ASEAN-AUSTRALIA-NEW ZEALAND FREE TRADE AREA (AANZFTA)ECONOMIC COOPERATION WORK PROGRAMME (EWCP)
Title of Assignment: AANZFTA IP EXPERT
The Chapter on Economic Cooperation of the Agreement on ASEAN – Australia and New Zealand Free Trade Area aims to support the implementation of the Agreement. In June 2011, a Strategic Approach to Economic Cooperation was adopted by the FTA Joint Committee to facilitate the FTA's operationalization and progression of its built-in agenda, increased business utilization of AANZFTA opportunities, and deeper economic integration among the Parties.
Among the broad areas of this economic cooperation is in the area of Intellectual Property (IP), with the objective of providing a comprehensive support for the development of sound and balanced IP systems in the AANZFTA region. The development of strong IP regimes throughout the ASEAN region is a sound underpinning for international trade to be promoted through the AANZFTA. If IP rights are consistently
protected, investors and traders will have increased confidence to operate within the region. A comprehensive programme of support will be put into place to assist ASEAN Parties to:
- Improve capacity to develop sound and balanced IP frameworks and systems;
- Facilitate business use of IP systems through the region for the purpose of economic integration;
- Improve capacity to enforce IP rights; and
- Improve public and business awareness of the benefits of sound and balanced IP regimes.
Economic cooperation activities completed so far in IP have been of high quality in the view of participants. The program is quickly gaining both breadth and depth. It is desirable for the Secretariat to have the specialist resources needed to ensure that this quality and momentum are maintained.
At the Second Meeting of the Committee on Intellectual Property on 28 July 2011 in Bali, the Committee agreed to a proposal for an expert on IP matters to support the work of the AANZFTA IP Committee on economic cooperation IP activities. The expert will be based in the ASEAN Secretariat.
The proposal was made because specialised knowledge and technical expertise are required for the design and support of Intellectual Property economic cooperation projects to ensure the best use of AANZFTA's Economic Cooperation Work Programme (ECWP) resources. And, noting that Component Implementation Plans are the primary tools for ensuring that AANZFTA’s institutional bodies meet its objectives, the
appointment of an IP expert will help ensure that effective implementation takes place. Purpose of the Appointment and Terms of Reference
The IP expert will support the work of the AANZFTA Committee on Intellectual Property by helping to ensure that the Intellectual Property Component Implementation Plan is followed and that IP Economic Cooperation projects are strategic, well-designed and well-managed.
Specifically, he or she will be responsible for the:
- development and follow-up on economic cooperation project proposals, including mobilizing expertise for and making evaluation of project activities;
- provision of advice and support on the implementation of economic cooperation projects approved by the Committee on Intellectual Property, including preparation and presentation of reports at relevant meetings;
- liaison with all AANZFTA Member States, including the country focal points for each project, coordinating suggestions and proposals as required;
- drafting and updating guidelines on IP project management for the ASEAN Secretariat;
- monitoring of IP developments in relevant international fora on issues identified by the IP Committee for the AANZ policy dialogue;
- drafting issues papers as required by the IP Committee for the AANZ policy dialogue;
- liaison with relevant agencies, including WIPO and USPTO, and identification of and building on synergies with the work of these agencies where possible;
- maintenance of sound working relationships with all stakeholders, especially private sector entities and research/academic organizations in AANZFTA Member States.
Qualifications
The IP expert will have a strong background in IP policy analysis and project management as well as the ability to contribute positively to a strategic programme of IP economic cooperation activities. The expert will have had extensive work experience in ASEAN countries.
He or she is expected to have as minumium qualifications and experience:
- a post-graduate degree in economics, law, business management or other appropriate specialist disciplines;
- extensive professional, managerial and/or supervisory experience, with a minimum of 10 years of high-level working experience in an IP-related, specialised field;
- familiarity with IP-related economic policies and regulations in AANZFTA Member States as well as with recent trends and focal developments in the international IP landscape;
- proven skills and track record in problem solving, planning and the development of policies and procedures under pressure and within tight deadlines;
- proven skills and track record in the design, management and delivery of IP-related project activities and outputs;
- demonstrated sound oral and written communication skills and sound interpersonal skills, including experience in cross-cultural and international settings;
- good competency in computer skills with adequate knowledge of multi-media presentation and dissemination of outputs and documentation; and
- excellent command of English, both written and spoken.
Duration and Terms of Engagement
A remuneration package will be negotiated commensurable with experience. The travel and cost of living will be reimbursed or paid accordingly in line with ASEAN Financial Rules and Regulations and prevailing ASEAN Secretariat rates.
The consultant will be hired for a minimum of one (1) year (with possibility of extension) on an intermittent (retainer) basis. A work plan - which will include the tasks and number of days/weeks required for each task – will be agreed between the consultant and ASU in consultation with IP Committee co-chairs and will form part of the contract. On any given working day when his/her inputs are required, the consultant shall work full
time for the tasks assigned
Submission of Application
Interested applicants should send via email and/or courier a cover letter, detailed curriculum vitae specifying his/her qualifications, and expected remuneration or consultancy rate (on a person-month basis) for the assignment (in hard copy via registered mail or electronically) by 6 July 2012 at the latest to:
Program Coordinator
ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area (AANZFTA) Support Unit
External Economic Relations Division, ASEAN Economic Community Department
The ASEAN Secretariat
70 A Jl. Sisingamangaraja
Jakarta 12110, Indonesia
Email:
ecwp@asean.org
Please note that only short-listed candidates will be notified.
