The Central European Free Trade Agreement (CEFTA) is opening its Expert Database to highly qualified professionals across multiple thematic areas.

CEFTA plays a central role in enhancing trade in goods and services, eliminating trade barriers among its Parties, and attracting investment to the region through fair, stable, and predictable trade rules. By harmonizing regulatory frameworks with EU and international standards, CEFTA supports economic growth, integration into the EU and delivers benefits to citizens and businesses alike.

Background

On 14 October 2024, Western Balkans leaders adopted the new Common Regional Market Action Plan 2025–2028 (CRM 2.0), building on the achievements of the 2021–2024 framework. CRM 2.0, as part of the European Commission’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, focuses on six key areas:

• Free movement of goods
• Free movement of services
• Horizontal trade measures
• Human capital development
• Business environment and competitiveness
• Digital transformation

CRM 2.0 seeks to align the region more closely with the EU Single Market, drive competitiveness, and foster green, digital, and fair transitions. CEFTA is entrusted with leading actions under three of these pillars: free movement of goods, free movement of services and horizontal trade measures.

The CEFTA Secretariat, based in Brussels, serves as the technical and administrative backbone of the Agreement, coordinating CEFTA-led actions, supporting stakeholders and ensuring progress reporting within CRM 2.0 governance.

Who Can Apply?

The call is open to experts who can support the CEFTA Secretariat’s provision of technical assistance in key thematic areas, including but not limited to:

• Human Resources and recruitment processes
• Legal expertise in trade and regulatory frameworks
• Legal expertise in Belgian Labour Employment Law
• Data management systems and cloud-based databases
• IT expert for a team of max 20 staff in Brussels (local office)
• Trade in Services and Goods
• Recognition of professional qualifications
• Freedom of provision of services
• Audio-visual services
• Financial and related services
• Digital services
• Electronic communication services
• Intellectual property rights (IPR) and IPR enforcement
• Geographical indications
• Consumer protection
• Consumer dispute resolution
• Macroeconomic and trade analysis
• Econometric modelling
• Trade statistics data harmonisation
• Carbon pricing and CBAM
• Circular economy

Professionals with proven experience in trade facilitation, regulatory alignment, regional cooperation and project/programme implementation are particularly encouraged to apply.

Examples of expected support include:

• Developing and updating strategies and roadmaps for sustainability transitions
• Conduct data collection and draft analysis on CEFTA related areas
• Supporting monitoring and improvement of policies, programmes and plans
• Facilitating stakeholder engagement and dialogue; facilitation of technical consultations
• Promoting regional and cross-border cooperation
• Assisting with project preparation, pipelines and calls for proposals/tenders
• Identifying funding sources and financial instruments
• Delivering capacity-building activities for public authorities and beneficiaries

Expert Profile

Each expert included in the roster has demonstrated:

• Completed university studies of at least 3 years (attested by a diploma). In its absence, 5 years of equivalent professional experience
• Excellent command of English
• Strong communication, analytical, and advisory skills
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Familiar with regional trade agreements (e.g. CEFTA, WTO, WCO frameworks) and alignment processes with EU standards
• Registered as an independent professional or legal entity with a valid VAT number (or equivalent registration allowing the expert to issue invoices for services)

Ownership and use of the results — IPR

The results produced (including copyright and other intellectual or industrial property rights) will belong to the contracting authority. The rights will be obtained for the full term of intellectual property protection, from the moment the results are delivered and approved. Delivery and approval are considered to constitute an effective assignment of rights. This transfer of rights is free of charge.

Data protection

Processing of personal data related to the implementation of the services by the contracting authority takes place in accordance with the national legislation of the state of the contracting authority and with the provisions of the respective financing agreement.
Contracting Authority may share communications related to the implementation of the services, with the European Commission, solely for the purpose of allowing the latter to exercise its rights and obligations under the applicable legislative framework and under the financing agreement with the Partner party – contracting authority. The exchanges may involve transfers of personal data (such as names, contact details, signatures and CVs) of natural persons involved in the implementation of the services.

How to Apply

Interested experts can apply by submitting the Application Form along with their CV and supporting document (diploma) in English by e-mail to the following address projects@cefta.int The application should contain in the e-mail title the following reference: CEFTA Secretariat Call for Experts 2025

The CVs should provide information on the qualifications and competencies of the applicant, her/his general track record and previous specific experience in similar assignments.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis—the database is continuously updated. Inclusion in the CEFTA Expert Database does not imply a contractual commitment but enables experts to be contacted in the course for specific assignments when relevant.

Further Information

For additional questions, please contact us at projects@cefta.int

Privacy Statement

By submitting an application, candidates confirm they have read and agree to the Privacy Statement included in the application form and consent to the processing of personal data as described therein.