Many of the free trade agreements that the UK has signed or that are currently under negotiation include a requirement for the parties to create rosters of individuals who could act as arbitrators for disputes launched under the state-to-state dispute settlement mechanisms within those agreements. The Department for International Trade (DIT) is seeking to appoint suitably qualified people to be included in these rosters.
The Role
We’re seeking to nominate people to serve on general dispute settlement rosters and also specialised rosters for disputes related to financial services, sustainability or labour rights. If a dispute were to occur under an agreement, individuals from the roster may be called upon to serve on an ad hoc arbitration panel to adjudicate on the dispute. The duration of disputes can vary considerably, however, the responsibilities associated with chosen arbitrators may extend beyond 18 months.
Candidates must demonstrate:
- Specialised knowledge of law and international trade with eight years proven experience in these fields;
They must also demonstrate at least one of the following requirements:
- Experience as an adjudicator (judge, tribunal member, panellist, arbitrator, mediator) in disputes arising under international agreements;
- Experience as lead counsel in a state-to-state trade dispute under the WTO Dispute Settlement Understanding or a free trade agreement;
- Experience as an academic teaching and/or researching in the field of international trade law for at least ten years;
- (For specialised rosters): specific expertise in financial services law or regulation, international environmental law or international labour law (including resolution of disputes arising under relevant international agreements).
Panellists would be remunerated in line with the specific terms set out in the relevant FTA, which is likely to be equivalent to the rates for WTO panellists. Please note that successful candidates will only be remunerated if their services are required and provided.
More information on the role, requirements and recruitment process can be found on the Department for International Trade .GOV webpages here.
Applications should be submitted by 11:59pm on 6 December 2020.
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