Activity 1: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 1: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex. Timeline: 31 March 2026 Activity 2: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 2: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 30 April 2026 Activity 3: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 3: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 31 May 2026 Activity 4: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 4: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 30 June 2026 Activity 5: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 5: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 31 July 2026 Activity 6: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 6: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 31 August 2026 Activity 7: Undertake all activities mentioned above Output 7: Develop a detailed monthly report detailing all the activities undertaken during the reporting period. Meeting minutes, stakeholder database, updated workplan and any other relevant documents should be attached as Annex Timeline: 30 September 2026

home/based in Timor Leste

01.03.26 - 30.09.26

Since October 2023, ITC is implementing a 3-year project funded by the European Union in Timor-Leste: Supporting to Regional Integration and Trade project. The main objective of the project is to contribute to Timor-Leste’s economic integration and trade globally and, specially, in the Southeast Asia region. This will be achieved through supporting Timor-Leste’s accession and post-accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), and the European Union (EU) Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). In doing so, the project aims to further develop Timor-Leste’s economy and reduce poverty through better integration in the multilateral trading and in the Southeast Asian region and the world. The project will be implemented under the leadership of the Cabinet of the Vice-Minister for ASEAN Affairs (VMAA). Other main stakeholders within the government are the Cabinet of the coordinating minister for Economic Affairs (MCAE) and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MCI). Additional project counterparts include the National Parliament, the Private Sector and the Civil Society. In order for Timor-Leste to be able to successfully meet the requirements of the three above mentioned accession processes and ensure that they contribute to the development strategy of Timor-Leste, the below priority areas of support/main expected outputs have been identified: 1. First priority area: A need for improved coordination and consultation mechanism for preparation of the accession and implementation of the commitments made to the ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EU-Pacific EPA among government agencies, the Parliament, civil society and the private sector. 2. Second priority area: A need for enhanced capacity of Timorese government agencies, the Parliament, civil society and private sector institutions in the negotiations and implementation of the ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EU-Pacific EPA agreements. 3. Third priority area: A need to increase public awareness of the opportunities and challenges arising from the negotiations, accession and implementation of ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EPA particularly with special assistance to the private sector, MSMEs and women-led businesses. Timor-Leste became a member of the WTO in August 2024 and member of the ASEAN in 2025. As a member to these Organizations, the country needs to be prepared to be able to abide by all compulsory agreements and to be able to combine both the post-accession to the WTO with the process for Full Membership of ASEAN. The European Union-Pacific EPA is also to be considered. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT The objective of this assignment is to extend technical advice and assistance to the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Timor-Leste (hereinafter referred to as “MCI”) and other entities benefiting from the EU funded/ ITC implemented “Support to Regional Integration and Trade in Timor-Leste project” in the establishment of an Industrial Property Office, as well as in the implementation of the Industrial Property Code, including its corresponding implementing regulations and other intellectual property related issues. As a new WTO and ASEAN member and a prospective one of the European Union-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement, Timor-Leste is required to progressively align its legal, institutional, and administrative frameworks with international and regional standards and best practices. In the field of intellectual property, this includes compliance with the minimum standards set out under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement), as well as engagement with ASEAN cooperation frameworks and initiatives on intellectual property. Accordingly, Timor-Leste is in the process of developing a national industrial property ecosystem that not only facilitates trade in goods and services, but also promotes local innovation, creativity, and technology transfer in support of national development objectives. While there are many international and regional models and experiences from which Timor-Leste may draw lessons, the design and implementation of its IP system must remain country-specific, context-appropriate, and development-oriented, taking into account the country’s level of development, institutional capacity, and national priorities. Within this broader reform agenda, the development and implementation of the Industrial Property Code, together with the establishment and operationalization of an effective Industrial Property Office, are critical steps, not just to comply with WTO and ASEAN pos-accession roadmap, but also towards fostering innovation, improving the competitiveness of domestic industries, and encouraging value addition and industrial development. For this purpose, the International Trade Centre (ITC) will engage and employ an expert who will be partially embedded in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Under the joint supervision of the ITC project manager in Geneva and the designated responsible person of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the