Request for Proposals:
Elevate Your Trade Policy Expertise on a Global Stage
Thanks to the generous financial support from the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS), TradeExperettes (TE) is partnering with them to offer a unique program for trade policy professionals from the public and private sectors.
The Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) and The TradeExperettes (TE) invite you to apply for a unique professional development opportunity that will enhance your influence in global trade discussions and offer direct engagement with European policymakers. The goal is to highlight diverse perspectives and experiences from trade policy professionals and practitioners especially from Middle and Lower Income countries who can provide global trade insights.
This program offers the chance to collaborate with other selected applicants, meet with and engage with European trade policy professionals, and present your trade policy ideas across two panels in Brussels in early February 2025. The program also includes participation in three days of high-level meetings with key European institutions, including the Council, Parliament, and Commission, as well as select think tanks, law firms, and trade associations. The goal is to share perspectives on European trade policies, especially from middle- and lower-income economies, with policymakers during a critical time of transition with the newly established European Commission and European Parliament.
Why Apply?
This is a unique opportunity to offer meaningful, practical insights to European decision-makers, particularly on how EU trade policies impact middle- and lower-income economies. We are seeking professionals with solid experience in trade policy who are ready to engage in high-level discussions and influence key trade policy conversations on the global stage.
Program Highlights:
Panel Presentation in Brussels: Present your policy recommendations and ideas based on your submission on a panel organized and promoted by the TradeExperettes and Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation. This event will reach a broad Brussels policy audience, including EU institutions,civil society organizations, think tanks, and business leaders, through targeted invitations and social media outreach.
Engagement with European Policymakers and Stakeholders: Participate in three days of in-depth meetings that will include EU officials, think-tanks, civil society organizations, and business groups, fostering inclusive dialogue on trade policies.
Global Influence: Provide policy recommendations from the perspective of middle- and lower-income economies to shape the future of EU trade policies.
Who Should Apply?
We are looking for professionals who wish to:
Applicants who wish to build trade capacity and networks through policy engagement on trade issues, notably in areas of sustainability, global value chains and emerging trade issues.
Candidates with several years of hands-on experience in trade policy, in either the public or private sector, with practical applications in the field who bring valuable, often underrepresented perspectives.
Preference is given to applicants who have not previously engaged directly with EU trade officials in Brussels or participated in a similar program. We especially encourage those from diverse backgrounds or Less Developed Countries with perspectives that can enhance dialogue with EU policymakers.
Application Guidelines
To apply, submit your CV along with a 2 page statement addressing one of the following themes:
1) What Can the EU Learn from Others on Trade?
Explore how the EU can adopt trade and sustainability practices from other countries, focusing on instruments, compliance, implementation, and evaluation. Offer practical suggestions on how the EU can enhance its sustainability approach while minimizing negative trade impacts.
2) How are EU Policies Perceived by Developing Countries?
Analyze the impact of EU regulations, such as corporate due diligence, procurement rules, and green transition measures, on developing countries. What are the effects on supply chains, governments, businesses, and civil society? How can the EU better address the unintended impacts of its trade policies on third-country markets?
Special consideration will be given to applicants with experience in managing extensive supply chains or those with practical, concrete proposals based on their knowledge and experience in seeking to meet European market access and regulatory requirements.
Submission Details:
Applications must be submitted by December 9 11:59 PM Central European Time (CET) / 5:59 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST).
Include your CV and a 2 page statement (800 to 1000 words) addressing one of the specified themes. The statement should be formatted in Times New Roman or Arial, size 12, with 1-inch margins and single spacing. Ensure your submission is concise, well-structured, and provides a clear reflection of your experience and insights on the chosen theme. Please submit the document as a text file, such as Word (.doc/.docx) or Google Docs; PDFs will not be accepted. Please do not submit an AI generated application.
Submit your application using this form here or find button below.
Selection Process:
Applications will be reviewed by a select committee, and finalists will be chosen in conjunction with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation. Short interviews may be conducted with finalists. Travel and accommodation for the program will be covered, but applicants are responsible for securing any necessary visas. KAS will provide letters of invitation to support the visa process. If a visa cannot be obtained, applicants must inform the program so an alternate candidate can be selected.
Program Coverage for Selected Participants
For selected candidates, the program will cover round-trip airfare to Brussels, accommodation for the duration of the program, and meals during official program activities. Participants will be responsible for any incidental expenses, personal meals, and other costs outside of the scheduled events. All travel logistics will be coordinated in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation.
Commitment and Participation:
Applicants must commit to the full program and actively participate in TradeExperettes' initiatives for at least one year, including events, mentoring, and other community activities. Selected participants will have the opportunity to refine their submitted statements into concise, actionable policy recommendations for European policymakers in Brussels. These insights will be part of a policy deliverable for the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung Foundation. Applicants will also have the opportunity to be featured further as part of the TradeExperettes Blog or, where relevant, submit to editorial projects like the annual "Ten Quick Wins."
Membership Requirement:
All selected participants must be members of TradeExperettes (membership is free for applicants from developing countries and Least Developed Countries, with annual dues waived).
Become a member here.