TERMS OF REFERENCE Supporting the Institutional Strengthening of the Barbados Private Sector Association

Transcription

1 TERMS OF REFERENCE Supporting the Institutional Strengthening of the Barbados Private Sector Association BACKGROUND The current context of eroding trade preferences, multiple on-going trade negotiations and significant new obligations assumed under the CARICOM Single Markey and Economy (CSME) and the CARIFORUM-European Community (EC) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and other trade agreements call for stronger trade-related institutions and increased participation of the private sector in trade negotiations and policy implementation. The recently signed EPA between CARIFORUM and the EC present a set of opportunities and challenges for Barbados. Under the Agreement, the EC has provided new and enhanced market access for CARIFORUM imports and CARIFORUM has committed to liberalising up to 86% of its imports from the EC over a 25 year transition period. This transition away from preferential arrangements to a World Trade Organisation (WTO) compatible reciprocal, open trading regime presents a number of advantages to CARIFORUM states: 1) it widens access to EC markets for almost all products; 2) it potentially lowers the price of EC inputs and intermediate goods to local industries; 3) it reinforces the current regional integration effort; and 4) it challenges governments to reduce the preferences and incentives that have protected certain industries forcing the private sector to become more competitive. Even though the EPA brings important opportunities, it also brings a number of challenges: 1) concern that Caribbean markets will be flooded by goods and services from the EC; 2) concern about non-tariff barriers (NTBs) to trade in the EC; 3) uncertainty about the readiness of the business climate to support export-led growth; and 4) insecurity about the private sector s capacity to compete, diversify and innovate in a global liberalised market. Therefore the benefits deriving from free trade will be neither achievable nor sustainable without a business-friendly environment, and a strong business sector that is ready to face the significant challenges that will result from regional integration and international trade liberalization. In order to help the Barbadian private sector take advantage of regional and global integration, the Barbados Private Sector Association (BPSA) plays a key role in advocating and lobbying for appropriate private sector development and 1

2 competitiveness policy reforms and helps its member organizations understand and take advantage of the opportunities of the EPA and other trade agreements. In this regard, the BPSA is the recognised private sector representative in the public-private sector dialogue convened by the Government and the labour movement, that is, the Social Partnership (SP). In this context, the BPSA has secured funding from the Inter-American Bank (IADB) Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) to assist in funding four important projects that will strengthen its role as a key participant in public policy debates affecting private sector development and at the same time be able to increase awareness of changes and challenges that confront the sector. These are: 1. Improving private sector development and competitiveness; 2. Understanding of the EPA challenges and opportunities at firm and worker level; 3. Building capacity to increase exports; and 4. Supporting the Institutional strengthening of the BPSA. It needs to be borne in mind that an institutional framework such as the SP, in many circumstances is a superior approach to social dialogue than ad hoc or informal dialogue seen elsewhere. While the latter is usually (though not always) contrived to resolve a threatened or existing problem, institutionalized social dialogue not only seeks to resolve conflict, it also acts as a conflict prevention mechanism as its stability promotes understanding and cooperation through which potential problems can be identified and prevented. This is clearly an advantage that Barbados has over competitors in an increasingly liberalized economic environment. In order to maximize and capitalize on this advantage, careful attention must be given to the BPSA s capacities. The absence of a formal structure could be a weakness. To perform its role effectively and in a timely manner, it needs appropriate and adequate support in areas such as information gathering and dissemination, research, the evaluation and monitoring of compliance and effectiveness, the formulation of reports, regular and timely consultation with the partners and relevant institutions, and the overall provision of regular briefings on the performance of the SP and trade agreements. These are critical functions which should not be performed in an ad hoc manner as is currently the case. 2

3 Hence, a more formal structure would provide well-informed, dedicated and technically competent staff which would be indispensable for the follow-up and preparation of briefs, research reports and minutes of meetings, and all such duties necessary to facilitate the smooth and effective conduct of the work of the BPSA. OBJECTIVES The goal of the project is to improve effectiveness and competitiveness of Barbados private sector. The purpose is to strengthen the capacity of the BSPA to support the private sector of Barbados in promoting private sector development and competitiveness and at the same time help its members to maximise on the benefits resulting from regional and global integration. This project will strengthen the BPSA, helping it to identify the most appropriate structure to organise the different associations under its umbrella, identifying the most important services demanded by its constituents and developing an action plan to increase its institutional capacity. DELIVERABLES A comprehensive mapping and assessment of the institutional capacity, services and financial resources of the multiple associations serving the interests of the private sector; An institutional assessment of the BPSA, including its structure, services, and sources of funding; A proposal to strengthen the BPSA, including recommendations for the most appropriate organisational structure, services, sources of income and strategy to better serve the interests of the private sector. REQUIREMENTS The selected consultant(s) will be required to undertake the following activities: 3

4 1. Agree on a project outline and work plan with the Project Co-ordinator ensuring a clear understanding of objectives and deliverables; 2. Prepare a comprehensive mapping and assessment of all private sector service providers and services provided will be undertaken; 3. Prepare an institutional assessment of the BPSA; 4. Prepare a proposal to strengthen the BPSA; 5. Meet with Barbados Private Sector Association s Project Steering Committee to discuss plans and proposals. 6. Finalise all drafts. 7. The Consultancy will be undertaken by a consultant(s) with experience in trade policy and strategic business development: A professional track record in management consulting. Relevant University degree; More than 5 years of experience in private sector development; Excellent command of English; Effective networking skills; Excellent oral and written communication skills; Ability to work effectively in a dynamic environment; Excellent computer skills; and Excellent organisational skills REPORTING ARRANGEMENTS The consultant reports to the BPSA Project Co-ordinator and would be required to provide regular progress reports to the BPSA Project Steering Committee as well as to the IDB team leader. TERMS & CONDITIONS Suitable applicants must submit 3 copies of technical and financial proposals that seek to achieve the stated objectives. One (1) proposal must be submitted on soft copy with the technical and financial proposals saved as separate files on a CD Rom. Two (2) hard copies of the technical and financial proposals are to be submitted to the Barbados Private Sector Trade Team. The technical and financial proposals are to be submitted in 4

5 separate envelopes. The proposal should be submitted to the Barbados Private Sector Association no later than October 01, All proposals should be addressed to: The Barbados Private Sector Association Braemar Deighton Road St. Michael The intended commencement date is November 01, The duration of the assignment should not exceed eighteen (18) months. ALL QUESTIONS REGARDING THE TERMS OF REFERENCE SHOULD BE SENT BY TO: Mr. Magnus Whitehead: or Telephone (246)