Consultant - Trade Agreement Legal Provisions

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 associate members, focusing on various areas including trade, investment, and innovation. ESCAP aims to enhance regional cooperation and integration, providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the design and development of an e-learning course titled 'Negotiating Investment Provisions in Trade Agreements: A Practical Course for Graduating LDCs.' This course is aimed at enhancing the trade negotiation capacity of least developed countries (LDCs) in Asia and the Pacific, particularly as they transition out of LDC status and face the loss of preferential market access. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing the course framework, preparing instructional materials, and delivering content through online consultations and recorded sessions. The course will consist of six modules, with a total expected duration of six hours. The consultant will also participate in workshops and provide expert recommendations on investment provisions in trade agreements, contributing to the overall goal of improving government readiness for trade negotiations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's duties will include reviewing the draft outline of the e-learning course and providing recommendations through online consultations with ESCAP staff. They will prepare lecture materials and record specific modules of the course, focusing on investment chapters in trade agreements. The consultant will participate in individual consultations with the ESCAP team, provide feedback on working papers, and prepare for and participate in a workshop for government officials. Additionally, they will conduct quality assurance reviews of draft modules and facilitate advisory board meetings to validate research findings. The consultant will also serve as a facilitator and speaker at workshops related to digital trade integration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law, economics, international trade, public policy, international relations, or related fields. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Extensive professional or academic experience in international investment law and policy, investment provisions in regional trade agreements, foreign direct investment analysis, trade negotiations, and capacity-building for government officials is required. Demonstrated experience in preparing and delivering training and workshops is essential, along with familiarity with the needs of developing countries and LDCs being desirable.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in relevant fields such as law, economics, international trade, public policy, or international relations is required. A first-level university degree in these areas, combined with additional qualifying experience, may also be acceptable. This educational background ensures that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of the complexities involved in trade agreements and investment provisions.

Experience:
The position requires extensive professional or academic experience in areas such as international investment law and policy, investment provisions in regional trade agreements, foreign direct investment analysis, and trade negotiations. Candidates should have a proven track record of capacity-building efforts for government officials, demonstrating their ability to effectively communicate complex concepts and facilitate learning. Experience in delivering training sessions and workshops is also a critical requirement for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, along with strong communication skills. This proficiency is essential for effectively conveying complex information and engaging with diverse stakeholders in the context of trade negotiations and capacity-building initiatives. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The expected duration of the consultancy is from August 24, 2026, to April 30, 202

• The consultant will participate in various online consultations and workshops, with specific deliverables and deadlines outlined for each output. The position is expected to be conducted primarily online, with some in-person participation required for workshops. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.