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General Information

Position Title
Trade Infrastructure and Policy Specialist
Job Category
Infrastructure
Duty Station(s)
East Jerusalem
Seniority Level
Senior Level
ICS Level
ICS 11
Contract Type
ICA - IICA - Regular
Contract Level
IICA 3
Posting Start Date
29-Jan-2026
Posting End Date
08-Feb-2026
Duration
8 months subject to extenion based on availability of funds and satisfactory of performance

Job Highlight

The Trade Infrastructure and Policy Specialist will provide technical expertise and leadership in the development, planning, and implementation of trade-related infrastructure and policy initiatives under the EU4 Commerce project. The Specialist will facilitate stakeholder consultations, contribute to policy dialogue, and support the preparation of feasibility studies and implementation frameworks. Additionally, the role involves ensuring that infrastructure interventions are aligned with international standards and best practices, and that project activities effectively address trade bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainable economic growth in Palestine

The position will last for 8 months; the first 4 months will be on a regular full-time contract, and the final 4 months will be on a retainer contract based on necessity.

About the Region

The UNOPS Middle East Region (MR) provides strategic leadership, performance oversight, and support to UNOPS operations across Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and the State of Palestine. MR is responsible for positioning UNOPS as a key development partner in the region through high-level engagement with regional bodies, UN coordination mechanisms, development banks, donors, and intergovernmental organisations. By fostering strategic partnerships and promoting operational excellence, the region supports country teams in delivering sustainable solutions to complex development, peace, and humanitarian challenges

About the Project Office

UNOPS supports both humanitarian response and early recovery in Gaza. Currently, UNOPS support in Gaza focuses on key humanitarian enablers, including on access, via the Security Council-mandated UN 2720 Mechanism and the Access Support Unit (ASU), humanitarian fuel and energy, and mine action. Operations are envisaged to continue in the coming period with a focus in line with the UNOPS mandate: (i) infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, (ii) procurement and (iii) project management.

Job Specific Context

The EU4Commerce project, funded by the European Union and implemented by UNOPS in partnership with the Palestinian Ministry of National Economy, is designed to enhance trade facilitation and economic growth in Palestine by upgrading commercial crossings and strengthening trade-related infrastructure in the West Bank. The project responds to significant economic challenges in Palestine, including sharp declines in GDP and private sector activity due to recent crises, by addressing both systemic and physical barriers to trade.

Through a phased approach, the project will first focus on stakeholder engagement, policy dialogue, and comprehensive feasibility studies to develop a robust implementation framework for trade infrastructure improvements. Subsequent phases will involve the planning, design, and construction of key trade facilities, as well as the procurement of necessary equipment and services, with the ultimate goal of reducing transaction costs, improving competitiveness, and supporting sustainable economic development in line with international best practices and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Role Purpose

The Trade Infrastructure and Policy Specialist will lead the conceptualization, planning, and development of policy frameworks and strategic approaches that guide the improvement of trade-related infrastructure under the EU4Commerce project. The specialist will be responsible for conducting policy analysis, facilitating stakeholder consultations, and developing implementation frameworks and business models that define the objectives, governance, and operational requirements for new or upgraded trade facilities


While the technical and engineering design of physical infrastructure will be carried out by dedicated engineering teams, the specialist will ensure that all infrastructure interventions are informed by robust policy analysis, aligned with trade facilitation goals, and responsive to stakeholder needs. The role is pivotal in bridging policy, operational, and technical considerations to support effective, sustainable, and internationally-aligned trade infrastructure development in Palestine. The specialist will work with Parties involved in trade and Project Board on strategic issues or solutions, and will lead on all policy, strategic dialogues, prefeasibility, and consultation related activities.

Functions / Key Results Expected

The Specialist will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following tasks:

1. Lead Policy Analysis and Framework Development

  • Conduct comprehensive analysis of trade policies, regulatory frameworks, and institutional arrangements relevant to trade infrastructure in Palestine.

  • Lead the development of the implementation framework, business models, and policy recommendations that define the scope, objectives, and operational requirements for trade-related infrastructure interventions.

  • Integrate outcomes from stakeholder consultations and technical assessments to ensure the implementation framework is robust, evidence-based, and aligned with international best practices.

  • Prepare clear documentation of defined infrastructure interventions, which will serve as the basis for subsequent engineering design work.

2. Facilitate Stakeholder Engagement and Governance Processes

  • Organize and facilitate structured stakeholder engagement and policy dialogues, mobilise parties, ensuring inclusive participation from Parties and governmental institutions, private sector, development partners, and other key stakeholders.

  • Support the effective functioning of the Project Technical Committee (PTC) by providing technical input, synthesizing feedback, and ensuring that committee recommendations are well-informed and actionable.

  • Present defined infrastructure interventions and policy recommendations to the Project Steering Committee (PSC) for review and endorsement, ensuring all interventions are aligned with project objectives and stakeholder priorities.

  • Ensure that all major changes to project scope or direction are processed through the established governance channels, with clear documentation and justification.

