National Consultant/Trade Expert

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) was established to support African countries in their development efforts. The organization focuses on promoting economic and social development, regional integration, and sustainable development across the continent. UNECA works with various stakeholders, including governments, civil society, and the private sector, to facilitate policy dialogue and provide technical assistance. The organization operates in multiple countries across Africa, with a mission to enhance the economic and social well-being of the continent's people. It employs a diverse team of professionals dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by African nations.

Job Overview:
The National Consultant/Trade Expert will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by developing a step-by-step export guide tailored to the Cameroonian context. This position involves conducting a comprehensive analysis of the Cameroonian trade framework and the progress of AfCFTA implementation. The consultant will document customs procedures at key border points and identify challenges faced by SMEs, particularly those led by women and youth. The role requires collaboration with national authorities and stakeholders to ensure the guide is practical and effective in enhancing trade participation. The consultant will also facilitate a national validation workshop and provide support to SMEs in utilizing the guide, thereby contributing to increased transparency and capacity building in trade.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analyze the Cameroonian trade framework and assess the status of AfCFTA implementation.
• Document customs procedures at major land, sea, and air border points.
• Identify constraints faced by SMEs, especially those led by women and youth.
• Map out administrative and regulatory steps for exporting, including necessary certificates, licenses, permits, and inspections.
• Document the process for obtaining the AfCFTA Certificate of Origin.
• Develop the step-by-step export guide following the methodology provided by the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC).
• Organize a national validation workshop in collaboration with national stakeholders.
• Revise the guide based on feedback received during the validation process.
• Support a small group of SMEs in applying the guide effectively. 1
• Provide necessary inputs for updating the national trade information portal.

Required Qualifications:

• A master's degree or higher in economics, international trade, commercial law, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in trade policy analysis.
• Strong knowledge of AfCFTA, the Mauritanian economic context, trade regulations, and the local private sector.
• Proven experience in interdisciplinary research on regional integration.
• Proficiency in data collection and analysis methods.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a master's degree or higher in relevant fields such as economics, international trade, or commercial law. This educational background is essential for understanding complex trade policies and regulations, as well as for conducting thorough analyses of trade frameworks.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in trade policy analysis. Candidates should have a strong track record of working on issues related to regional integration and trade facilitation, demonstrating their ability to navigate the complexities of trade agreements and their implications for local economies.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory for this position, as the primary working language will be French. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international stakeholders and enhance the consultant's ability to engage with a broader audience.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for four months. The consultant will work under the supervision of the Coordinator of the African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) and will coordinate with the UNECA Subregional Office for Central Africa and national authorities, including the Ministry of Trade and the Chamber of Commerce. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a fair and transparent hiring process.