Request for Proposal – Regional Trade for Development Program

Event Organisation and Management for an on-site event on AISP Project “Implementing AANZFTA Data Rules: Advancing Cross-Border E-Commerce.

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative is funded by both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. It assists ASEAN Member States (AMS) in meeting their commitments and realising the advantages offered by the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, or AANZFTA, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP.

Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

Also operating under RT4D is the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian Government. The incubator tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising examples, that integrate gender in trade policy, technical cooperation, and development programming.

The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28.

Project Summary

The AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP), implemented RT4D Facility, aims to support AMS to realise the full benefits of AANZFTA through the provision of capacity-building support and access to technical expertise.

The following project is approved under AISP.

•Project Name: Implementing AANZFTA Data Rules: Advancing Cross-Border E-Commerce.

•Project Objective:

• The Regional Workshop is intended to deepen mutual understanding of the regulatory landscape, promote alignment, and support the development of business-friendly policies. It will also provide an opportunity to seek preliminary recommendations for best practice principles, ensuring their relevance and practicality for AANZFTA economies.
• To foster discussions on challenges, successes, and best practices in implementing cross-border data rules. This activity directly supports the project’s objectives of enhancing regulatory alignment and strengthening the implementation of cross-border data rules across the AANZFTA region.

Request for Proposal – AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) - Promoting AANZFTA through Communications and Business Engagement

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility supports ASEAN Member States to maximise benefits from the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

Also operating under RT4D is the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian Government. The incubator tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising examples, that integrate gender in trade policy, technical cooperation, and development programming. The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28

Project Summary

This project will support a series of connected communications activities to promote AANZFTA throughout the Financial Year 2024-25 (until June 2025) under the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) to strengthen public and private sector stakeholders' awareness of its economic benefits.

Objectives:

(i) Increase understanding of AANZFTA, the AANZFTA Upgrade, and AISP activities.

(ii) Build on 2023 AISP-ECWP communications and business engagement initiatives, including:

• A Communications Package on AANZFTA Upgrade benefits.
• Regional and national business roundtables.

(iii) Develop business engagement resources to strengthen partnerships with diverse and potentially marginalised communities.

Key Outputs:

1. Explainers for ASEAN businesses
2. Business Roundtable Factsheets
3. Four Case Studies on AISP success
4. AEM-CER Communications Package and Video

Request for Proposal – Regional Trade for Development

Implementation Consultant and Event Organiser for Building Institutional Capacity for Sanitary and Phytosanitary Standards (SPS) Implementation under RCEP

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility supports ASEAN Member States to maximise benefits from the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

Also operating under RT4D is the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian Government. The incubator tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising examples, that integrate gender in trade policy, technical cooperation, and development programming. The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28.

Project Summary

This project was created to implement activities that align with RCEP Chapter 5 on SPS. The objective is to enhance the practical application of SPS measures by promoting transparency and understanding of the development processes and applications among relevant stakeholders. The project seeks to strengthen coordination, communication, and consultation among the domestic parties involved in SPS measures, adhering to international standards, guidelines, and recommendations. With support from RCEP and the RT4D program, the fundamental goal of this project is to build the institutional capabilities of key stakeholders at the central and provincial levels under the leadership of FDD. This will set up a foundation to establish a modern, comprehensive, high-quality, and mutually beneficial economic partnership, facilitating regional trade and investment expansion and contributing to global economic growth.

Improving inter-departmental coordination is another crucial component of the project; it will establish a collaborative, dynamic platform for stakeholders such as the FDD, Department of Agriculture (DOA), Department of Livestock and Fisheries (DOLF), and Department of Planning (DOP) to monitor and evaluate the implementation of SPS chapters. This initiative aims to promote transparency, ensuring senior decision-makers and policy formulators have a unified understanding of the SPS chapter and the ASEAN Sectoral Mutual Recognition Arrangement for Inspection and Certification Systems on Food Hygiene for Prepared Foodstuff Products (MRA) guidelines, alongside developing implementation regulations that clarify procedural and operational parameters. This framework seeks to mitigate arbitrary decision-making while reinforcing compliance with national legal standards through stringent oversight and formalised inspection processes.

The specific objectives of this project are to:

• To provide capacity building on implementing the SPS measures and provisions, focusing on Chapter 5 of RCEP commitments
• To strengthen economic cooperation and dialogue that supports the implementation and utilisation of key provisions within the SPS agreement 
• To increase public and stakeholders’ awareness of the benefits and impact of the RCEP and SPS Chapter to enhance access to information for businesses, especially Micro-Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (MSMEs), on the SPS requirements as well as MRA on import-export 
• To strengthen cooperation and exchange experience with RCEP Parties in the SPS Chapter, particularly on the collective participation approach at the ASEAN SPS committee meeting.

Request for Proposal – Regional Trade for Development

Implementation Consultant and Event Organiser for Strengthening E-Commerce Dispute Settlement Processes in Lao PDR

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility supports ASEAN Member States to maximise benefits from the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

Also operating under RT4D is the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian Government. The incubator tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising examples, that integrate gender in trade policy, technical cooperation, and development programming. The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28.

