Result of Service

Contribute to research, conference organization and technical assistance in UNCTAD’s work on the reform of IIAs, with a view to aligning international investment governance with the sustainable development goals.

Work Location

Geneva

Expected duration

01/04/25 – 15/12/25

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Programme Coordinator of the International Investment Agreements Section, Division on Investment and Enterprise, the Individual Contractor will: 1. Prepare internal background notes on reform topics related to the international investment agreement (IIA) regime, with an emphasis on the interplay between climate action and IIA commitments, including regarding investor-State dispute settlement (ISDS) cases: – Compile updated examples of treaties and ISDS cases based on the IIA Section’s existing publications on the topic, such as the IIA Issues Notes on IIAs and climate action – Prepare written inputs describing recent developments in the area of IIAs and ISDS 2. Contribute background memos and mapping for a report on advancing public policy goals in international investment agreements (IIAs) related to the G20 workstream on trade and investment: – Contribute to the mapping of IIAs by G20 members with a focus on provisions relevant for public health, climate action and the energy transition – Prepare written inputs describing the features and legal implications of the relevant provisions 3. Provide support with the preparation and organization of IIA-related events at the 2025 World Investment Forum as well as investment-related events during the UNCTAD16 Conference: – Help maintain lists of speakers and participants – Share practical and substantive information on the events with prospective speakers and participants 4. Contribute to the technical assistance (points 1 to 3) and capacity-building activities for governments and government officials related to the reform of IIAs, including on the interplay between climate action and IIA commitments: – Assist with inputs into technical assistance reports and/or provide support with the organization and delivery of training workshops (based on incoming requests from beneficiary countries) 5. Assist with ad hoc background research on international investment policy issues and other ad hoc tasks as requested by the Programme Coordinator

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in law or a related field, is required. At least two years of working experience in research activities on international law issues with an international organization, academic institute, government, law firm or other entity, is required. A specialization in international law is an asset.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

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.