Recruitment of Trade and Market Expert

INTERGOVERNMENTAL AUTHORITY ON DEVELOPMENT (IGAD)

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Position Title: Trade and Market Expert

Number of positions: one

Reference: IGAD – RTME

Organizational Unit: Agriculture and Environment Division (AED)/ Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division

Duty station: Djibouti with frequent travel in the IGAD region

Duration: One year with possibility of extension based on satisfactory performance and availability of funds

Deadline for Applications: 3rd June 2025

Expected start Date: 1st July 2025

• BACKGROUND

With financial support from the World Bank Group (WBG), the IGAD Secretariat is implementing a Regional Component of the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) for Eastern and Southern Africa.

This project is an MPA (Multi-phase Programmatic Approach) and has a duration of seven years. The project has been under implementation since January 2023. Within IGAD, the overall responsibility for implementing and overseeing FSRP lies with the Agriculture and Food Security Unit (AFSU) within the IGAD’s Agriculture and Environment Division. At the same time, operationally, IGAD will liaise with the Member States through designated technical focal points. FSRP is implemented by a Program Implementation Unit (FSRP PIU) under AFSU.

The IGAD FSRP is built on four pillars of (re-)building resilient agricultural production capacity, supporting the sustainable development of natural resources for resilient agricultural landscapes, getting to market, and promoting a greater focus on food systems resilience in national and regional policymaking.

• OBJECTIVE OF THE POSITION

Under the overall guidance of the FSRP Program Manager and in collaboration with the IGAD Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division (ECRID), the Trade Expert will support the implementation of trade policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing cross-border trade within IGAD to strengthen food systems resilience.

In line with international WTO obligations, the Africa Continental Free Trade Area framework (AfCFTA); IGAD’s strategies, and the Business Development Objectives of the IGAD Food Systems Resilience Program, the Regional Trade Expert will be responsible for working with IGAD team to identify challenges of regional trade and design interventions on how to address them. The position holder will conduct regional reviews of trade policies vis-a-vis the AfCFTA, and WTO rules (Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda are already members of WTO and four Member States are in the process of acceding to WTO); identify trade barriers and recommend and implement strategies to enhance trade in the IGAD within and outside the region.

• KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Under the overall guidance of the ECRID Director and FSRP Coordinator, the trade and market expert will undertake the following tasks:

• Ensure FSRP investments are addressing trade related issues and come up with priorities for IGAD FSRP trade related interventions.

• For the purpose of influencing/ensuring regionally harmonized trade policies, conduct comprehensive reviews of existing trade policies and agreements in the IGAD region; Identify opportunities for IGAD in current trade frameworks and practices and contribute to evidence-based policy dialogues and processes also using the already available WTO Trade Policy Reviews for IGAD Member States.

• In partnership with AfCFTA, RECs and other key stakeholders, identify policy options for Member States.

• Identify solution oriented interventions to address strategic trade policy challenges that align with the priorities of Member States and the FSRP strategic objectives

• Prepare policy briefs and other related materials as required.

• Work with FSRP M&E and Knowledge Management Expert to lead the establishment of IGAD FSRP Knowledge Sharing Mechanisms on trade related issues that will capture, and share knowledge on experiences, lessons, and information with National, regional, Continental, and international stakeholders

• Assess the effectiveness of current trade facilitation measures.

• Propose strategies to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers. The regional Trade and Market Expert will tap into the experiences of the World Bank’s global trade team in relation to trade facilitation reforms and implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and will collaborate with similar programs in IGAD region.

• Collaborate with Member States of IGAD to harmonize trade regulations.

• Organize and conduct workshops and training sessions for Member States and stakeholders on trade policies and best practices.

• Facilitate dialogues and workshops to promote regional trade initiatives

• Develop training materials and toolkits to support capacity-building efforts

• Serve as a contract manager for trade-related consultancy services

• Work with FSRP M&E and Knowledge Management Expert to document lessons learned

• Participate in FSRP Bi-Weekly Meetings and other initiatives as required

• Provide other support and guidance as requested by the FSRP Manager.

• Support the engendering of policies for increased participation of women in formal trade.

• Coordinate with IGAD Economic Cooperation and Regional Integration Division and other IGAD entities to support other IGAD trade related initiatives

• Undertake other tasks as required

• ACADEMIC QUALIFICATION, PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES AND CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Academic Qualification

• Minimum of master’s degree in international Trade, International Finance, Economics, or a related field.

• Professional Work Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience within a similar assignment.

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in developing trade and regional integration initiatives, project management, or program coordination

• Extensive knowledge of economic integration issues and familiarity with international trade policies and international trade negotiations covering the African Union and WTO, among others

• Strong quantitative skills and research experience in economic development and policy analysis, economics of climate change, and gender mainstreaming

• A good understanding of how FSRP investments are addressing trade related issues

• Ability to network and to establish and sustain strategic partnerships and alliances

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.

• Familiarity with IGAD context and proven experience working in the region.

• Skills and competencies

• Strong analytical ability–able to conceptualize and analyze problems and to identify key issues and problems

• Well-developed decision-making ability.

• Planning skills – the ability to develop clear and consistent goals

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with key constituents (internal/external/ bilateral/ multilateral/public/private; civil society) Creative and practical approach to problem-solving

• Demonstrated experience in the usage of computers and office software packages.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills

• Ability to network and to establish and sustain strategic partnerships and alliances

• Language requirements

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French language is an added advantage.

• REMUNERATION

Negotiable with IGAD salary scale and policy and based on applicant’s qualification and experience.

• HOW TO APPLY

Qualified applicants from IGAD Member States are eligible to apply.

Interested candidates should send their applications in PDF accompanied by cover letter, Curriculum Vitae, academic credentials, copy of passports/ ID cards biometric page and three reference persons including the last employer.

Applications should be sent by E-mail to the following addresses: [email protected] with subject line “IGAD – RTME”

Closing date for application will be on 3rd June 2025. Due to the large number of applications we expect to receive; only successful candidates who meet the required experience & qualifications for this position will be contacted. Contact: + 25321354050

IGAD is an equal opportunity employer. Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.