Location: Mauritius
Closing date: 28th June 2015
Closing date: 28th June 2015
£33,800 - In addition, a housing allowance, education allowance (if applicable), installation grant and shipment of personal effects are also provided
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. The further development of the services sector, increased exports of services and FDI are expected to create more jobs, lead to higher level of economic growth and by extension contribute to poverty reduction.
While TISA is plurilateral in nature and is currently being conducted outside the framework of the WTO Doha Development Round, it will nonetheless influence other services negotiations that Mauritius is engaged in. There is therefore a need to assess the implications of signing the agreement on different services sectors and on overall economic development of the economy.
Given the limited experience and capacity constraints in Trade in Services negotiations, the assistance of the Commonwealth Secretariat is being sought to support Mauritius through the negotiations to ensure that the final outcome delivers on the above expectations and is pro-development.
Project Outcome
This long term 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 a long term 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 long-term technical assistance described herein is the first. The long term 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.
Experience & Qualifications
The successful candidate should possess the following experience and qualifications to be considered for this post:
Professional Experience
- At least eight (8) years’ experience in Trade in Services negotiations, including in the elaboration of schedules of commitments.
- Proven experience of directly supporting developing countries’ trade negotiation processes, including in providing policy advice at senior level.
- 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)
- In-depth knowledge of the GATS.
- 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
Educational Qualifications
Advanced degree (Masters Degree or equivalent) in International Trade Law 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 and include the names and contact details of three referees.
Applicants should provide details of three referees, one including current or most recent/ last employer. If the current/ last employment has been less than 2 years, details of a previous employer should be provided. Referees should not be related to the applicant and should be able to give an assessment of the applicant’s professional abilities as well as their character.
