Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Expert - International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), which is a regional development arm of the United Nations. Established in 1947, ESCAP aims to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. The organization works with member states and stakeholders to foster inclusive and sustainable development, addressing issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability. ESCAP operates in multiple countries across the Asia-Pacific region, collaborating with various partners to implement projects and initiatives that align with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The position of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Expert - International Consultant is designed to support two key initiatives aimed at strengthening investment promotion agencies in the context of post-COVID recovery and geopolitical shifts. The consultant will play a crucial role in supporting the ASEAN’s Green Investment Catalyst and the Laos LIFT projects. The primary functions of this role include building the capacity of Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs), developing sustainable investment pipelines, enhancing regional cooperation, and modernizing tools to attract green and resilient foreign investment across the region. The consultant will be expected to engage with various stakeholders, including government agencies, private sector actors, and international organizations, to facilitate investment opportunities and promote sustainable practices in investment.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the FDI Expert include but are not limited to:

• Conducting assessments of current investment promotion strategies and identifying areas for improvement.
• Developing and implementing capacity-building programs for Investment Promotion Agencies (IPAs) to enhance their effectiveness in attracting foreign investment.
• Collaborating with regional partners to create sustainable investment pipelines that align with environmental and social governance standards.
• Modernizing tools and methodologies used by IPAs to attract green investments, including digital platforms and marketing strategies.
• Facilitating workshops and training sessions for stakeholders to promote best practices in investment promotion.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of initiatives on investment flows and IPA performance.
• Providing strategic recommendations to enhance regional cooperation in investment promotion.
• Preparing reports and presentations to communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for this position should possess a strong background in foreign direct investment, economic development, or a related field. Required qualifications include:

• Proven experience in investment promotion, economic policy, or international development.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess investment climates and develop strategic recommendations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders.
• Familiarity with sustainable investment practices and environmental governance.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multicultural environment.
• Proficiency in project management and capacity-building methodologies.

Educational Background:
Candidates should have a minimum of a Master’s degree in economics, business administration, international relations, or a related field. A PhD or equivalent advanced degree is preferred, particularly for those with extensive experience in investment promotion or economic development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in foreign direct investment, economic development, or related fields. Experience working with international organizations, government agencies, or private sector entities in the Asia-Pacific region is highly desirable. Previous experience in capacity building and training for investment promotion agencies will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Knowledge of additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region, such as Lao, Thai, or other regional languages, is considered an advantage and will enhance the candidate's profile.

Additional Notes:
This position is offered as an individual contractor role, with a duration of up to 240 working days from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 202

• The consultant will be expected to work remotely and may need to travel to various locations within the region as required. The role is full-time, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a flexible work schedule to accommodate different time zones and stakeholder availability. Compensation will be commensurate with experience and qualifications, and additional benefits may be provided as per UNDP policies.