International Consultant - Accelerating Implementation of the IGAD AfCFTA

Job Posting Organization:
The job posting organization is the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), which was established in 195

• ECA's mission is to promote the economic and social development of its member states, foster regional integration, and enhance cooperation among African countries. The organization operates in multiple countries across the African continent, focusing on various sectors including trade, economic policy, and sustainable development. ECA aims to provide a platform for dialogue and collaboration among African nations to address common challenges and leverage opportunities for growth and development.

Job Overview:
The position of International Consultant is centered around the objective of accelerating the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Regional Implementation Strategy. The consultant will play a pivotal role in enhancing private sector participation in AfCFTA trade and improving institutional capacity for trade facilitation across the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) region. The consultant will lead the technical delivery of the project, coordinating efforts across IGAD Member States to achieve two main results: identifying and mentoring AfCFTA Champion enterprises and strengthening the capacity of customs officials at borders and airports for effective AfCFTA implementation. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of trade policies, customs operations, and the dynamics of the private sector in the region, as well as the ability to engage with various stakeholders to ensure successful project outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Development of Technical Tools and Methodologies: Preparing an inception report that outlines the work plan, methodology, and timeline for project outputs; developing criteria for identifying high-potential AfCFTA Enterprise Champions; conducting a diagnostic assessment of customs and trade facilitation capacity gaps; and creating comprehensive training modules for customs officials.
• Strengthening Capacity of Member States and the Private Sector: Conducting enterprise mapping to identify AfCFTA high-potential exporters, assessing trade barriers faced by enterprises, organizing regional workshops for knowledge sharing, and documenting lessons learned for policy dialogue.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging with key stakeholders across IGAD Member States, assisting in organizing regional workshops, and connecting AfCFTA Champions with buyers and investors. The consultant will work closely with the project manager of ECA and will be expected to deliver high-quality outputs within tight deadlines.

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 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 similar organizations.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in relevant fields 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 consultancy role.

Experience:
The consultant is expected to have a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in relevant fields, particularly in trade policy, AfCFTA implementation, and regional integration. Experience in private sector development and working with governmental or regional organizations is crucial, with a strong preference for candidates who have experience in the IGAD region or similar contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and French is required for this position, encompassing both oral and written communication skills. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective stakeholder engagement and the delivery of training materials and reports.

Additional Notes:
The position is home-based with travel expected, and the anticipated duration of the consultancy is three months. The consultant will work on a full-time basis and is expected to deliver outputs that align with regional priorities and support the effective implementation of AfCFTA in the IGAD region. The United Nations does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, ensuring a transparent and fair selection process.