Consultant on NBS

Organizational Context

The Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), a regional commission of the UN Secretariat, is implementing a project to enhance policymakers' understanding of climate-smart trade policies and nature-based solutions (NBS). This role sits within the Trade Policy and Facilitation Section of the Trade, Investment and Innovation Division in Bangkok.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to deepen policymakers' comprehension of how trade policies, including trade agreements and non-tariff measures, can be optimized to support climate action and nature-based solutions (NBS). The project aligns with the Asia-Pacific Trade and Investment Report 2021, emphasizing the redirection of trade and investment towards achieving net-CO2-zero targets. A key focus is liberalizing trade in environmental goods to facilitate technology transfer and accelerate sustainable development. The role will involve analyzing tariffs on environmental goods and NBS-essential technologies, examining legislative frameworks for NBS, and assessing the impact of subsidies on environmental stewardship and climate action, contributing to more effective climate policies and reduced trade barriers.

Responsibilities

The consultant will work under the guidance of an Economic Affairs Officer to deliver outputs in electronic formats (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Key responsibilities include enhancing policymakers' understanding of climate-smart trade policies and their support for nature-based solutions (NBS). This involves analyzing trade agreements and non-tariff measures, researching tariffs on environmental goods and NBS-essential technologies, and investigating legislative frameworks governing international trade in areas like timber to prevent 'leakage'. The consultant will also assess the environmental and social impacts of subsidies, such as those for fossil fuels and fisheries, to inform more effective climate action and reduce non-tariff barriers. Additionally, the role may involve contributing to the analysis and technical material for implementing Essential Medical Products modules in TINA and Legal TINA.

Work Experience

Experience in conducting desk research in international trade, economics, or a related field is required. Experience working within an international organization is considered an advantage. Familiarity with NTMs, MAST classification, RTA analysis, text analysis, and R coding is desirable.

Skills

Excellent command of written and spoken English. Demonstrated knowledge of NTMs and MAST classification. Experience in RTA analysis, text analysis, and R coding. Ability to develop e-learning materials. Experience in desk research in international trade and economics. Experience working in an international organization is an advantage.

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