Purpose of Job

The main objective of this assignment is to provide support to the AfCFTA Secretariat in AfCFTA digital trade negotiations and implementation.

Main Functions

• Handles technical activities related to the specific area of work, assists the follow up on activities planned including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
• Reviews and makes recommendations on existing policy areas.
• Contributes in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AfCFTA’s internal use.
• Provides support in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
• Responsible for execution of defined study/research areas.
• Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings with stakeholders.
• Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships.
• Supports the promotion of the activities of the Unit/Division/Directorate including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
• Provides support in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division as required
• Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders

Specific Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the Expert include to:

• support the digital transformation efforts of the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• support the development and implementation of digital application platforms for the AfCFTA;
• support the development and implementation of a digital strategy by working with different stakeholders to transition from traditional to digital processes;
• promote digital culture and build digital business technology platforms;
• build relationships externally with vendors, startups and third-party stakeholders;
• keep pace with market innovation to maintain a fresh digital strategy for the AfCFTA;
• support the development and implementation of business processes and associated technical solutions;
• support to the implementation, and negotiation process for the Digital Trade Protocol, including negotiation processes, attending and reporting on negotiation meetings, following up with State Parties, managing relevant documents, and arranging necessary meetings of State Parties and stakeholders;
• draft reports on AfCFTA negotiations supporting interaction with State and non-State Parties.
• support integration of digital trade in AfCFTA issues and address requests from different stakeholders on digital trade.
• produce papers for various audiences, including drafting documents and briefs for a policy audience, and support relevant research.
• support stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, including the development of training materials and manuals, providing training to AfCFTA negotiators, and conducting training workshops on digital trade; and
• any other related duties assigned by the Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience

Candidates must have a university Master Degree in International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Law and/or technology-related areas at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience.

Candidates with University Bachelor Degree can be considered provided they have five (5) years of relevant work experience.

• Experience in designing and building digital applications or platforms, coding languages, (e.g. Java, Python, PHP, C++, etc);
• Ability to navigate multiple computer applications and systems;
• Understanding of Africa’s regional integration agenda and key AfCFTA issues is required.
• Experience with continental, regional, and/or national policy-making on relevant trade and/or digitalization issues is desirable. Knowledge of trade negotiations is an asset.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high-quality work in short timeframes;
• Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills;
• Strong programme/project management skills;

Required Skills

• Ability to work in a multicultural environment;
• Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes;
• Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills;
• Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems;
• Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills;
• Strong program/project management skills;
• Strong analytical skills;
• Excellent planning and organizing skills;
• Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders; and
• Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Swahili). Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.