Legal Consultancy

İşin təsviri

AZERBAIJAN COMPETITIVENESS AND TRADE PROJECT

REQUEST FOR SHORT TERM LEGAL CONSULTANCY

Supporting Consideration by Members of Government and Civil Society on the Merits of Joining the United Nations’ Convention on Contracts for the International Sales of Goods

The Azerbaijan Competitiveness and Trade (ACT) Project is searching for an attorney or other legal consultant (“Consultant”) to lead an effort to promote the consideration of Azerbaijan acceding to the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sales of Goods (CISG).  This is a part-time consultancy that would span approximately three months with approximately 30 days of billable effort.

ACT PROJECT OVERVIEW 
The USAID ACT Project is co-funded by the Azerbaijani Government and the US Agency for International Development (“USAID”). It is implemented by Sibley International, a private, limited liability company organized under the laws of the United States of America (particularly those of Delaware). It has a registered representative office in Baku. Among other things, the ACT Project supports business climate reforms and reforms designed to facilitate international trade.

BACKGROUND 
The CISG is a multilateral treaty offering a uniform law on cross-border sales of goods.  It came into force in 1980. Approximately 80 countries are members. Several important trade partners of Azerbaijan, such as Georgia, Turkey, and the Russian Federation have acceded to the treaty.  Azerbaijan has not. Background discussions, as well as relevant documents (including the convention itself in Russian and in Turkish) are available at www.cisg.law.pace.edu.

PURPOSE OF THE ACTIVITIES CONTEMPLATED IN THIS CONSULTANCY
The purpose of this consultancy is to both explore and promote the possibility of Azerbaijan acceding to the CISG through helping to organize at least one roundtable discussion on the topic, appearing on a television talk show, and developing a consultation paper that would be circulated among relevant government agencies and CSOs.  A follow-on activity is possible depending on the interest and momentum generated by the activities under the consultancy.

ANTICIPATED TERMS OF REFERENCE
The Consultancy would take place between July 1 and September 30, 2012, with research and writing taking place in the first two months and consultations and event organization occurring in the final month. 
Particular activities would likely include:
1. Developing a consultation paper on accession to the CISG;
2. Assisting the ACT Project in developing a roundtable discussion on this question;
3. Leading discussions at the roundtable;
4. Appearing on a television talk show devoted to this topic; and
5. Following up with individual consultations on this topic with various groups.
Deliverables would likely include:
1. A consultation paper (in Azerbaijani) that introduces the reader to the CISG, explains its potential  benefits to Azerbaijan, addresses any potential problems, and offers a roadmap to accession including a draft instrument that would be approved by the Mili Majlis and deposited at the United Nations.
2. Written lists of names, agencies, and other contacts potentially interested in attending a roundtable on the CISG.
3. A draft agenda for the roundtable as well as a short presentation highlighting the issues and recommendations discussed in the consultation paper.
4. A final report discussing the Consultant’s participation on the television talk show, describing any follow-up consultations and suggesting future steps.
The final terms of reference would be subject to mutual agreement between the USAID ACT Project and the Consultant and subject to approval by USAID.

COMPENSATION
The consultant will be compensated on a monthly basis upon submission of an invoice showing days or portions thereof worked with a brief discussion of activities.  The consultant’s daily rate shall be based primarily on salary history and is subject to approval by USAID.

QUALIFICATIONS
An ideal candidate would have the following qualifications:
1.  A degree in law.
2. Other education reflecting knowledge and appreciation of international trade and its documentary requirements.
3. At least ten years’ experience on matters pertaining to commercial law with particular emphasis on international commerce.
4. Understanding of the political process that would have to be navigated to have Azerbaijan accede to the CISG.
5. Well established connections and relationships with the individuals involved in the political process described in qualification 4.
The USAID ACT Project is prohibited by USAID regulation from hiring individuals with full time positions in the Azerbaijani government.

HOW TO APPLY
Send an email attaching a CV and a statement explaining your interest in this consultancy and how you meet the above qualifications to [email protected]  by no later than June 10, 2012.

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