Consultant on NBS

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 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on various issues including trade, investment, and innovation. ESCAP aims to foster regional cooperation and integration to address the challenges faced by countries in the region, particularly in the context of sustainable development and climate change.

Job Overview:
The consultant will work under the guidance of the Economic Affairs Officer of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section within the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of ESCAP. The primary objective of this position is to enhance policymakers' understanding of how trade policies, particularly trade agreements and non-tariff measures (NTMs), can be made 'climate-smarter' and support nature-based solutions (NBS). The consultant will be responsible for delivering outputs in electronic formats such as Word, Excel, or PowerPoint, and their performance will be evaluated based on the quality and timeliness of their work. The project emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation in addressing climate change and aims to redirect international trade and investment towards achieving net-CO2-zero targets. The consultant will also contribute to the analysis of trade policies and their impacts on environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and resource management, particularly in the context of the Asia-Pacific region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include developing tools and databases, conducting analyses on how countries can make their trade and investment policies more climate-smart, and supporting nature-based solutions. They will also analyze and create technical materials for implementing Essential Medical Products modules in TINA and Legal TINA. The consultant will be expected to conduct desk research on international trade, economics, and related fields, focusing on the impacts of trade policies on climate action and sustainable development. Additionally, they will explore the legislative frameworks governing international trade in environmental goods and assess the efficiency and environmental impacts of agricultural subsidies and other trade-related policies. The consultant will work closely with the Chief of Trade Policy and Facilitation Section and the Director of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division to ensure alignment with ESCAP's broader objectives.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in economics, with a specific focus on international trade. Candidates should have demonstrated knowledge of non-tariff measures (NTMs) and the Multi-Agency Support Team (MAST) classification. Familiarity with regional trade agreements (RTA) analysis, text analysis, R coding, and e-learning material development is desirable. The consultant should possess strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and actionable insights.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in economics or a related field, with a focus on international trade. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of trade policies and their implications for climate action and sustainable development.

Experience:
The consultant should have experience in conducting desk research in international trade, economics, or a related field. Experience working in an international organization is considered an advantage, as it provides valuable insights into the workings of global trade and policy frameworks. The level of experience required is not explicitly stated, but familiarity with the relevant fields and previous consultancy work would be beneficial.

Languages:
An excellent command of written and spoken English is required for this position. This proficiency is essential for effective communication and the preparation of reports and presentations. While no additional languages are specified as mandatory, knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset in a multicultural work environment.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is 8 months, and the work location is Bangkok, Thailand. The position does not specify a seniority level, but it is implied that the consultant should possess a certain level of expertise and experience in the field. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring that the application process is free from financial barriers.