The activities across projects are expected to be implemented concurrently during the whole duration of the engagement, i.e. 5.5 months. The consultant is expected to submit timesheets as well as performance reports at the end of each month and one at the end of the assigment. The reports will describe activities undertaken / contribution towards outputs worked on during the month in question. All outputs must be delivered before the end of the contract. Outputs under the SCOPE-Trade Project • Output 1: Detailed matrix for the targeted Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment (DTTRA) focused on the prospective compliance with the DEFA, based on the latest available draft of the same • Output 2: Elements of the targeted Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment (DTTRA) focused on the prospective compliance with the DEFA of ONE country • Output 3: Contribution to the phases 2 and 3 of elaboration of the ACCED Sectoral Work Plan • Output 4: Evidence of Engagement in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring , preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings, and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI Outputs under the ATIA Project • Output 5: Evidence of engagement in the other relevant project activities as needed, including project management tasks, preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI Outputs under the ECCAS – Services Project • Output 6: Successful organization / delivery of a webinar for ECCAS Member states addressing the impact of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and its Annexes on trade in services in the ECCAS. The activity includes elaboration of the detailed agenda of the event, identifying and liaising with possible speakers, including the other project-based experts working on related elements. The organization might also include IC’s own research input on the topics covered by the webinar and the IC’s interventions. • Output 7: Evidence of Engagement in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring , preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI Outputs under the Digital-Pinas Project • Output 8: Preliminary public stakeholder mapping based on the targeted DTRRA matrix. • Output 9: Regular consultations with the consultants [to be] retained in the Philippines as a result of regular liaison with them by the IC • Output 10: Contribution to the preparation and delivery of capacity building activities under the project, virtually and/or in person. • Output 11: Evidence of Engagement in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring , preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI Outputs related to the other activities on digital policy and regulations as assigned • Output 12: Contribution to the other digital trade – related activities undertaken by the unit as needed, such as speaking engagements, contribution to the relevant materials on digital, etc. TIMELINE: All duties listed must be completed between April - September 2026

