The ability to gain and to benefit from market access opportunities depends increasingly on compliance with non-tariff measures (NTMs), such as sanitary and phytosanitary measures and technical regulations and norms.
These measures represent a major challenge for exporters, importers and policymakers. Although many NTMs have primarily non-trade objectives, such as the protection of public health or the environment, they may affect trade and can unintentionally become discriminatory against smaller exporters and poorer countries.
It is therefore important for developing countries to understand the use of NTMs and their implications for the formulation and implementation of effective development strategies.
Comprehensive, systematic and reliable information about NTMs is scarce and difficult to obtain. UNCTAD coordinates the international effort to improve access and increase transparency with regard to NTMs, and trains experts globally to collect and classify information about these measures. The collection of NTM data is a very resource-intensive task and requires specific technical knowledge.
In this context, UNCTAD's Trade Information Section and Virtual Institute have developed an online training course that provides participants with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, classify and collect information about national NTMs, as part of the international effort to improve access and increase transparency with regard to these measures. The course therefore constitutes a useful base of knowledge and skills for policymakers, researchers and trade practitioners working with NTMs. Following the success of the first and second courses in 2014 and 2015, UNCTAD is now offering its third edition of 2017.
Objective and target audience
The objective of this hands-on technical course is to increase the understanding of the classification of non-tariff measures (NTMs) and the collection of NTM data. It targets two specialized audiences:
- Data collectors directly working with NTMs; and
- Government officials, researchers, and representatives of the private sector who want to strengthen their understanding of NTMs, use NTM data, and/or who are or may be involved in the design or negotiation of policies related to NTMs.
Course prerequisites
Candidates must hold a Master’s Degree in Economics, Law, Public Policy, or International Relations. Applications may also be accepted from students enrolled in such programmes who hold a Bachelor's degree in one of these fields. Also required are: basic knowledge of Microsoft Excel, very good knowledge of English, and familiarity with government/ministry structures responsible for setting regulations.
Please note that in order to successfully complete course activities, participants should plan to dedicate at least 10 hours per week throughout the duration of the seven-week course.
Grading and certificate
In order to pass, participants must receive an average grade of 70 per cent in the quizzes at the end of each module. An "UNCTAD Certified Non-Tariff Measure Data Collector" certificate will be awarded to participants who have successfully completed the course. The top graduates of the online course will become part of the UNCTAD NTM consultancy roster, and may be considered for future data collection or related work.
Application information and deadline
To apply, please follow the instructions at http://vi.unctad.org/services/online-courses/954-ntmreg17. Your application must include a photo and detailed curriculum vitae. The deadline for applications is 18 June 2017. Applications received thereafter or incomplete applications will not be considered.
