Consultant for Non-Preferential Certificates of Origin

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 in 194

• Its mission is to promote economic and social development in the Asia-Pacific region through regional cooperation and integration. ESCAP works with 62 member states and 9 associate members, focusing on sustainable development, trade, and investment, among other areas. The organization employs a diverse workforce of over 300 professionals and operates in various countries across the Asia-Pacific region, addressing critical issues such as poverty, inequality, and environmental sustainability.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the project titled 'Accelerating Actions on Cross-Border Paperless Trade for Regional Integration and Sustainable Development in Asia and the Pacific.' This project aims to enhance the capacity of ESCAP's developing member states to implement cross-border paperless trade, thereby contributing to sustainable development and the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 17 (SDG 17). The consultant is expected to analyze the benefits and challenges of adopting a protocol on mutual recognition of non-preferential Certificates of Origin (NPCOs) among selected CPTA parties. This involves drafting a comprehensive document that outlines the current practices, legal frameworks, and potential reforms necessary for the implementation of such a protocol. The consultant will also be responsible for presenting findings at expert group meetings and national consultations, refining the document based on feedback received during these engagements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties include:

• Drafting a detailed document analyzing the benefits and challenges of adopting a protocol on mutual recognition of NPCOs among selected CPTA parties, following the structure outlined in Annex
• Conducting thorough research on national practices regarding NPCOs, including the issuance and recognition of electronic and paper formats.
• Assessing the legal and regulatory frameworks that govern NPCOs in the assigned country, focusing on both export and import practices.
• Investigating how NPCOs are exchanged among stakeholders, including exporters, importers, and government agencies.
• Identifying potential benefits and challenges associated with adopting a mutual recognition protocol, including necessary institutional, legal, and administrative reforms.
• Attending relevant meetings organized by the ESCAP secretariat to gain insights into the protocol discussions.
• Providing actionable recommendations for countries to adopt the protocol, outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term actions.
• Presenting findings at expert group meetings and national consultations, ensuring that the outcomes are integrated into the final document.
• Refining the initial draft based on feedback from consultations and meetings, ensuring that the document meets the expectations of the ESCAP secretariat.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Master's degree or higher in Economics, Public Policy, Business Administration, or related fields. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in trade policy, facilitation, e-commerce, or paperless trade is essential. Candidates with relevant experience in implementing trade facilitation projects will be preferred. The consultant should possess strong analytical skills, the ability to conduct comprehensive research, and excellent communication skills to effectively present findings and recommendations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Master's degree or higher in a relevant field such as Economics, Public Policy, Business Administration, or a closely related discipline. This educational background is critical for understanding the complexities of trade policy and the implications of adopting paperless trade solutions.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in areas related to trade policy, trade facilitation, e-commerce, or paperless trade is required. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to analyze trade-related issues and implement projects that facilitate trade processes. Relevant experience in international organizations or governmental agencies will be considered an asset.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the consultant will be required to draft documents, conduct presentations, and engage in discussions with stakeholders in English. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the Asia-Pacific region may be considered an advantage but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The expected duration of the consultancy is from April 9, 2026, to December 30, 202

• The consultant will be evaluated based on the timeliness of work delivery, adherence to the terms of reference, and the substantive quality of the outputs. It is important to note that the United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.