International Consultant

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established to promote economic and social development in African countries. The ECA aims to foster regional integration and trade, enhance the capacity of member states, and support the implementation of various continental initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The organization operates across multiple countries in Africa, working with various stakeholders to address economic challenges and promote sustainable development. The ECA has a significant number of employees and collaborates with various regional organizations, including the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is focused on leading the technical delivery of a project aimed at accelerating the implementation of the IGAD AfCFTA Regional Implementation Strategy. The consultant will coordinate activities across IGAD Member States to enhance private sector participation in AfCFTA trade and improve institutional capacity for trade facilitation. The consultant will be responsible for identifying and mentoring AfCFTA Champion enterprises and strengthening the capacity of customs officials at borders and airports. The role requires a comprehensive understanding of trade policies, customs operations, and the challenges faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in accessing continental market opportunities. The consultant will also develop practical tools and methodologies to support stakeholder engagement and training activities, ensuring that the project aligns with regional priorities and effectively implements AfCFTA in the IGAD region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The International Consultant will have a range of duties and responsibilities, including:

• Development of Technical Tools and Methodologies: Preparing an inception report with a work plan, methodology, and timeline; developing criteria for identifying AfCFTA Enterprise Champions; conducting diagnostic assessments of customs and trade facilitation capacity gaps; and creating training modules on AfCFTA implementation for customs officials.
• Strengthening Capacity of Member States and the Private Sector: Conducting enterprise mapping to identify high-potential exporters, assessing trade barriers faced by enterprises, organizing regional workshops for knowledge sharing, and developing a final report documenting lessons learned.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with key stakeholders across IGAD Member States, organizing regional workshops and networking events, and facilitating connections between AfCFTA Champions and trade support institutions. The consultant will work closely with the project manager of ECA and coordinate activities across IGAD Member States to ensure the successful implementation of the project.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, international trade, business administration, law, or a closely related field. A PhD in a relevant discipline is considered an asset. Additionally, a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in trade policy, AfCFTA implementation, regional integration, or private sector development is required. The consultant should have demonstrated experience in enterprise development, value chain analysis, and capacity building in developing countries, preferably with experience in Africa and/or the IGAD region. Experience in designing and delivering training programs for government officials or customs administrations is highly desirable, as is prior experience working with the African Union, ECA, IGAD, or other relevant regional organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as economics, international trade, business administration, or law. A PhD in a related discipline is advantageous and may enhance the candidate's profile for this position.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in areas related to trade policy, AfCFTA implementation, regional integration, and private sector development. This experience should ideally include work in developing countries, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in Africa and specifically within the IGAD region. The consultant should also have a proven track record in enterprise development and capacity building.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. The consultant must be able to communicate effectively in both languages, both orally and in writing, to engage with stakeholders and produce high-quality reports.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with travel expected, and the expected duration of the assignment is three months. The consultant will work under the guidance of the project manager of ECA and will be responsible for delivering quality results aligned with regional priorities. The United Nations does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process, and it does not concern itself with information on applicants’ bank accounts.