Closing date

11 August 2022

Connectivity Associate; DAI

Trade Central Asia (TCA) Activity

DAI works at the cutting edge of international development, combining technical excellence, professional project management, and exceptional customer service to solve our clients’ most complex problems. Since 1970, DAI has worked in 150 developing and transition countries, providing comprehensive development solutions in areas including crisis mitigation and stability operations, democratic governance and public sector management, agriculture and agribusiness, private sector development and financial services, economics and trade, HIV/AIDS, avian influenza control, water and natural resources management, and energy and climate change. Clients include international development agencies, international lending institutions, private corporations and philanthropies, and host-country governments.

Background:

DAI has been awarded a contract by USAID to implement the five-year Trade Central Asia activity. 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.

Summary of Primary Duties:

The Connectivity Associate is responsible for day-to-day implementation of TCA activities in Tajikistan at the national level. The incumbent will work with the Country Director to help design and implement TCA activities. He/she will primarily support the work of the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) and the Regional Trade Development (RTD) components aimed at increasing public-private dialogue on cross-border trade and improving cross-border firm-to-firm connectivity but will also assist with the facilitation and implementation of other cross-cutting activities in Tajikistan.

Responsibilities:

The Associate will primarily be responsible for working with local counterparts to implement TCA’s PPD and RTD work plans.  This role includes the following tasks: 

  • Contribute to the development of TCA annual workplan, any specific action plans and strategies, etc. relating to planned PPD and cross-border trade activities as well as other cross-cutting activities (e.g. gender inclusion, etc.)  
  • Work with the Country Director, TCA Component Leads and other TCA staff as needed to coordinate and implement TCA activities on the ground. This shall include consulting with USAID, national counterparts, private sector stakeholders and obtaining the support of TCA staff, as appropriate, to undertake the following:
    • Research and prepare concept notes and other documents in support of the design of proposed activities
    • Prepare scopes of work, identify, actively manage and monitor the work of consultants and other vendors  
    • Liaise with TCA beneficiaries and counterparts from the private and public sectors as needed to develop activities and achieve the goals and objectives of TCA
    • Review and manage vendor/consultant deliverables
    • Contribute to obtaining all necessary approvals from DAI, USAID, and host governments in order to develop and implement activities
    • Procure and monitor the delivery of any goods and services that may be required in the planning and implementation of activities
  • Contribute to organizing study tours, national and regional meetings, and other events as may be required, etc.
  • Undertake research, prepare reports, plan and organize training courses, facilitate events, arrange meetings as may be necessary in the planning and implementation of activities
  • Coordinate with TCA management, the Monitoring and Evaluation Manager and the Communications Manager to prepare and update statistics and descriptions of activity results as may be requested or required for TCA reporting requirements, e.g. monitoring and evaluation system; success stories; monthly, quarterly, and annual reports
  • Coordinate with the TCA Communications Manager to draft webpages, briefing documents, Official Informals, press releases, marketing material, brochures, etc. for USAID, the media and other relevant counterparts on TCA activities.
  • Travel to each Central Asian country as may be necessary in support of the planning and implementation of activities
  • Establish and maintain a wide range of contacts within the trade community as well as other related industries and government agencies in their country and across Central Asia
  • Support other TCA staff and other activities, as may be necessary, depending on relative staff workload within the project
  • Comply with all DAI and USAID policies, rules, and regulations
  • Support other activities as may reasonably be requested by the Team Leads, Chief of Party and Deputy Chief of Party.

Qualifications:                                             

  • At least three years of experience in the public or private sector designing and implementing programs to facilitate trade, enhance PPD or promote exports
  • Fluency in English and Russian languages
  • Previous experience with USAID projects is desired but not mandatory.

Reporting:

The Connectivity Associate shall report to Tajikistan Country Director.

Location:

Dushanbe, Tajikistan.

To apply please send your CV and letter of interest to the tca_recruitment@dai.com. The deadline for applications is 6PM, August 11, 2022.

Please indicate the vacancy title “Connectivity Associate, Tajikistan” in the subject line.

Only short-listed candidates will be notified.