Consultant on Market Study for the Building Materials Sector in Oman

Result of Service• First draft of the final report which includes the methodology, framework and tools to perform the study that evaluates all competitiveness-related aspects of the building materials sector in Oman, focusing on both quantitative metrics (e.g., cost efficiency, productivity) and qualitative factors (e.g., innovation capacity, regulatory environment). • Second draft of the final report which refines the initial version by incorporating feedback from the project team and the Oman Competition Authority. It also enhances the analysis with additional details and include the full comparative assessment of the building sector in Oman relative to other GCC countries. This revised report should strengthen key findings, address any gaps, and ensure alignment with the project’s objectives. • The final report which will provide a comprehensive analysis of the building materials market, integrating key findings from all stages of the assessment. It will consolidate the various analyses conducted throughout the project, offering a holistic view of market dynamics, competitive structures, and regulatory impacts. Additionally, the report will present actionable recommendations aimed at enhancing its competitiveness and long-term sustainability. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration6 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground: The building sector in the Sultanate of Oman is one of the most pivotal industries, serving as a cornerstone for economic growth and infrastructure development. As a critical pillar of Oman's economy, the sector demands a competitive and efficient market environment to achieve optimal economic and developmental outcomes. However, the sector faces challenges such as market distortions, potential anti-competitive practices, and barriers to market entry for new players. Addressing these issues is essential to fostering a fair and transparent competitive landscape, which will, in turn, enhance the quality of local products, reduce dependence on imports, and promote economic sustainability. Recognizing the importance of these goals, the Competition Protection and Anti-Monopoly Center of Oman seeks to conduct a comprehensive market study to evaluate the sector's competitiveness, identify challenges, and recommend actionable solutions. Duties and Responsibilities: The Consultant is tasked with supporting the team and project coordinator in assessing the competitiveness of the building materials sector in Oman. The consultant’s specific responsibilities include supporting the project coordinator and Economic Affairs Officer in the following tasks: • Define the market scope, including geographical and product segmentation, and identifying key characteristics of the sector. • Assess market concentration and firm behavior through relevant competition indicators. • Evaluate supply and demand factors, including market size, production capacity, external trade, and key economic drivers. • Analyze pricing trends, cost structures, market behavior, and potential anti-competitive pricing patterns. • Identify barriers to entry, including regulatory constraints, environmental and procurement laws, and the impact of market conditions. • Investigate potential anti-competitive practices, including abuse of dominance, collusion, and restrictive business behaviors. • Examine the regulatory framework and its implications for market competition and business operations. • Mapp the value chain to understand the role of various market participants and their influence on competition. • Conduct a comparative assessment against selected regional markets (e.g the building materials sector in UAE,KSA, and Qatar) to identify best practices and areas for improvement. • Analyze the broader economic impact of the sector, including contributions to growth, employment, and investment trends. • Facilitate workshops and meetings to engage stakeholders, gather insights, and discuss market challenges. • Conduct interviews and consultations with key industry players, regulatory bodies, and policymakers. • Organize missions to assess market conditions on the ground and engage with relevant stakeholders. Qualifications/special skillsA Master's in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, or any related field is required. PhD degree in Economics, Statistics, Business Administration, or any related field is desirable. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 5 years of experience in economic analysis, with a focus on the industrial sector is required. Experience in contributing to analytical papers is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting in-depth market studies of specific sectors, including analyzing value chains, market trends, and competitive landscapes is required. Experience in conducting comparative analyses and assessing economic competitiveness in relation to neighboring countries is desirable. Understanding of the economic structures and policy environments within GCC countries is desirable. Previous experience in working with international organizations is is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. 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.