Result of Service
The outputs of this assignment consist of: A. Develop a consolidated case study report on mutual recognition of trust services by:
a. Analyzing and consolidating information, findings, and evidence from national case studies completed by national consultants using the finalized assessment matrix (covering 5-6 countries); The finalized assessment matrix referred to herein is version 2.10 as of 1 September 2026;
b. Identifying common legal, organizational and technical approaches, good practices, challenges, and gaps related to the mutual recognition of trust services, including electronic signatures, electronic seals, and timestamping;
c. Conducting briefing and regular follow-up sessions with national consultants (ideally once a month), to clarify findings, validate information, and ensure consistency and quality across country case studies; and
d. Preparing a consolidated comparative case study report suitable for informing regional discussions on mutual recognition of trust services, specifically the CPTA meetings as relevant. Delivery date: 31 March 2027 B. Develop a guide on mutual recognition of trust services by:
a. Building upon the findings, comparative analysis, and lessons learned from the consolidated case study report;
b. Drawing on relevant international standards and best practices, including the UNCITRAL Model Law on the Use and Cross-border Recognition of Identity Management and Trust Services (MLIT), the Electronic Identification and Trust Services (eIDAS) Regulation and other applicable frameworks;
c. Identifying key legal, institutional, organizational and technical considerations for the establishment and enhancement of mutual recognition arrangements for trust services; and
d. Formulating practical recommendations and guidance to support policymakers, regulators, accreditation bodies, conformity assessment bodies and trust service providers in advancing cross-border mutual recognition of trust services. Delivery date: 30 June 2027 C. Finalize the consolidated case study report (output A) and guide on mutual recognition of trust services (output B) by:
a. Incorporating feedback from national consultants, ESCAP project officer(s) and relevant experts on the consolidated case study report and the draft guide;
b. Refining the analysis, recommendations, and guidance, as appropriate, to ensure accuracy, consistency and practical relevance;
c. Validating that comments and inputs received have been adequately addressed and reflected in the final outputs, as appropriate; and
d. Submitting final versions of the consolidated case study report and the guide on mutual recognition of trust services for publication and dissemination. Delivery date: 30 September 2027
Expected duration
1/10/26-30/9/27
Duties and Responsibilities
The Trade, Investment and Innovation Division (TIID) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) is implementing a project entitled Capacity Building on Trade Facilitation and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA) Promotion to Strengthen Intra-regional Cooperation (Phase V). The project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries in the Asia-Pacific region, in particular the least developed and developing economies, with regard to trade facilitation measures including implementation of the Framework Agreement on Facilitation of Cross-border Paperless Trade in Asia and the Pacific (CPTA), and the Asia-Pacific Trade Agreement (APTA). The consultant will develop
(i) a consolidated case study report on mutual recognition of trust services and
(ii) a guide on mutual recognition of trust services.
Qualifications/special skills
Master's or higher degree in Economics, Public Policy and/or related fields At least twenty years of research or work experience in paperless trade, trade, trade facilitation, business, or economics.
Languages
Excellent command of written and spoken English is required.