RFQ: Study on Impact of Data Protection and Privacy in Regulating Competition and Consumer Protection for Digital Markets within CARICOM

Purpose and objectives of the assignment  

The consultant is being engaged to conduct a comprehensive study on the competition, consumer protection and international trade issues relating to data protection and privacy faced by the business sector in the CSME. The consultant will be expected to conduct the study, exploring the following issues among others:-

• The data protection and privacy legislative and policy framework affecting businesses in the CSME
• The level at which businesses in the region are operating within the digital space.
• The level of commerce or sales, both within and outside the CSME, being generated by regional businesses that are facilitated online and offline.
• The business models and interlinkages that are typically found in digital markets for goods and/or services in the CSME and the impact of data flows within the business environment
• Experiences of regional businesses with anti-competitive business conduct in digital markets relating to the use and management of date and challenges to entering digital markets due to high entry barriers.
• Views of regional businesses on data protection and privacy.
• Efforts by regional businesses to implement data protection and privacy policies.
• The levels of adherence of regional businesses to national and international data protection and privacy laws.
• Challenges for regional businesses in meeting national, regional and international data protection and privacy law requirements.
• Discussion and analysis of regulatory gaps in the CSME that considers the legislative, policy, public institutional and private sector needs for a holistic regulatory approach to data protection, competition and consumer protection in digital markets that is appropriate for the CSME.
• Recommendations to improve the compliance of regional businesses with national, regional and international data protection and privacy law requirements, competition and consumer protection laws.
• Recommendations for the development of future training and capacity-building initiatives aimed at data protection, competition law and consumer protection authorities in the CSME, which complements the legislative and policy changes recommended.

Required expertise

• Post Graduate qualifications in either Competition Policy, Consumer Protection, Data Protection, Law, Economics, International Trade, Information Technology, Data Science, Public Policy or related disciplines. 
• 10 years+ experience and a successful record of having undertaken research and policy development with specific experience in the areas of data protection, competition and consumer protection.
• Have an understanding and a thorough knowledge of competition law, data protection, consumer protection, privacy regulation and international trade policy. 
• Highly developed analytical skills and ability to provide clear and objective advice and recommendations. 
• Ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders, Government Officials, Private sector organizations and large international/intergovernmental Organizations. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (in English)  
• Prior experience working with Commonwealth developing countries particularly CARICOM countries on competition, consumer protection, data protection and privacy regulation, and international trade laws is desirable. 

Please apply for this contract by submitting a Technical and Commercial proposal to [email protected] by 30 September 2022.

Prices quoted should include VAT but must indicate clearly where VAT is applicable and where items might be zero-rated. Evaluation will be based on both competency and cost.

Closing date: 17:00PM, 7 October 2022 

* Please note that applications from Commonwealth Citizens and Firms registered in Commonwealth countries will be given priority in the Selection and evaluation process.