National team of researchers for conducting the study on foreign markets of the wool and cashmere products

REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

The Government of Mongolia has received a credit from the International Development Association toward the cost of the Export Development Project, and it intends to support Mongolian small and medium size firms (SMEs) in the non-mining sectors to strengthen their export capabilities and expand access to export markets. The Ministry of Finance (MOF) will be responsible for the implementation of the project, including overall coordination, results monitoring. The MOF is seeking to hire a National team of researchers for conducting the study on foreign markets of the wool and cashmere products of sub-component#2.1.

SCOPE OF THE ASSIGMENT

The assignment will be undertaken by the four national individual researchers that will work as a team.  Accordingly, each researcher is responsible for a specific assignment for the target foreign market study on the wool and cashmere. The target market includes the US, Japan, China and South Korea.

1. Assignment of researcher#1:  Lead the research team and conduct a study on the US Market of Wool and Cashmere. Especially central and the north area of the US, and Canada is expected to be a potential export market for Mongolia. The assignment includes but not limited to:

·  Market capacity study to determine market features and demand;

·  Market research (including competitiveness with main competitors) and market opportunities;

·  Export and import tax rates, and related laws and regulations;

·  International standard analysis;

·  US foreign trade policy future trend and possible preferences for Mongolian companies;

·  Agreements and price policy;

·  Market risk analysis;

·  Considerations to enter the US market;

·  USA value chain map and/or trade chain of wool and cashmere final products and possible techniques to enter chains which should fit with capacity and capability of Mongolian wool and cashmere products manufacturers;

·  Study in participation in the US international expos, exhibitions and trade fairs;ф  

·  Other (contact with network, management of the shopping centers etc.,)

·  Prepare  full report and a summary report on the main findings of the study;

·  Present to the MWCA and EDP

·  Other if required

2. Assignment of researcher#2: Conduct a study on the Japanese Market of Wool and Cashmere. The trade agreements between Mongolia and Japan have been approved which greatly benefits the export of Mongolian cashmere products. The assignment includes but not limited to:

·  Japanese market capacity study of wool and cashmere products;

·  Customer study and their demand including purchase behavior of Japanese customers;

·  Japanese market features;

·  Market strategy and policy;

·  Study on other countries that supplly cashmere products to Japan;

·  Study on the Japanese cashmere product standardization;

·  Japanese preferential policy for developing countries especially Mongolia (excluding Agreement between Japan and Mongolia for Economic Partnership);

·  Prepare  a full report and a summary report on the main findings of the study;

·  Make presentation to the MWCA and EDP;

·  Other.

3. Assignment of researcher#3: Conduct a study on the Chinese Market of Wool and Cashmere. The Chinese market has a high demand and capacity of wool and cashmere products. The assignment includes but not limited to:

·  The Chinese wool and cashmere products position in the international market;

·  Quality and price relevance;

·  Study on standard, and relevant environmental regulations;

·  Study on manufacture, sales and equipment of the Chinese wool and cashmere products;

·  future development and trends;

·  The allowance, support and assistance provided by the Chinese Government to wool and cashmere industries;

·  Prepare summary on the main findings of the study;

·  Make presentation to the MWCA and EDP;

·   Other.

4. Assignment of researcher#4: Conduct a study on the South Korean Market of Wool and Cashmere. In recent years, new consumers of cashmere products and interests have increased. The assignment includes but not limited to:

·  Study on market capacity to determine market features, demand and needs;

·  Customer study and customer demand;

·  The segmenting market;

·  Korean trade policy and future trends;

·  Export and import tax rates, and related laws and regulations;

·  Study on sales channels;

·  Prepare a summary report on the main findings of the study;

·  Make presentation to the MWCA and EDP;

·  Other

The national team of researchers should  consult the Mongolian Wool and Cashmere Association on studies specified above and consolidate as appropriate.

Throughout the assignment, four researchers will be required to work as a team in close coordination, and flexibly address any other issues that might be raised by MWCA and Training coordinator of the EDP.

SHORTLISTING CRITERIA/CONSULTANT’S QUALIFICATIONS:

Team leader and national researcher#1 shall meet the following requirements:

·Education: A suitable candidate should have a MA degree in the related field such as international business, global public policy, international trade,  customs or economics;

·Experience: Incumbent should have more than 5 years relevant experience. Knowledge or experience in Japanese market (Korean market, Chinese market, respectively) is a huge plus but not required.; 

·Key skills: Customer-service skills; familiarity with foreign trade programs, regulations, tariff structures, import/export laws, and international trade issues; familiarity with foreign market research, and experience in report writing, presenting is preferable.

·Language skills: Fluent in written and spoken Mongolian and English language skills; 

·Computer literacy: MS Office proficiency such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and have excellent web research and navigation skills;

·Other skills: The candidate shall have high professional and personal integrity, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with the relevant stakeholders and PIU; 

-Ability to function independently and collaboratively in a team environment;

-Previous experience in managing and coordinating the team as well as promoting a productive work environment;

-Previous experience in overseeing the project team in executing their assignments

National researchers shall meet the following requirements:

·Education: A suitable candidate should have a MA degree in the related field such as international business, global public policy, international trade,  customs or economics;

·Experience: Incumbent should have more than 5 years relevant experience. Knowledge or experience in Japanese market (Korean market, Chinese market, respectively) is a huge plus but not required.; 

·Key skills: Customer-service skills; familiarity with foreign trade programs, regulations, tariff structures, import/export laws, and international trade issues; familiarity with foreign market research, and experience in report writing, presenting is preferable.

·Language skills: Fluent in written and spoken Mongolian and English language skills; 

·Computer literacy: MS Office proficiency such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and have excellent web research and navigation skills;

·Other skills: The candidate shall have high professional and personal integrity, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with the relevant stakeholders and PIU; 

-Ability to function independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

CONTRACT DURATION:

The consultant work is expected to commence in November, 2017. The duration of the assignment is for 3 months. The consultant will be selected in accordance with the World Bank Guidelines on Selection and Employment of Consultants, January 2011 (revised in July 1, 2014). The attention of interested Consultants is drawn to paragraph 1.9 and 1.11 of the “Consultant Guidelines”, setting forth the World Bank’s policy on conflict of interest and eligibility.

If you possess the above qualifications, please submit following documents in person:

1. Cover letter indicating why she/he considers her/himself suitable for the position,
2. Detailed CV highlighting relevant skills/experience,
3. Copy of diplomas or certificates and,
4. 2 reference letters from previous last two employers no later than 17:00 P.M, October 31, 2017 in person.

The submitted documents will not be returned to the applicants. Please be noted that incomplete applications would not be considered for evaluation. Only selected candidates will be contacted. Candidates can be interviewed.

Detailed terms of reference can be requested from procurement@edp.mn

Contact address: Attn: Ms.Khaliun, Procurement Specialist, Export Development Project

Room #205, Negdsen undestnii 8/2, 4th khoroo, Chingeltei District, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Tel: 70110582