Trade in Services Scheduling and Negotiation Adviser

Reference: TAMUS0012
Location: Combination of remote and in-country support to Mauritius
Closing date: 4 August 2015
Contract duration: 120 Working Days delivered over 1 year (with the possibility of extension)

As Mauritius continues its economic transformation, a major aspect of this process remains the consolidation of its services sector. In view of this fact, the Government of Mauritius has decided to join the Trade in Services Agreement (TiSA) negotiations. TISA is currently being negotiated by 24 members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), which together account for about 70% of world trade in services. By joining this select group of countries willing to expand trade in the services sector, Mauritius aims to send an important signal to the investor community and create a more conducive environment to attract investment in the services sector amongst others.  Read more >>

Project purpose

This assignment will assist Mauritius to elaborate on the Country’s position on the TISA Framework Text, and draw-up Mauritius’ initial schedule of commitments. The target beneficiaries are expected to focus on staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade and the team of TiSA negotiators engaged in the negotiation process. These staff will receive targeted capacity building and skills transfer from an expert, focusing on the different elements of the possible architecture of TiSA and the best possible negotiating option for Mauritius, including fall-back positions, especially in respect of Mode 4.

Scope of Work

This project will be delivered in two parts of which the technical assistance described herein is the first. The expert will assist Mauritius to formulate and refine a negotiating strategy and support the negotiating process. The expert will also provide guidance on specific additional policy inputs (part 2) from the Secretariat, as required.

Short-term Outcome 1: The Government of Mauritius maintains an evidence-based position on the TISA Framework Text

Output 1: Assessment of key services sectors affected by TiSA

Expected activities include:

• Undertake a detailed analysis of the proposed architecture of TISA.
• Assess the relevance of existing or intended commitments on services at the Multilateral, Regional or Bilateral levels to as a starting point for identifying the offensive and defensive positions for Mauritius
• Undertake an assessment of existing main Domestic Regulations in specific services sectors.
• Assess the relevance of existing horizontal offers for the TISA negotiations and propose changes thereto in consultations with relevant stakeholders.
• Assess the regulatory fit of the TiSA provision with regard to relevant secotral regulatory frameworks
• Support consultation with relevant stakeholders  to inform the negotiating process
• Formulate negotiating positions on the basis of the above, and feeding back into consultations with stakeholders on key issues as required.

Short-term Outcome 2: The Government of Mauritius is able to submit, and participate with, an initial schedule of commitments to the TiSA negotiation

Output 2: Mauritius’ initial schedule of commitments proposed to TiSA members

Expected activities include:

• Fine tune possible offers of Mauritius in consultations with stakeholders
• Prepare the requests of Mauritius, taking into account the objectives of increasing exports and FDI.
• Provide responses to requests from TiSA Members in the context of the negotiations;
• Guide the Ministry in the elaboration of its negotiating position taking into account its offensive and defensive interests.
• Assist and advise the negotiators during negotiations, as required
• Build capacity of the negotiating team, where required on highly technical issues focusing on the different elements of the possible TiSA architecture and the best possible negotiating option for Mauritius, including fall-back positions, especially in respect of Mode 4.

Output 3: Provide forward-looking recommendations on the implementation of the TiSA

Expected activities include:

• Undertake an assessment of the main domestic regulations governing the identified services sectors
• Assist in undertaking sensitization campaigns on TiSA, as required.
• Identify where additional technical resources are required to support sector- or issues-specific analysis, and draft appropriate scope(s) of work to deliver this.

Transfer of Expertise
The Commonwealth Secretariat attaches particular importance to the transfer of expertise and knowledge to counterparts. The adviser in his/her discussions with the Reporting Officer should draw attention to the need for key staff to be assigned as counterparts at the beginning of the assignment. This should be reported on in the Inception Report. A training programme for key counterpart staff should be produced by the adviser and agreed with the Reporting Officer. An update should be provided on this in the first Progress Report.

Gender Mainstreaming
The Adviser under this project will be expected to actively support the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Gender Equality Policy. This Policy provides a mandate and framework for realising the Commonwealth's commitment to mainstreaming gender equality and equity into all its policies, structures, systems and operations. It is intended to strengthen and guide the collective effort of all Secretariat staff to ensure that women, men, girls and boys benefit equally from their work. The Adviser will be expected to highlight and respond to specific gender questions attached to the process under this project, which will be included in all project reporting.

Required Experience and Qualifications

The successful candidate should possess:

• At least 8 years’ experience with multilateral trade negotiations.
• Proven experience of supporting Trade in Services negotiation processes, including in providing policy advice at senior level.
• In-depth knowledge and experience of GATS scheduling.
• Experience supporting consultation processes attached to trade negotiations, and the preparation of materials for consideration by relevant stakeholders and negotiators;
• Thorough background in international law and policy issues on regional integration, preferably in developing small island states 
• Demonstrated experience of delivering capacity building initiatives to trade negotiators, on the basis of needs.
• Ability to engage with gender mainstreaming issues in the context of trade.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English (and French (desirable))
• Advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in International Trade Law or related fields from a recognised and reputable institution.

​How to apply

Applicants who meet post criteria will need to complete an application online, attaching a detailed CV along with a covering letter including names and contact details of three referees. Applicants should also include a brief Proposal for delivery of the support identifying how the 120 Working Days would be allocated over the 1 year period, including a description of time spent in-county versus remote support. The Proposal should also include a proposed itemised and all-inclusive budget.

Deadline for applications is 17:00 BST on 4 August 2015.

Apply online Person specification