participated in domestic and international projects related to the field of e-commerce. Priority is given to experts knowledgeable about the market and businesses in Da Nang City;
• Excellent written and spoken skills and good synthesis and analysis skills;
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in Vietnamese is a must, in English is preferable;
• High service-orientation, due diligence, cooperation and commitment. 

Reporting

The Consultant will report to the Program’s Deputy Chief of Party, Mr. Nguyen Hong Son at [email protected] and TF Coordinator in Da Nang, Ms. Truong Thi Kim Anh at [email protected].

How to apply:

Applications should be sent no later than June 03, 2022 to email: [email protected]

Applications should include:

1. Cover letter (no longer than 1 page)
2. CVs (see attached template); 
3. Updated USAID 1420 form (see attached template)
4. Cost proposal (See attached template)