Result of Service

The research and policy outputs of the Consultant will support UNCTAD’s work on investment facilitation and the reform of IIAs, with a view to aligning international investment governance with the sustainable development goals. It will contribute to UNCTAD’s research, policy advice and technical assistance activities in the area of investment for development.

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Director (DIAE), the Consultant will: 1. Contribute to the IIA programme’s work on the analysis and consensus-building related to the investment facilitation and sustainable development features in IIAs for the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group under the Brazilian Presidency of G20: – Contribute research and analysis to update and expand the report on investment facilitation and sustainable development features in IIAs concluded by G20 members and invited countries in line with comments received from country representatives. – Support the substantive organization of UNCTAD’s participation in the 4th and final meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group 21-22 October 2024 and the following Trade and Investment Ministerial on 24 October 2024 in Brazilia, Brazil. 2. Contribute to the creation of the new investment facilitation component of the IIA Navigator through legal analysis and mapping of investment facilitation provisions in international trade and investment agreements: – Conduct detailed legal mapping and analysis of IIAs for a set of investment facilitation provisions to be included in the investment facilitation component of the IIA Navigator. – Conduct background research and analysis of the results of mapping of investment facilitation provisions for the policy analysis and technical assistance publications to accompany the launch of the investment facilitation component of the IIA Navigator. – Analyze and describe the existing investment facilitation features focusing on substantive commitments undertaken by the contracting parties, the institutional mechanisms as well legal and practical implications. – Review and compare legal provisions in a representative sample of old-generation and recent agreements, including through a detailed mapping. 3. Contribute to 1-3 technical assistance and capacity-building activities for governments and government officials related to investment facilitation and the reform of IIAs: – Prepare technical assistance reports and/or the organize and delivery of training workshops (based on incoming requests from beneficiary countries). – Contribute to the development of technical assistance IIA review and Model IIA review materials focused on investment facilitation, cooperation and other policy areas that IIAs are increasingly covering. 4. Draft 1-3 legal and policy memos analysing recent policy trends in the area of investment facilitation, responsible and inclusive investment and the reform of IIAs for IIA Issues Notes and other upcoming publications: – Analyze and describe the investment facilitation features of recent trade and investment agreements. – Conduct background research on related international investment and trade law questions.

Qualifications/special skills

An Advanced University Degree (Master degree or equivalent) in law or a related field, is required. An Advanced University Degree in trade and investment law is an asset. A minimum of two years of work experience with investment facilitation in international trade, international organizations and government officials, law firm or other private sector entity, is required. Professional experience in trade policy and in delivering trainings for developing country beneficiaries is desirable

Languages

Fluency in English (both spoken and written) is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.