expert will work closely with MCI and the ITC team on a day-to-day basis, while remaining under the contractual and administrative responsibility of ITC. Deliverables/Services In close consultation and coordination with MCI and under the direct supervision of the International Trade Center Project Manager (hereinafter referred to as “ITC”) the National Consultant (NC), will undertake this assignment with the specific requirements as follows: i. Industrial Property Code and Implementing Regulations • Map and analyze relevant parliamentary procedures, committees, and timelines applicable to the consideration of the Industrial Property Code and provide assistance to the National Parliament when needed. • Support MCI in robust engagement with the National Parliament including sectoral committees through appropriate means, to facilitate the tabling, discussion and deliberation of the IP Code Law. • Provide technical advice on the draft Industrial Property Code to ensure alignment with the TRIPS Agreement and relevant international IP treaties. • Prepare concise technical briefs, explanatory notes, and background papers as necessary to MCI during parliamentary discussions/deliberation, in response to clarifications/questions raised by members of parliament or parliamentary committees. • Support the review, refinement, and clarification of provisions of the Industrial Property Code, as requested by MCI. • Assist in the drafting and/or review of implementing regulations necessary for the effective application of the Industrial Property Code (e.g. procedures, fees, forms, administrative measures). • Provide guidance on transitional provisions and phased implementation of the Industrial Property Code. • Support inter-ministerial coordination to ensure consistent government positions during parliamentary and/or Government discussions, if necessary ii. Establishment and Operationalization of the IP Office • Provide strategic and technical advice on the institutional set-up, mandate, and functions of the Industrial Property Office. • Support the development of operational frameworks, including internal procedures, workflows, and administrative practices for the IP Office. • Advise on organizational structure, staffing needs, and capacity-building priorities for the Intellectual Property Office. • Support coordination with relevant national stakeholders and development partners involved in intellectual property system development. • Provide technical inputs related to the introduction and use of IP administration systems, where relevant. iii. Capacity Building and Advisory Support • Provide on-the-job guidance and mentoring to designated MCI officials and the Intellectual Property Office formation team. • Prepare technical notes, briefing materials, or presentations, as requested by MCI. • Provide ad hoc expert advice on industrial property matters, including copyrights and related rights, as they arise during the assignment. • Provide targeted capacity-building support to the relevant stakeholders on copyright law, policy, and administration as necessary. • Develop training materials including presentation and guidelines, on Intellectual Property, Copyright and related rights as requested by MCI and SEAC. iv. Copyright and Related Rights Legal Framework • Support the design of operational procedures and workflows for copyright administration, public information services, and coordination with enforcement bodies in close collaboration with Secretary of State for Arts and Culture (SEAC) and the Ministry of Higher Education and Culture (MESSC). • Support coordination between MCI, SEAC, law enforcement agencies, judiciary, customs authorities, and other relevant ministries on copyright enforcement and policy matters. v. Other tasks • Undertake any other tasks relevant to intellectual property matters including providing support to other Ministries and agencies (e.g. Ministry of Agriculture on Plant and Variety and Customs Authority on Intellectual Property border enforcement measures) and ITC project implementation, as necessary to support project objectives. Reporting Mechanism The Intellectual Property Adviser shall: • Ensure the joint approval of the working plan and list of activities to be implemented from both the MCI and the ITC. • Report to MCI and submit a monthly report to the ITC on the implementation of activities, progress, priorities, and working arrangements, and provide regular updates on substantive and technical matters. • Collaborate on a daily basis with officials from the General Directorate of Cooperation, Partnership and Reform (GCPR) and the General Directorate of Industry (DGI), and support relevant MCI teams in coordinating with concerned line agencies. • Coordinate, when necessary, with development partners to ensure alignment of support provided to MCI in the area of industrial property and IP system development. • Ensure close coordination with other ITC advisors and experts to promote synergies and avoid duplication of activities. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Advanced university degree (master’s level or higher) in intellectual property, technology and innovation, public policy, development policy or a related field. • Demonstrated professional experience of 3 years or more working consistently in the field of intellectual property • Practical experience in supporting the establishment, strengthening, or operationalization of IP offices or similar public institutions Skills • With in-depth understanding about the political, legal, economic and social/cultural contexts. • Sound knowledge of the TRIPS Agreement, relevant international IP treaties administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and ASEAN frameworks and cooperation mechanisms on intellectual property • Strong analytical, policy drafting, and communication skills • Ability to work independently and deliver high-quality outputs within agreed timelines • Proven experience in drafting, reviewing, or supporting the implementation of industrial property legislation and/or implementing regulations. • Experience working with government institutions and/or international organizations

Proficiency in English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese or Tetum is an advantage

Not available.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.