RFQ: Title: Consultancy Services (Development of Commonwealth Model Legislative Text on Digital Trade

Background

Purpose of the assignment:

The purpose of the assignment is to support the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda in the delivery of activities under its Working Group on Legal Reform and Digitalization. Established under mandate by Commonwealth Trade Ministers in 2023, the Working Group will provide resources, advocacy, technical assistance, information sharing, and policy recommendations to assist Commonwealth member countries in navigating the legal reforms necessary for a smooth transition from paper-based to paperless trade.

This assignment will produce the first output of the Working Group, a Commonwealth Model Legislative Text on Digital Trade. This Model Text will provide a comprehensive and adaptable framework for legal reforms needed for Commonwealth member countries to transition to paperless trade. It will build on existing frameworks such as MLETR and include aspects such as inter alia digital document recognition, e-signatures, digital identification and authentication, e-payments, cybersecurity, data protection and privacy. 

Specific tasks to be performed by the consultant:

Under the guidance of the Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda, the consultant will:

1. Undertake a review of existing legal frameworks such as MLETR and relevant international models as well as national legislation.
2. Identify gaps in existing legal frameworks across the Commonwealth and make recommendations in relation to key and priority areas to be included within the Model Law framework. ;
3. Liaise with key stakeholders as well as the Expert Working Group on Legal Reform and Digitalization in order to gather information and confirm the primary legislative areas of focus to be included within the Model Law.
4. Draft a Commonwealth Model Legislative Text on Digital Trade as a comprehensive and adaptable framework for use by Commonwealth member states to transition to paperless trade, including outline proposals for legislative and policy approaches to cross-border digital document recognition and associated challenges; and
5. Present Model Law to the Expert Working Group and key stakeholders, for feedback, make necessary revisions and validate and finalize the Model Law on Digital Trade.

Qualifications/expertise:

Qualifications/expertise sought (required educational background, years of relevant work experience, other special skills or knowledge required):

• Qualified lawyer in a Commonwealth jurisdiction. Post-graduate degree(s) in law, legislative drafting or international trade law;
• Minimum of 15 years of professional expertise in international trade law
• Extensive experience in the preparation of legislative texts as well as policy documents in relation to International Trade Law, Digital Economy as well as Cross-Border Trade.
• Experience in managing projects involving consultation with international and regional organizations, industry stakeholders and government officials.
• Proven ability to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines;
• Fluency in English;
• Excellent organisational and evaluative skills;
• Experience gained from work for international organisations is highly desirable.

Please apply for this contract by submitting a Proposal to: [email protected] by 12 Noon GMT on 19 January 2024.  Applicants must also complete the Quote Submission Documents attached to the Request for Quotation (RFQ) document.

The brief proposal should show how the consultancy would be carried out to meet the specific objectives set out in this TOR. It should include a short statement of the candidate’s relevant expertise and experience. 

Evaluation will be based on competency and cost