WTO and Trade Facilitation Consultant

To support the restructuring and modernization of the Import Policy Order and to advocate for, draft, and introduce a new and overarching Trade Facilitation Act, BTF seeks a WTO and Trade Facilitation Consultant. The Consultant will provide expert and practical advice to the BTF Technical Team and Ministry of Commerce officers coordinating and implementing WTO and Import and Export rules and regulations and will facilitate discussions with the Ministry of Commerce and other relevant policymakers to take the initiatives forward.

Objective and Tasks:

The objectives of the Assignment are to (i) prepare substantive arguments and present proposals and an implementation plan to modernize the IPO and introduce an automated tool and (ii) to contribute ideas, proposals, and guidance to draft, and seek approval for, an Electronic Trade Facilitation Act.

Specific tasks under this assignment include but are not limited to:

• - Organize and lead meetings with the leadership of the Ministry of Commerce to present the idea of complete restructuring and reform of the Import Policy Order;
• - Coordinate dialogue with relevant stakeholders for designing and implementing IPO reform;
• - Guide legal and other experts contracted by BTF to draft the IPO in line with the objective;
• - Coordinate with the Ministry of Commerce for formal approval of the IPO;
• - Organize and lead consultation with the Ministry of Commerce for drafting the Electronic Trade Facilitation Act;
• - Coordinate with the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to get buy-in for the development of the Act;
• - Work closely with other Consultants engaged by BTF to guide the drafting of the Act; and
• - Advocate with the Ministry of Commerce for finalization of the Act.

Deliverables

    A. Assignment report and recommendations for IPO restructure based on discussion with MoC.

    B. Assignment report and recommendations on drafting the Electronic Trade Facilitation Act.

Qualifications for Consultants

• - Post-graduation degree in the field of International Trade, Business Management, Public Policy, Economics.
• - Complete understanding of existing Bangladesh legislation and regulations governing all agencies and Ministries regulating and/or promoting international trade.
• - Demonstrated deep understanding and practical work experience in trade facilitation, international trade negotiations, WTO requirements and issues.
  
• - Practical knowledge of GoB systems, procedures, and authority structures.
• - Experience working with the Ministry of Commerce and other trade-related private and public stakeholders.
• - Experience implementing legal reform.
• - Skilled communicator and ability to collect, analyze, prepare, and present information to guide and influence decision-makers.
• - Highly motivated to produce results within the deadline.
  ​
  
  

Timeline

12 (twelve) working days over two-month timeframe from the date of contract. The Consultant’s assignment may be extended based on necessity.

How to apply:

Interested applicants are requested to submit their CV and cover letter highlighting their relevant experience and suitability for the positions in a single document.

Please send your application to umtama@landolakes.com by 7 March 2025.

Download the full ToR