Economic Development Consultant
Details:
Context
The Commonwealth of Dominica is a Small Island Developing State (SID). Throughout its history, the economy remained largely agricultural with a mono crop culture, the most recent being bananas. In the post-independence period, many attempts were made to diversify the Dominican economy both within and outside agriculture. Since the collapse of the banana industry in the late 1990’s more emphasis has been placed on the tourism sector. However, the agricultural sector still adds about 15% to GDP, and contributes heavily to food security, rural income and employment and poverty reduction.
The country’s efforts in economic diversification have been mainly successful with the tourism industry. Cruise Tourism has expanded over the years while hotel rooms are on the rise. There is also now a strategy to scale up the sector through the construction of 5-Star hotel accommodations, building on the boutique segment which was the main emphasis over the years. Work is also now commencing on an international airport in the north-east side of the island which should be completed within 5 years. Progress attained in the tourism industry and other service segments of the economy has resulted in the growth of a service economy with a large informal component attached to the tourism industry. In fact, the economy is now approximately 71 percent services.
In spite of the gains in tourism, there is need to further diversify the economy to build greater resilience to internal and external shocks. Over the years we have weathered the 2008 financial crisis, two devastating storms in 2015 and 2017 that caused loss and damage equivalent to 90% and 226% of our GDP respectively, causing tremendous difficulties and hardship and now the COVID-19 health crisis.
Background
Following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in 2017 the Government of the Commonwealth of Dominica formed the Climate Resilience and Executing Agency for Dominica (CREAD). CREAD was created to coordinate the recovery generally and more specifically to implement large national infrastructure projects and help build local institutional capacity. The Agency was created by an Act of Parliament in 2018.
It has a governance structure that includes a Policy Board headed by the Hon. Prime Minister, a Supervisory Committee headed by the partner donors and a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) that provides management and leadership to the organization. The Agency is staffed by highly qualified consultants. The life span of CREAD is four years with the possibility of a one year extension. The Agency is now in search of an Economic Development Consultant.
Role of Economic Development Consultant
Under the direction and leadership of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the Economic Development Consultant is expected to carry out the following responsibilities.
1. Gain a clear and thorough understanding of the dynamics of the economy through research and a sound working relationship with the Ministry of Finance, Economic Affairs, Investment, Planning, Resilience, Sustainable Development, Telecommunications and Broadcasting.
2. Conduct thorough analysis of macro and fiscal performance to better inform economic management.
3. Prepare macro-economic briefs and concept notes to inform policy and budget.
4. Work with public and private stakeholders to conduct industry analysis to better understand industry dynamics and workings.
5. Work with all stakeholders to identify sub sectors with development potential that can be upgraded to the status of industry; and prepare policy notes and action plans to upgrade these sub-sectors.
6. Help prepare sector policy strategies and action plans.
7. Advance ongoing efforts at developing the knowledge and digital economy.
8. Contribute to the preparation of national reports on the state of the economy.
9. Conduct capacity building sessions for public and private stakeholders.
10. Contribute generally and specifically to economic diversification, sector diversification and deepening and economic growth and development.
11. Prepare reports on a monthly’ quarterly and annual basis and on demand.
QUALIFICATIONS:
· A Master’s degree in Economics, Economic Development, Macro Economic Development Studies, Sustainable Development or a relevant discipline;
· A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in economics/economic development,
· Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders;
· Sound judgement and the ability to work under pressure
· Very strong communication skills
· Fluency in English
· Creative and pragmatic approach to problem solving
· Well-organized and strong attention to details.
REQUIREMENTS:
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Ability to relate well with special interest and occupational groups.
DURATION OF ASSIGNMENT
The contract of employment will be for a period of 18 months.
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter motivating their application, a CV
of no more than four pages, the names of two references (who would only be contacted
if the application were to progress to final stage), by June 16, 2021 via email to
bcharles@creadominica.org or CREAD, The Palm Cottage Pavillion (formerly the Brazilian Embassy), Cornwall Street, Roseau.