Trade Policy Expert

Result of Service The Individual Contractor contributes to the increased transparency on non-tariff measures in AfCFTA member States, and more effective reporting, monitoring and elimination of non-tariff barriers in the AfCFTA and ECCAS region.

Work Location Home-based

Expected duration Contract duration: 15 June to 15 September 2022 Effective working time: 3 months Place of work: Home-based

Duties and Responsibilities The Individual Contractor will contribute to the “Support Programme for AfCFTA to eliminate non-tariff barriers - Phase 2".

The objective is to support AfCFTA Member States/State Parties and Regional Economic Communities in: a. the implementation of AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Goods Annex 5 on Non-Tariff Barriers, b. the implementation of AfCFTA transparency obligations and in the context of the UNCTAD Global Non-Tariff Measures Transparency Initiative.

Under the supervision of an Economic Affairs Officer of Trade Analysis Branch, DITC, the Individual Contractor will undertake the following work as under:

- NTM transparency - data collection and follow-up meetings (for Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and updates in Comoros):

- Implement the comprehensive collection of trade-related regulations in Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and updates in Comoros. Continuously review incoming regulations and check relevance and level of detail. Provide feedback and organize follow-up meetings for government officials to increase their ability and capacity to collect relevant regulations. Ensure comprehensiveness regarding priority sectors, including mandatory standards:

1. Leather, leather products and accessories; 2. Cereals, pulses and derived products; 3. Pharmaceuticals; 4. Textiles, textile products and accessories; 5. Fish, fisheries and aquaculture; 6. Mining and Mineral Beneficiation; 7. Solar Thermal Systems and Equipment; 8. Covid-19 related products.

- Number and comprehensiveness of regulations and mandatory standards submitted by governments and uploaded. - Support the implementation of Non-Tariff Barriers Mechanisms in the AfCFTA and the ECCAS region:

- Work with the AfCFTA Secretariat and the ECCAS Commission to further improve the established reporting websites. Raise awareness among the private sector to use the websites to report NTBs. Work with National Focal Points to resolve reported barriers. Support two Member States / State Parties in the implementation of the SMS reporting feature (setting up the system in collaboration with the national government; raise awareness on the feature; and support the focal point when new NTBs are reported via SMS).

• NTBs are reported by the private sector in the ECCAS region

• At least two countries implement the SMS feature and at least two NTBs are reported

  Qualifications/special skills Academic Qualifications: An advanced university degree, Master, in economics, law, business administration or related subject. A specialization related to trade would be an advantage. Experience: At least 2 years of professional experience in economics, law or business with experience in relation to regional trade and integration is required. Particular experience on non-tariff barriers in an African context is desirable. Language: Fluency oral and written in English and French is required.

  No Fee 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.