Project Summary

The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Implementation Support Program (RISP), implemented through the Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility, aims to support ASEAN Member States (AMSs) to realise the full benefits of RCEP through the provision of capacity-building support and access to technical expertise. The primary objective of this project is to develop institutional capacity and establish a practical framework for resolving e-commerce disputes in Lao PDR, aligning with commitments under the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP). The initiative focuses on building competencies within key government agencies and engaging the private sector and MSMEs to foster a collaborative approach. By developing a roadmap, conducting workshops, and leveraging digital platforms, the project aims to create a sustainable, inclusive e-commerce dispute resolution ecosystem.

Request for Proposal – Regional Trade for Development Program

Technical Consultant on AISP Project “Developing National Policies and Laws Related to GRTKTCE; and Empowering Ethnic Communities through strengthening capacity for GRTKTCE protection for Interested ASEAN Member States (AMSs)”

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) initiative is funded by both the Governments of Australia and New Zealand. It assists ASEAN Member States (AMS) in meeting their commitments and realising the advantages offered by the Agreement establishing the ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Area, or AANZFTA, and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP.

Through the AANZFTA Implementation Support Program (AISP) and the RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), RT4D provides tailored support to enhance the capabilities of ASEAN Member States by strengthening skills, building networks, facilitating policy options and ensuring that trade benefits everyone, including Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women and people with disabilities.

Also operating under RT4D is the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), an initiative funded by the Australian Government. The incubator tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising examples, that integrate gender in trade policy, technical cooperation, and development programming.

The Governments of Australia and New Zealand have committed up to AUD 48.7 million to fund RT4D from 2020-21 to 2027-28.

Project Summary

The AISP Implementation Support Program (AISP), implemented RT4D Facility, aims to support AMS to realise the full benefits of AISP through the provision of capacity-building support and access to technical expertise.

The following project is approved under AISP.

• Project Name: Developing National Policies and Laws Related to GRTKTCE; and Empowering Ethnic Communities through strengthening capacity for GRTKTCE protection for Interested ASEAN Member States (AMSs)
• Project Objective:
  • For communities: Increase awareness within indigenous communities of GRTKTCE protections and enhance their capacity to benefit from non-legal and legal frameworks.
  • For institutions: Increase institutional capacity to strengthen non-legal and legal framework for the protection of GRTKTCE and the benefit of indigenous communities.

Request for Proposal – Regional Trade for Development Program

Technical Consultant, Project “Advancing Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) in Regional Economic Integration and Trade in ASEAN – From Learning to Policy Actions”

About RT4D

The Regional Trade for Development (RT4D) Facility supports ASEAN Member States to maximise benefits from the upgraded ASEAN-Australia-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement. Under the operation of the RT4D, the Trade and Gender Equality Incubator (TGEI), with funding support from Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), tests ideas and methods, drawing on promising practice to advance gender equality within trade-related policies, technical cooperation, and development programming.

Project Summary

GEDSI-responsive trade policy is important to ensure that all economic actors benefit from regional trade and economic integration. This regional project aims to build ASEAN Member State (AMS) capacity in gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) and trade, such that relevant officials are better able to design and implement GEDSI-responsive trade policy and trade facilitation programs in their countries. TGEI intends a partnership with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to:

1. Adapt existing training materials on gender and trade to the ASEAN context.

2. Deliver these trainings to ASEAN officials (online and in-person).

3. Provide technical assistance to select AMS to implement GEDSI-responsive trade policy.

4. Foster a community of practice to support policymakers in these endeavours.

Job description

Position: Panel Admin Officer

Duration: Full time from March - December 2025

Location: Bangkok, Thailand

Reports to: P4I’s Senior Operations Manager

Closing date: 11:59 pm (Bangkok time) on Friday, 14th March 2025.

The Role

The Panel Admin Officer will provide administrative support to P4I’s operations and technical teams in managing panel resources, contact person and billing. This role will report directly to the Senior Operations Manager and work closely with the Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRRCC), Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI), Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) and Communications (Comms) teams to maintain panel resources and track panel tasking notes.

The anticipated salary is 40,000 - 60,000 THB/month or equivalent.

This position is open to Thai nationals only. Please only apply if you are a Thai national.

Program Background

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities).

Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritisation and planning, policy and regulation, and procurement and project preparation (P4I does not finance the delivery of infrastructure). All services aim to address gender equality, disability and social inclusion, disaster risk reduction and climate change issues.

Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org

Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:

• Provide general administrative support related to P4I panel advisers, ensuring records are accurate and up to date.
• Organise panel briefings, onboarding sessions, and provide guidance on invoices and timesheet submissions to panel members.
• Handle routine inquiries and provide administrative support to technical team members regarding panels.
• Ensure due diligence for panels is complete and current.
• Assist in preparing supporting financial documents for processing of invoices.
• Provide monthly reports to the technical teams relating to panel usage.
• Under the oversight of Senior Operations Manager, ensure compliance with company policies and financial procedures.
• Support scheduling of interviews for Hub Based positions, oversight of technical tests and conduct screening calls.
• Support other administrative tasks as requested by the Senior Operations Manager.

