Consultant – Mutual Recognition of Trust Services

The outputs of this assignment consist of: A. Develop a consolidated case study report on mutual recognition of trust services by: a. Analyzing and consolidating information, findings, and evidence from national case studies completed by national consultants using the finalized assessment matrix (covering 5-6 countries); The finalized assessment matrix referred to herein is version 2.10 as of 1 September 2026; b. Identifying common legal, organizational and technical approaches, good practices, challenges, and gaps related to the mutual recognition of trust services, including electronic signatures, electronic seals, and timestamping; c. Conducting briefing and regular follow-up sessions with national consultants (ideally once a month), to clarify findings, validate information, and ensure consistency and quality across country case studies; and d. Preparing a consolidated comparative case study report suitable for informing regional discussions on mutual recognition of trust services, specifically the CPTA meetings as relevant. Delivery date: 31 March 2027 B. Develop a guide on mutual recognition of trust services by: a. Building upon the findings, comparative analysis, and lessons learned from the consolidated case study report; b. Drawing on relevant international standards and best practices, including the UNCITRAL Model Law on the Use and Cross-border Recognition of Identity Management and Trust Services (MLIT), the Electronic Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation and other applicable frameworks; c. Identifying key legal, institutional, organizational and technical considerations for the establishment and enhancement of mutual recognition arrangements for trust services; and d. Formulating practical recommendations and guidance to support policymakers, regulators, accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies and trust service providers in advancing cross-border mutual recognition of trust services. Delivery date: 30 June 2027 C. Finalize the consolidated case study report (output A) and guide on mutual recognition of trust services (output B) by: a. Incorporating feedback from national consultants, ESCAP project officer(s) and relevant experts on the consolidated case study report and the draft guide; b. Refining the analysis, recommendations, and guidance, as appropriate, to ensure accuracy, consistency and practical relevance; c. Validating that comments and inputs received have been adequately addressed and reflected in the final outputs, as appropriate; and d. Submitting final versions of the consolidated case study report and the guide on mutual recognition of trust services for publication and dissemination. Delivery date: 30 September 2027

Remote

1/10/26-30/9/27

The Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is implementing a project entitled Capacity Building on Trade Facilitation and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) Promotion to Strengthen Intra-regional Cooperation (Phase V). The project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular the least developed and developing economies, with regard to trade facilitation measures including implementation of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). The consultant will develop (i) a consolidated case study report on mutual recognition of trust services and (ii) a guide on mutual recognition of trust services.

Master's or higher degree in Economics, Public Policy and/or related fields At least twenty years of research or work experience in paperless trade, trade, trade facilitation, business, or economics.

Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.

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.