Guidance

Appointments to ICSID panels: call for expressions of interest

Published 19 March 2020

ICSID is an international arbitration institution for the settlement of disputes arising between States and foreign investors. It is part of the World Bank Group. DIT is seeking to designate up to 4 people to ICSID’s Panel of Arbitrators and up to 4 people to its Panel of Conciliators in accordance with Article 13(1) of the ICSID Convention

ICSID panellists: more about the role

The arbitrators and conciliators listed on the Panels are available for selection to ICSID Tribunals, Conciliation Commissions and ad hoc Committees. The Panel lists may be used by the parties to a dispute, or where the parties are unable to agree on a nominee. The Panel of Arbitrators is also used for appointment to ad hoc Committees.

The procedural framework for arbitration, conciliation and fact-finding proceedings is provided by the ICSID Convention and the ICSID Additional Facility. This framework is supplemented by detailed Regulations and Rules. Arbitrators and conciliators on ICSID Tribunals and Commissions will work in accordance with those rules, with administrative support from the ICSID Secretariat.

Arbitrators, conciliators and ad hoc Committee members in ICSID cases are entitled to receive fees, travel and other expense reimbursements and daily allowances. However, the mere designation of a person to the ICSID Panels of Arbitrators and of Conciliators is not remunerable.

Panel members serve for a term of 6 years, which can be renewed, in accordance with the ICSID Convention, Article15(1).

Read more information about the ICSID, the Panel of Arbitrators and the Panel of Conciliators.

Experience and attributes required

The appointees may be of any nationality but must have a demonstrated ability to operate professionally in English in a legal or adjudicative.

Applicants should have:

  • at least 8 to 10 years’ professional experience of public international law or private international law
  • knowledge and experience of international investment law and international arbitration or conciliation
  • excellent organisational skills with ability to prioritise, coordinate and deliver work in a timely and efficient manner

ICSID has specified in Article 14(1) of the ICSID convention that candidates should be:

  • of high moral character
  • of recognised competence in the fields of law, commerce, industry or finance
  • able to exercise independent judgement

Desirable experience and attributes for the roles are:

  • experience as a judge, tribunal member, arbitrator, mediator or similar role in a process of formal dispute settlement
  • an ability to operate professionally in French and/or Spanish

How to apply

Expressions of interest should clearly set out the applicant’s motivation and detail how they satisfy required experience and attributes, including the core ICSID criteria set out in Article 14(1) of the ICSID Convention. Applicants should specify whether they wish to be considered only for the Panel of Arbitrators or Panel of Conciliators or for both. Through their designation to either Panel, designee’s are made available for selection to Tribunals, Commissions and ad hoc Committees and applicants should confirm their understanding of the requirements on their availability, as well as willingness to travel if selected.

Applicants should provide two professional reference contacts, to be contacted in due course for written statement, as well as formally declare any potential conflicts of interest. Persons currently taking instruction from the United Kingdom or devolved governments, or any government of a Contracting Party to the ICSID Convention must declare this in their application. Potential conflicts of interest will be considered in assessing an applicants’ suitability for appointment.

Expressions of interest should be in the form of:

  • a cover letter, maximum 1 page
  • a CV, maximum 2 pages
  • 2 professional reference contacts, to be contacted in due course for a written statement

These should be sent to icsidappointments@trade.gov.uk

Deadline for application

The closing date for applications is: 19 April 2020.