In undertaking all the above, the position will operate as part of P4I’s One-Team, contributing to well-coordinated planning and delivery across all members of the Delivery Partner organisations.

Program Background

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities). Phase 1 of P4I will run from 2021 to December 2025, with Phase 2 currently in the design process and due to begin early 2026.

Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritisation and planning, policy and regulation, procurement, and project preparation (P4I does not finance infrastructure delivery). All services address gender equality and social inclusion, disaster risk reduction and climate change issues. P4I can respond to rapid requests but aims to develop longer-term infrastructure engagement.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRRCC) team leads the advice and quality assurance of low carbon and disaster/climate resilience integration into over 100-plus energy, transport, public investment management and telecommunications activities. The team is located in Bangkok and across the region, drawing down on technical climate and disaster specialists utilised to support high-volume technical inputs into activities.

Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org

The Role

The Climate Change and Disaster Risk Reduction Adviser will report to P4I’s Director of Climate and Inclusion, leading the DRRCC team and working closely with the Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) team, Delivery Partner organisations and other P4I staff to coordinate P4I’s integrated approach of DRRCC across all activities.

The role is open to all nationalities and is based in Bangkok.

The responsibilities of the position will include, but not be limited to:

• Manage 3 part-time DRRCC Advisers and a full-time Climate and Inclusion Coordinator to drive the design and implementation of the DRRCC workstream through the twin-track approach of standalone DRRCC activities and integrate DRRCC into the Program’s service delivery functions. This includes overseeing the management of a technical panel of climate and disaster specialists.
• Provide low-carbon and disaster/climate resilience advice, identifying relevant entry points for energy, transport, public investment management, and telecommunications as part of the design, implementation, and monitoring processes. 
• Work closely with activity teams, DFAT posts and, where relevant, DRRCC sub-contractors, providing quality assurance of all inputs provided.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on DRRCC and infrastructure, including officers and programs at Australian Government posts, Southeast Asian government and ASEAN officials. Coordinate with P4I’s Delivery Partner organisations to align activities with their existing programs, training and networking activities
• Support the coordination of DRRCC with other P4I teams, including Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation, Strategic Communications and Knowledge and Government to Government teams.
• Lead DRRCC reporting and tracking of work budgets that feed into Program Performance Reports.
• Lead the development of the DRRCC framework database that tracks implementation against Climate targets.
• Oversee climate finance alignment analysis of the portfolio according to DFAT requirements.
• Oversee Safeguards portfolio, including safeguards panel of technical specialists.

In undertaking all the above, the position will operate as part of P4I’s One-Team, contributing to well-coordinated planning and delivery across all members of the Delivery Partner organisations.

Program Background

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities). Phase 1 of P4I will run from 2021 to December 2025, with Phase 2 currently in the design process and due to begin early 2026.

Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritisation and planning, policy and regulation, procurement, and project preparation (P4I does not finance infrastructure delivery). All services address gender equality and social inclusion, disaster risk reduction and climate change issues. P4I can respond to rapid requests but aims to develop longer-term infrastructure engagement.

The Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRRCC) team leads the advice and quality assurance of low carbon and disaster/climate resilience integration into over 100-plus energy, transport, public investment management and telecommunications activities. The team is located in Bangkok and across the region, drawing down on technical climate and disaster specialists utilised to support high-volume technical inputs into activities.

Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org

The Role

The Partnerships for Infrastructure team are seeking candidates with strong organisation and coordination skills and an interest in climate change and inclusion. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dedicated team and support meaningful work across Southeast Asia. Located in Bangkok, this role will extend from January 2025 – December 2025.

The Climate Project Manager will work closely with P4I’s Director of Climate and Inclusion, the respective Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change (DRRCC) and Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) teams, Delivery Partner organisations and other P4I staff to coordinate P4I’s integrated approach to incorporate Climate and Inclusion principles into activities effectively.

The anticipated salary is 70,000 – 90,000 THB/month or equivalent.

This position is open to Thai nationals only. Please only apply if you are a Thai national.

Program Background

Partnerships for Infrastructure (P4I) is the Australian Government’s flagship infrastructure initiative for Southeast Asia. It partners with Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to foster inclusive growth through sustainable economic infrastructure (i.e. transport, energy, telecommunications, and utilities).

Delivered through a single cohesive team, the initiative is led by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in collaboration with EY, Adam Smith International, The Asia Foundation and Ninti One. The Program’s Head Office is in Bangkok.

P4I focuses on infrastructure prioritisation and planning, policy and regulation, and procurement and project preparation (P4I does not finance the delivery of infrastructure). All services aim to address gender equality, disability and social inclusion, disaster risk reduction and climate change issues.

Further information about P4I is available at www.partnershipsforinfrastructure.org