Individual Contractor in Trade Facilitation

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is a regional development arm of the United Nations, established to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region. ESCAP was founded in 1947 and has since been instrumental in fostering regional cooperation and integration. The organization operates in multiple countries across Asia and the Pacific, focusing on various sectors including trade, investment, and innovation. ESCAP aims to support member states in achieving sustainable development goals and enhancing regional connectivity.

Job Overview:
The position of Individual Contractor in Trade Facilitation is crucial for supporting the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of ESCAP. The contractor will play a significant role in advancing trade facilitation and paperless trade initiatives within the region. This role involves collecting essential information related to trade facilitation, conducting background studies on paperless trade and the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-Border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), and assisting in the implementation of these initiatives. The contractor will work under the supervision of the Director of TIID and will be guided by the Chief of the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section, as well as project officers. The expected duration of this assignment is four months, during which the contractor will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Individual Contractor include: 1) Collecting essential information related to trade facilitation, paperless trade, and the CPTA; 2) Undertaking comprehensive background studies on trade facilitation and the CPTA; 3) Assisting in the implementation of trade facilitation initiatives and the CPTA; 4) Collaborating with project officers and other stakeholders to ensure effective execution of tasks; 5) Preparing reports and documentation that meet the formatting and quality standards set by the United Nations; 6) Ensuring that all outputs are delivered on time and are in good English; 7) Adhering to the copyright and dissemination policies of the United Nations regarding the outputs produced during the contract period.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master’s degree or higher in economics or a related field. Candidates should possess at least two years of relevant research or work experience in economics, business, or trade. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of trade facilitation and paperless trade concepts, as well as experience in conducting research and analysis in these areas. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate strong analytical skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree or higher in economics or a related discipline. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of trade facilitation and the economic implications of paperless trade initiatives. A solid foundation in economic theory and practice will enable the contractor to effectively contribute to the objectives of the TIID.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in research or work related to economics, business, or trade. This experience should ideally include involvement in projects or initiatives focused on trade facilitation or paperless trade. Candidates with a proven track record of delivering high-quality research outputs and working in international or regional organizations will be preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as all outputs must be submitted in good English and adequately formatted. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an asset, but English remains the primary language of communication and documentation.

Additional Notes:
The contract duration for this position is expected to be four months. The role is classified as an individual contractor position, which means it is not a permanent or full-time employment role within the United Nations. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or training. Furthermore, the organization emphasizes that it does not require any personal banking information from applicants. The contractor will be evaluated based on the quality and timely delivery of outputs, and all copyrights over the outputs will be owned by the United Nations.