3. Provide Technical Advisory and Project Planning Support

  • Offer technical advice and strategic input during feasibility studies, site selection, and the development of operational models for trade facilities.

  • Coordinate closely with engineering and technical teams to ensure that policy and operational requirements are fully integrated into the planning process. 

  • Contribute to the preparation of project documentation, reports, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, including donors and partners.

  • Identify and assess risks, challenges, and opportunities related to trade facilitation and infrastructure development.

4. Support Monitoring, Reporting, and Knowledge Sharing

  • Monitor progress of policy and infrastructure planning interventions against project objectives and key performance indicators.

  • Prepare regular progress reports, policy briefs, and knowledge products to inform decision-making and share lessons learned.

  • Promote the adoption of innovative and sustainable approaches in trade infrastructure and policy development.



Key Results Expected:

  • A comprehensive, evidence-based implementation framework and set of infrastructure interventions, developed through inclusive consultation and technical analysis, and formally endorsed by the Project Steering Committee.

  • Effective coordination and consensus-building among diverse project partners, with clear governance processes followed for all major decisions and changes.

  • Trade infrastructure interventions that are strategically aligned, operationally feasible, and responsive to stakeholder needs, providing a solid foundation for subsequent engineering design and implementation.

  • Enhanced transparency, efficiency, and sustainability in trade facilitation processes.

  • Timely and high-quality reporting and knowledge dissemination supporting project visibility, donor confidence, and long-term impact.

Skills

Analytical Skills, Policy Analysis, Project Planning, Reporting & Analysis, Stakeholder Engagement
Strategic Perspective
Develops and implements sustainable business strategies, thinks long term and externally in order to positively shape the organisation. Anticipates and perceives the impact and implications of future decisions and activities on other parts of the organisation.
Respect
Treats all individuals with respect; responds sensitively to differences and encourages others to do the same. Upholds organisational and ethical norms. Maintains high standards of trustworthiness. Role model for diversity and inclusion.
Collaboration
Acts as a positive role model contributing to the team spirit. Collaborates and supports the development of others. For people managers only: Acts as positive leadership role model, motivates, directs and inspires others to succeed, utilizing appropriate leadership styles.
Partnerships
Demonstrates understanding of the impact of own role on all partners and always puts the end beneficiary first. Builds and maintains strong external relationships and is a competent partner for others (if relevant to the role).
Excellence
Efficiently establishes an appropriate course of action for self and/or others to accomplish a goal. Actions lead to total task accomplishment through concern for quality in all areas. Sees opportunities and takes the initiative to act on them. Understands that responsible use of resources maximizes our impact on our beneficiaries.
Adaptability
Open to change and flexible in a fast paced environment. Effectively adapts own approach to suit changing circumstances or requirements. Reflects on experiences and modifies own behavior. Performance is consistent, even under pressure. Always pursues continuous improvements.
Decision-making
Evaluates data and courses of action to reach logical, pragmatic decisions. Takes an unbiased, rational approach with calculated risks. Applies innovation and creativity to problem-solving.
Communication
Expresses ideas or facts in a clear, concise and open manner. Communication indicates a consideration for the feelings and needs of others. Actively listens and proactively shares knowledge. Handles conflict effectively, by overcoming differences of opinion and finding common ground.

Education Requirements

Required

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) preferably in International Trade, Economics, International Relations, Business Administration related fields with 9 years of relevant experience OR

  • Master’s degree (or equivalent) in any of the above or related fields with 7 years of relevant experience is required



Experience Requirements

Required

  • Relevant experience is work in relevant professional experience or related areas. 

  • Experience developing policy frameworks, business models, or feasibility studies for trade or infrastructure projects.

  • Proven experience facilitating multi-stakeholder consultations and policy dialogues.

  • Experience providing technical advice for project planning and infrastructure interventions, preferably in donor-funded or multilateral settings.

Desired

  • Experience of working in multicultural environments or UN system organizations in a developing country is desired.

  • Experience in development or humanitarian contexts is desired.

  • Experience supporting project governance structures (e.g., steering or technical committees).

  • Knowledge of the Social, economic, and financial aspects of trade logistics infrastructure in developing countries.

  • Experience in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) for infrastructure projects, particularly in the Trade and logistics

  • Familiarity with the region, especially Palestine would be advantageous

Language Requirements

LanguageProficiency LevelRequirement
EnglishFluentRequired
ArabicFluentDesirable

Additional Information

  • Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes. 
  • Please note that UNOPS will at no stage of the recruitment process request candidates to make payments of any kind.
  • Applications to vacancies must be received before midnight Copenhagen time (CET) on the closing date of the announcement. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered. 
  • Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments. 
  • UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures, languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 
  • Qualified women and candidates from groups which are underrepresented in the UNOPS workforce are encouraged to apply. These include in particular candidates from racialized and/or indigenous groups, members of minority gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities. 
  • We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process. If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.
 
Terms and Conditions
 
  • For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 
  • For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses (they take around 4 hours to complete) in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here. 
  • For more details about the contract types, please click here.
  • All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda. 
  • It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.