ITC HeadquArters in Geneva

5.5 months

The International Trade Centre (hereafter ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and United Nations (UN). The only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), ITC seeks to foster their inclusive and sustainable growth and development by promoting trade and international business. ITC’s Trade and Investment Policies (TIP), within the Strategies and Policy for Trade and Investment (SPTI) section, aims to build the capacity of the business community in developing and transitioning countries to play a proactive role in trade policy formulation, & negotiations. TIP assists chambers, business organizations, and businesses in articulating their views effectively, influencing policies, and ensuring that trade negotiations, national policies, and regulatory reforms reflect informed business perspectives. TIP also helps policymakers understand the business viewpoint and provides tools to assess trade policy and public-private relations for export competitiveness. SCOPE-Trade Project is aimed at improving sustainable connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, and within ASEAN with a focus on trade, economic connectivity and sustainable value chains. The specific objective (outcome) of the project is to improve regulatory frameworks, dialogue and institutional capacities in key areas of trade and economic connectivity with a focus on resilient, socially, economically and environmentally sustainable value chains and on better conditions for trade and investment flows. The three outputs of the project are: • Output 1: Improved policies and regulatory environment for fair and sustainable market, trade and investment in ASEAN. • Output 2: Improved capacities of ASEAN for digital connectivity. • Output 3: Increased knowledge and capacities for ensuring environmental, economic and social value chain sustainability among ASEAN/ASEAN Member States institutions and the private sector. Accelerating Trade and Investment under the AfCFTA (ATIA) Project supports policy reforms and business linkages for trade and investment facilitation in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement, thereby contributing to a conducive business environment for African and Japanese companies operating or planning to expand into Africa. The actions are mainly focused on the four beneficiary countries: Ghana, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, and Algeria, also having a collateral effect on broader trade-related developments on the continent. The Output 3 of the ATIA project, “Convergence of the Intra-Africa digital trade regulatory framework enhanced”, to which the IC is expected to contribute, centres on developing the AfCFTA - ITC Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment methodology, in cooperation with the AfCFTA Secretariat and other interested stakeholders. Once this methodology has been finalized, the results will be piloted in the beneficiary countries. This will produce roadmaps of concrete measures to be adopted, which may include inter-country interoperability measures. The assessments will ensure alignment with the measures in the AfCFTA Digital Protocol, regional initiatives (RECs), and international best practices, such as the WTO Joint Statement Initiative on E-commerce and UNCITRAL Model Laws. The goal is to foster regulatory convergence and enhance the digital trade environment across Africa. Central Africa: Reinforcement of capacities in the matter of trade in services under the framework of the AfCFTA (ECCAS – Services) Project aims to contribute to the liberalization of services in order to enhance competitiveness, promote sustainable economic growth, attract investment, create decent jobs, and benefit consumers in the Central African REC (ECCAS). The overall objective of the project is to contribute to increasing intra-regional, continental, and bilateral trade in services. The Specific Objective is to increase Services liberalisation and exports for selected services sectors at the multilateral, continental, or regional level in line with the AfCFTA. The outputs 1, 2, and 4 of the project, to which IC is expected to contribute, are: Trade barriers in priority services sectors are analyzed, and related policies are properly defined (Output 1); Support to ECCAS member states in the development of lists of specific commitments under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services (Output 2); and Appropriate, harmonized, and transparent regulations for trade in services, incorporating social and climate-related provisions, and developed and made more accessible (Output 4). Philippines: Inclusive, Competitive, and Responsible Digital Philippines (Digital-PINAS) Project is the innovative and groundbreaking first initiative of the United Nations to support the Philippines’ digital transformation. The 3-year project is implemented jointly by the International Trade Centre (ITC), International Labor Organization (ILO) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP). It aims to leverage digital innovation for inclusive growth and resilience, aligning with the UN frameworks and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses digital disparities among marginalized groups through a three-pillar strategy: enhancing the capabilities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), improving digital access, and fostering digitally advancing and inclusive policies. Digital PINAS is funded by the UN SDG Fund. The project aims to impact at least 15,000 MSMEs with increased usage of digital technologies across the Philippines. ITC contributes to Outcomes 1 and 3 of the Digital-PINAS project. Under its Outcome 3: Gender Responsive and Supportive Policy and Regulatory Environment for MSME Digitalization, the project will establish a conducive environment for long-term growth and sustainability. By advocating for policies and regulations that promote digitalization, encourage investment in capacity building, and ensure fair competition, this outcome levels the playing field for MSMEs and fosters a thriving digital ecosystem. Moreover, enhancing government capacity for digital service delivery streamlines processes and reduces bureaucratic hurdles, further enabling MSMEs to operate with greater ease and efficiency, contributing to their overall competitiveness and resilience. The exact activity under this Outcome, to which the IC’s contribution is envisaged, will focus on supporting the needs-driven process of modification of the key legal act underpinning Philippines’ digital trade – the Philippines E-Commerce Act, 2000. The International Consultant is also expected to make other contributions to the work related to services and digital trade policy and regulations within the purview of the TIP as assigned by the supervising officers. In order to implement the above activities and to support project implementation, SPTI, notably TIP, is recruiting an International Consultant on Digital and Services Trade Policy and Regulations.   DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Senior Officer, Trade and Investment Policies, and direct supervision of the Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer. The consultant will be responsible for the following tasks: 1. Under the SCOPE Trade Project Under the guidance of the Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI/TIP, and to the extent assigned: 1.1. Develop a detailed matrix for the targeted Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment (DTRRA) focused on the prospective compliance with the DEFA 1.2. Contribute to the targeted Digital Trade Regulatory Readiness Assessment (DTRRA) focused on the prospective compliance with the DEFA of ONE country, in particular, accomplish stakeholder mapping and desktop analysis. 1.3. Contribute to phases 2 and 3 of the elaboration of the ACCED Sectoral Work Plan, completing the tasks defined in the dedicated Concept note. 1.4. Engage in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring, preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI 2. Under the ATIA Project Under the guidance of the Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI/TIP, and to the extent assigned: 2.1 Draft a policy paper discussing the practical benefits of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol for the African MSMEs, including anticipatory/private sector-driven implementation of the latter. The paper needs to embed the Digital Trade – Related MSME Toolbox methodology, developed by the ITC and could benefit from the research findings prepared by the ITC/DMD/SPTI research team, if available. 2.2 On the basis of / in conjunction with the paper, drafted under 2,1, prepare AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol MSME case-study, clearly / on the basis of examples demonstrating practical benefits of the AfCFTA digital trade protocol to the MSMEs engaged in cross-border trade on the Continent 2.3 Present the paper / the case study virtually or in person. 2.4. Engage in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring, preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI 3. Under the ECCAS-Services Project Under the guidance of the Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI/TIP and as assigned / supervised by the same: 3.1 Organize / co-deliver a webinar for ECCAS Member states addressing the impact of the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol and its Annexes on trade in services in the ECCAS, and provide research support on the topics covered by the webinar as needed. 3.2 Engage in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring, preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI 4. Under the Digital-Pinas Project Under the guidance of the Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI/TIP and as assigned / supervised by the same, contribute to the following deliverables: 4.1 On the basis of the dedicated DTRRA matrix, complete preliminary public sector stakeholder mapping 4.2 Provide technical guidance and capacity building support to national experts retained in the Philippines to facilitate their understanding and effective application of the DTTRA assessment criteria in conducting the gap analysis. 4.3 Contribute to the preparation and delivery of capacity building activities under the project, if any, by preparing inputs and/or making presentations 4.4 Engage in the other relevant project activities as needed, including reporting, and monitoring, preparation of the presentations, interventions at the project coordination meetings and meetings with the external stakeholders, as assigned by the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, SPTI/TIP or Digital / Services Policy and Regulatory Affairs Officer, SPTI 5. Other activities related to digital trade policy and regulations 5.1 Assist in the other activities related to digital trade policy and regulations as assigned. Such other activities might include (yet are not limited to): speaking engagements, contribution to the relevant materials on digital generated within the unit, section, division, or ITC, etc. Copyright Clause: The international 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 the 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.  

• Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PhD or other) in International Law or International Trade Law, an advantage. • Minimum 4 years of work experience in trade policy, trade negotiations, and international trade. • Experience on matters relating to Digital Trade and Trade in Services policy and regulations. Other: • Experiences with conducting regulatory gap analyses is an asset Skills • Technical knowledge of international digital and services trade policy/negotiations. • Strong analytical and drafting skills in English and French. • Good communication and presentation skills. • Organizational and managerial skills. • Attention to detail.

• Advanced spoken and written English and French.

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.