National Consultant-China

Result of ServiceUnder the direct supervision of the responsible project officer, the national consultant will be expected to collaborate, communicate and travel as required to consult effectively with the project officer and relevant ministries, departments, authorities, private sector players, and other key organizations in the country. 1. Monitor Technical and Regulatory Developments • Stay up to date with global, regional and national trends in the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technologies. • Track evolving regulatory frameworks and standards in China. • Map and maintain a database of relevant stakeholders, including national and local authorities, private sector actors, civil society organizations, academia, international organizations, and other partners involved in AV ecosystems. • Conduct and attend fact-finding mission to China. 2. Policy Analysis and Knowledge Contribution • Analyze national AV strategies and policy frameworks and support the identification of best practices and (or the lack thereof) policy responses to address gaps or risks associated with AV adoption. • Draft the national section of the Regional Policy Guidebook, providing national insights on the deployment of AV fleets across the country. Highlight key opportunities, challenges, and policy implications of AVs in advancing greener, more inclusive, and safer transport systems. 3. In conceptualizing and structuring a regional AV Partnership platform to facilitate dialogue, capacity building, and cooperation. • Identify potential areas of collaboration among Member States, technology providers, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. • Gather and consolidate feedback from partners to shape the scope and structure of the Partnership. • Outreach efforts, including preparing briefing notes, presentations, and stakeholder consultations to promote the initiative and contribute to meetings/events held as part of the AV Partnership platform. 4. Contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge products on autonomous vehicles during regional or global events, e.g., by giving a presentation on national learnings at such an event, support the outreach to potential participants and/or speakers. Draft inputs on your national learnings/recommendations for written knowledge products such as policy briefs, blogs, brochures, etc. under ESCAP’s leadership. Budget code: SB-028359.01 ROK (KECF) - Autonomous Vehicle Work LocationBANGKOK Expected duration9June2025-28Feb2027 Duties and ResponsibilitiesESCAP supports its member States in developing efficient, environmentally sustainable, safe and inclusive transport networks and services in line with the Regional Action Programme on Sustainable Transport Development in Asia and the Pacific (2022-2026). As part of this mandate, ESCAP has been implementing comprehensive capacity development and technical assistance programmes on, among others, the use of digital and automated technologies to improve traffic efficiency and safety, sustainable urban transport and inclusive and low-carbon transport. Within the context of these activities, ESCAP is implementing the project \"Automating the Future: Autonomous Vehicles for Greener and more Inclusive Transport – Policy Implications for Asia and the Pacific\" in the period 2025-2027. Autonomous vehicles (AVs, including RoboTaxis) utilize a suite of innovative technologies and have the potential to disrupt the conventional set-up of road-based transport along multiple dimensions, especially in urban areas. AVs could contribute to significantly lowering carbon emissions, reduce traffic congestion, improve transport accessibility, and thereby contribute to more sustainable, just and environmentally friendly transport systems across the diverse and rapidly urbanizing Asia-Pacific region. While AVs are piloted in countries like the USA, China, and the Republic of Korea, member States in the Asia-Pacific region face challenges due to underdeveloped regulatory frameworks and lack of general experience with this new technology. As private AV fleet operators push this technology into the market, often under ride-hailing or ride-sharing models, there is a critical need for well-defined regulations. Unresolved questions around, for instance, liability in the event of AV-related accidents, hinder the ability of policymakers and the private sector to fully realize the potential of AVs. Against this background, ESCAP Transport Division is seeking to engage a national consultant for China, to work mostly remotely on a part-time basis, with potential domestic travels and meetings in Bangkok, with relevant expertise to support the project's implementation. The objective of the national consultant is to coordinate fact-finding missions with relevant stakeholders, research extensively on this topic and deliver several knowledge products, including the national inputs for China to a Regional Guidebook for Policymakers. Qualifications/special skillsUniversity degree in economics, business, engineering, international relations or related discipline. Required: (i) At least 5 years of experience in transport policy, smart mobility, autonomous vehicle technologies, or sustainable urban transport. (ii) Demonstrated expertise in successfully analyzing regulatory frameworks and writing policy reports or technical publications related to transport technologies or innovation. (iii) Experience contributing to multi-country comparative studies or guidebooks. (iv) Relevant network and experience collaborating with government stakeholders, international organizations, and the private sector. Desirable: (i) In-depth understanding of AV technologies, business models (e.g., ride-hailing AV fleets), and related regulatory issues (e.g., liability, data, insurance). (ii) Experience working with UN Secretariat and familiarity with relevant UN frameworks. LanguagesFluency in written and oral English is required. Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.