Consultant

Project background  

The ePing SPS & TBT Platform is a unique global platform developed by the WTO, ITC, and UNDESA. It was officially launched in 2022 and helps users track, notify, and communicate on Sanitary and Phytosanitary (SPS) and Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) regulations affecting trade. ePing registration is free for the public and private sectors, and additional functionalities can be requested according to the user profile.  ePing has grown rapidly and currently has thousands of registered users, but there is still scope to increase awareness and uptake of the range of services that ePing offers in the applicant developing countries and elsewhere. 

This project aims to achieve enhanced clarity, predictability, and coordination on SPS/TBT regulations affecting trade, through increased uptake of an enhanced ePing, beginning with the five countries piloting this project (Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda). Implementation of this project will require close collaboration with the WTO, ITC and UNDESA, and five pilot countries in Africa: Kenya, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda. The project contains four key outputs (i) mapping of stakeholders and analysis of the use of ePing in the five pilot countries; (ii) enhancements to key ePing functionalities; (iii) development of new training/technical materials; (iv) training for pilot countries on ePing enhancements.  

The project builds on past WTO technical assistance initiatives and SPS and TBT Committee discussions related to transparency and ePing. The project document is available on the STDF website: Improving the use of the ePing SPS&TBT Platform to enhance transparency for market access | STDF 

General functions 

The Needs Assessment Expert will be responsible for leading a needs assessment, including in-country stakeholder consultations in five African countries, to determine specific country requirements, gaps, and priorities related to the use and functioning of ePing. 

Key deliverables 

Attend a virtual launch event with focal points from applicant countries, WTO, ITC and UNDESA.  

Deliver in-country national workshops with government officials and other users in the five project countries to assess benefits and challenges in the context of the needs assessment.  

Develop and conduct a needs assessment survey to analyse the use of ePing in pilot countries and conduct interviews with the public and private sectors. 

Prepare a needs assessment report summarizing key findings and recommendations explaining how proposed enhancements will respond to gaps in ePing usage, and any challenges vis-à-vis sustainability. If requested, present these findings to the WTO SPS and TBT Committees.  

Prepare and conduct a survey for WTO Members on proposed improvements.  

Prepare a final needs assessment report. 

Duration and Fee

From 5 January to 18 December 2026, up to maximum 100 work days for a daily fee of USD 450. Payments will be made in installments after delivery of pre-determined outputs.