Consultant for Technical Regulations and Standardization

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) is one of the five regional commissions under the jurisdiction of the United Nations Economic and Social Council. Established to promote economic integration and cooperation among its 56 member states, UNECE covers Europe and parts of Central Asia and North America. The organization focuses on sustainable development and economic prosperity through policy dialogue, negotiation of international legal instruments, and the development of regulations and norms. UNECE also facilitates the exchange and application of best practices and provides technical cooperation for countries with economies in transition. The organization plays a crucial role in supporting member states in achieving their development goals, particularly in the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Job Overview:
The consultant will be tasked with delivering a comprehensive technical diagnosis of North Macedonia’s system of technical regulation and standardization. This role is part of UNECE’s broader initiative to assist the Government of North Macedonia in enhancing the contribution of trade to an inclusive transformative development path, which is driven by low-carbon, green technologies and circularity. The consultancy aims to align North Macedonia’s technical regulations with the SDGs and EU frameworks, particularly in relation to the EU Green Deal product sustainability requirements. The consultant will produce a diagnostic report that assesses the current state of technical regulations and identifies gaps and practical steps for integration into the EU market. This report will serve as a foundational document for the UNECE study on policy coherence for the green and circular economy transition in North Macedonia.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including conducting a technical gap analysis through legislative mapping of national legislation against EU product legislation, identifying specific EU Directives and Regulations that are un-transposed or conflicting, and assessing the adoption of EU harmonized standards. The consultant will also evaluate the institutional capacity required for successful alignment of North Macedonia’s technical regulations and standardization system. This will involve conducting a desk review of the legislative framework, performing in-person interviews with representatives from relevant government agencies, and utilizing UNECE Evaluation Methodology to guide the interviews. The consultant will be expected to draft a detailed report that incorporates UNECE’s feedback and revisions, ensuring that all findings are clearly articulated and actionable.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, science, public administration, or a related field. They should demonstrate analytical rigor, excellent drafting skills in English, and strong communication and interpersonal skills. Organizational and coordination abilities are essential, along with the capacity to work independently. The consultant should have a deep understanding of North Macedonia’s development landscape and its system of technical regulations and standardization, as well as proven experience in EU accession processes related to specific chapters.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in economics, science, public administration, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of technical regulations and standardization, as well as the broader economic and social implications of these regulations.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 10 years of working experience in the areas of technical regulations and standardization. This experience should include a deep understanding of North Macedonia’s development landscape and its technical regulations system. Proven experience in EU accession processes, particularly in Chapters 1, 10, 12, 15, 27, and 28, is essential, including conducting gap analyses and creating 'Tables of Concordance'. The consultant should also have experience in developing technical regulations and associated policies for accreditation, conformity assessment, market surveillance, and metrology, with a focus on sustainability and eco-design requirements.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Macedonian, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and reporting, as well as for conducting interviews and drafting the diagnostic report.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to start on April 1, 2026, and will last for a duration of 3 months on a part-time basis. The position is part of a broader initiative by UNECE to support North Macedonia in its transition towards a green and circular economy. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the recruitment is conducted fairly and transparently.