Expression of Interest – Regional Trade for Development Program
Technical Consultant, Project “Implementing RCEP Commitments on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Traditional Cultural Expressions (GRTKTCE): A Strategic Roadmap”
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.
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 RCEP Implementation Support Program (RISP), implemented RT4D Facility, aims to support AMS to realise the full benefits of RCEP through the provision of capacity-building support and access to technical expertise.
The following project is approved under RISP.
· Project Name: Implementing RCEP Commitments on Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Traditional Cultural Expressions (GRTKTCE): A Strategic Roadmap
· Project Objectives: To establish sustainable protection and empowerment for Cambodia’s local and disadvantaged communities in managing their Genetic Resources, Traditional Knowledge, and Cultural Expressions (GRTKTCE). By supporting the Ministry of Commerce’s Department of Intellectual Property (DIP) and other relevant ministries in developing and disseminating a GRTKTCE Roadmap, the project aligns with the priorities of RCEP implementation. This roadmap will address Cambodia’s specific challenges and opportunities related to biodiversity, cultural heritage, and GRTKTCE, while enhancing engagement at both the national and community levels.
The Opportunity
RT4D is seeking a consulting firm/consortium (hereinafter referred to as “the Consultant”) to manage and deliver the abovementioned project, in close collaboration with the RT4D Facility and the Project Proponent. The final Project deliverables will be subject to comments, amendments, and approval from the RT4D Facility Team, the Project Proponent and Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The general competencies and qualifications that the Consultant should demonstrate include (but are not limited to):
· Extensive technical and legal expertise in GRTKTCE and quality infrastructure, particularly within the Cambodian context. This includes strong capabilities in project management, policy analysis, effective communication, timeline coordination, deliverable management, and stakeholder engagement.
· Proven experience in planning, organizing, and facilitating events, workshops, and consultations for diverse audiences.
· Excellent networking skills with GRTKTCE bodies across public and private sectors, as well as with local communities who use GRTKTCE services. Prior experience working with the Ministry of Commerce of Cambodia is highly desirable.
· Expertise in online data collection, analysis, and advanced report drafting, with a demonstrated ability to incorporate comprehensive feedback throughout various project stages.
· Strong knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), communications, and program management, coupled with a commitment to implementing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) principles. This includes a focus on supporting Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), women entrepreneurs, and individuals with disabilities.
For a complete Terms of Reference, please visit Welcome to Regional Trade for Development | Regional Trade for Development