Building a National Strategy for Lebanon to using Blockchain in Trade facilitation

Result of ServiceThe consultant will provide the outputs below: A detailed but concise strategy paper that serves as a road map for Lebanon to design and implement a blockchain based interventions to post its international trade prospect. Work LocationRemote Expected duration1 month Duties and ResponsibilitiesGeneral background Blockchain is quickly transforming the way data is stored and managed. Technology is considered to be an important aspect in several sectors, including cross-border trade and the global supply chain. Several challenges exist along the supply chain, impacting logistics functions. Difficulties often emerge from the lack of transparency, speed, and traceability. Blockchain technology is believed to solve some of these key challenges by providing a set of records that can be tracked and evaluated at all levels of the supply chain by all parties. Its main objective is to create an automated process, reducing the use of paperwork and supporting traceability. The following are key features of blockchain that can be used in logistics: Transparency: - Integrate all data by all parties into one source - History of clients or suppliers recorded, making it easier to assess their creditworthiness - Provides accurate information on the status of events for better traceability. Security: - Secure platform to exchange information - Inability to tamper with information since every information is securely recorded in the chain Easing the process: - Using smart contracts to increase the level of automation and combine processes such as payment, settlement of tariffs, or cargo checks. - Removing intermediaries at several stages of the chain, by creating a trustworthy environment. Efficient process: - Reduce costs by avoiding errors and redundancies. - Faster automated process, with less room for human error. As technology is relatively a new concept, its application is still in the preliminary stage and is expected to spread over the next few years. Some countries have already initiated pilot projects to test technology in several areas such as the transfer of digital documents, digital bill of lading, and automated customs systems. Nonetheless, most of the efforts that were put in place by governments are still in their experimental phase, with minor projects launched. Objective of the assignment Lebanon has been selected as a pilot country for a project of Blockchain for trade facialtion and competitiveness. The country has benefited from the drafting of a proof-of-concept paper and a legislative framework for the use of blockchain in trade facilitation to post trade and reduce trade cost. The major outcome of this project is to assist Lebanon in developing a practical strategy to facilitate and promote the application of blockchain technology in international trade operations. Through a dedicated package of technical assistance activities, Lebanon will be able to undertake the required regulatory reforms to ease the process of digitalizing trade and to boost the role of SMEs in export promotion. Qualifications/special skillsA Bachelor's degree in economics, business administration or technology or related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. 10 years of experience in designing or applying technology to trade and trade development strategies is required. Previous experience in Lebanon is desirable LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; and Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in English and Arabic is required. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.