Consultant for Digital Trade Regulations

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which was established in 194

• ESCAP's mission is to promote inclusive and sustainable economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, working with governments and stakeholders to address regional challenges and enhance cooperation. ESCAP employs a diverse workforce of professionals dedicated to improving the lives of people in the region through policy advocacy, research, and capacity building.

Job Overview:
The consultant position focuses on supporting the preparation of publications related to digital trade regulations, ensuring the accuracy of regulatory databases, and assisting in the development of training materials. The consultant will also be involved in preparing country briefs and conducting legal research on digital trade regulations. The role is integral to a project aimed at enhancing regional and global value chain participation of Central Asian countries, particularly in the context of the digital economy and sustainable development. The consultant will work closely with the Director of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division and the Chief of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, contributing to the overall objectives of the project and supporting policymakers in adapting to new trends in international trade.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a variety of tasks, including:

• Supporting the preparation of publications related to digital trade regulations.
• Assisting in data verification to ensure the accuracy of regulatory databases.
• Preparing country briefs that summarize key information on digital trade regulations.
• Assisting in the preparation of training and workshop materials as required.
• Conducting other research and secretariat tasks as needed.
• Preparing five national legal research publications on digital trade regulations, with deliverables in the form of word documents, excel tables, or PowerPoint slides.
• Supporting the human-in-loop process for automating regulatory data collection, including reviewing and validating critical data points and flagging errors.
• Preparing two regional or subregional reports on digital trade integration, with inputs delivered in various formats.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree or higher in Economics, International Trade, or related fields in laws. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 months of experience in economic and regulatory research related to digital trade and trade policies. Familiarity with the Regional Digital Trade Integration database is preferred, indicating a strong understanding of the digital trade landscape and its regulatory environment.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree or higher in relevant fields such as Economics, International Trade, or Law. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of digital trade regulations and their implications for policy development.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least 3 months of experience in economic and regulatory research, particularly in the context of digital trade and trade policies. This experience is crucial for effectively contributing to the project's objectives and supporting policymakers in Central Asian countries.

Languages:
Good English communication skills are mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to prepare publications, reports, and training materials in English. Proficiency in additional languages may be beneficial but is not specified as a requirement.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 5.5 months, with the possibility of an extension for an additional 3.5 months. The position is not associated with any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. This ensures that the recruitment process is accessible and equitable for all candidates.