Senior Regional Integration and Trade Promotion Specialist

Job Purpose

Contribute to the development and implementation of IsDB's programs on improving trade promotion and regional economic integration among member countries. Develop and implement the work program and activities in this field by examining the issues, identifying/assessing the needs, identifying required priority interventions for trade facilitation, trade liberalization and economic cooperation among member countries. Conduct analytical work and participate in holding policy dialogue with the Governments, multilateral institutions, regional cooperation organizations as well as export promotion agencies to promote and facilitate the implementation of IsDB policies, strategies and programs for the promotion of regional cooperation and integration (RCI). Contribute to the management and monitoring of the work program of the Department.

Key Accountabilities
**Policy and Strategic Planning**
- Undertake background research and analytical work for policy and strategy formulation related to trade promotion and support the lead specialist in the dissemination of new strategies and policies.
- Support the implementation of IsDB's RCI Operational Strategy, RCI Business Plans, RCI Grant Program and work programs in the areas of regional cooperation, trade promotion and market integration.
- Conduct background research and support the lead specialist in undertaking analytical work related to trade promotion and regional integration during Member Country Partnership Strategy (MCPS) and programming missions.
- Provide support in the harmonization of policies and procedures governing trade integration among member countries.
- Contribute to the Regional Integration team in ensuring effective mainstreaming of regional integration in IsDB's sector policies and strategies.
- Contribute to the business environment assessment exercises initiated by the Department.

**Operations and Partnership Activities**
- Contribute to the development of the work program related to trade promotion and regional integration.
- Provide technical support for improving member countries' capabilities to encourage, support, and promote trade with each other.
- Undertake technical work to assess the trade development opportunities in priority sectors to support member countries' development.
- Provide technical support to manage a repository of partnerships in collaboration with external organizations such as UN regional commissions, ICDT, COMCEC, and regional cooperation organizations on behalf of IsDB on matters related to economic cooperation among member countries.
- Prepare background notes and proposals in engagement with export promotion and trade facilitation agencies, and traditional and new partners to mobilize technical and financial resources for trade promotion programs.
- Oversee the portfolio of trade promotion activities, conduct portfolio analysis, and follow up and coordinate with the Project Implementation Units in countries where trade promotion and regional integration projects are implemented.
- Provide technical support to fundraising efforts to finance the programs developed under IsDB's RCI Grant Program and other economic cooperation activities.
- Manage a network of contacts with development partners and keep track of programs that support trade promotion in member countries.
- Assist in the coordination of trade promotion and regional integration work with other IsDB Group entities in the areas of mutual interest for IsDB Group member countries.
- Organize trade promotion and regional integration-related knowledge sharing and consultation events in collaboration with development partners.
- Contribute to the Regional Integration team in ensuring complementarity between trade promotion operations and IsDB's investment promotion, cross-border connectivity and other market integration activities.

**Knowledge, Analytical and Advisory**
- Contribute to analytical work in relation to trade promotion to examine the issues, identify/assess the needs and required priority interventions, prepare related policy briefs/notes, and keep abreast of international developments and advancements related to regional integration.
- Assist the management in the transfer of knowledge on trade promotion to other staff within IsDB Group and externally to member countries to enhance awareness on regional integration.
- Assist in the organization of knowledge sharing and dissemination events on trade promotion and regional integration activities of the Bank.
- Undertake analysis of ongoing and completed projects and programs to draw lessons and contribute to the development of best practice notes.

**Reporting**
- Contribute to the preparation of regular internal status reports on IsDB's trade promotion activities and highlight any concerning areas, success stories and keep the management abreast of the work status.
- Assist the lead specialist in the preparation of reports for external use to demonstrate and provide required informati