The AdC invites all those interested in being appointed as non-governmental advisors (NGAs) of the AdC in the Internacional Competition Network (ICN) to express their interest.

The AdC intends to strengthen international cooperation within this Network by promoting the involvement and participation of NGAs, including competition experts from various fields, such as lawyers, legal practitioners, economists, consultants, representatives of international associations or organizations, academics, among other private practitioners.

1. The ICN and the participation of the AdC

The ICN was created in 2001 and is a major forum for competition policy discussion and international cooperation, bringing together more than 140 national competition authorities and non-governmental advisors (NGAs).

The ICN's mission is to promote cooperation and convergence for a more effective application of competition rules worldwide, collaborating with NGAs, as competition experts from the most varied sectors, in order to enrich projects and initiatives.

The AdC is an active member of this network, sitting on the ICN's coordinating committee (Steering group) and participating in the projects and events of the five working groups: Agency Effectiveness, Advocacy, Cartels, Mergers and Unilateral Conduct.

2. The role of NGAs

NGAs play an essential role in the context of the work carried out by the ICN, and are called upon to actively contribute to the various working groups, including in the:

• Preparation of work plans - Contribute to the planning of future work and the substantive agenda of the ICN;
• Written work products – Drafting ICN written documentation and participating in its revision;
• Working group meetings - Participate in videoconferences, looking for active ways to contribute to the work;
• Webinars – Participate in or moderate webinars;
• Workshops and ICN Annual Conference - NGAs may be invited to participate in these events. Given the limited number of places, the AdC cannot guarantee the participation of all designated NGAs.

NGAs' engagement in ICN activities will be carried out in collaboration with the AdC, and the NGAs are expected to consult the AdC, as well as exchange information and feedback.

Further information about the role of NGAs can be found here.

3. Applications and NGAs designation

The AdC appoints NGAs for a period of one year, which may be renewed, subject to the submission of a new application and taking into account the level of interest from other candidates.

NGAs involvement in the ICN is not remunerated and the AdC does not cover any costs arising from NGAs activity in the ICN.

The AdC will consider the following criteria when appointing the respective NGAs:

• The interested party's professional and international experience, that must correspond to the ICN working group for which one is applying;
• Showing the relevance of the respective experience in the context of the defense and promotion of competition in Portugal;
• Being fluent in English, both in oral and written expression;
• Commitment to the active role that is expected of an AdC NGA;
• The interested party must not collaborate with any other authority as an ICN NGA.

The appointment may be withdrawn by the AdC at any time in the event of inactivity or insufficient contributions to the ICN's activities, as well as if the above criteria are no longer met.

Expressions of interest must be submitted by 8 September 2024 to international@concorrencia.pt. These must be accompanied by a curriculum vitae and a letter of motivation stating the working group in which one wishes to participate.