Job Title: Trade Specialist
Reports to: Program Manager, SADC Business Council (SADC BC) Secretariat
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa
Duration: 7 months (with potential for extension)
Submit application here: https://forms.office.com/r/stnCfN0d1A
Closing date: 20 March 2023
BACKGROUND:
The SADC BC is a regional apex body of national business associations of the 16 SADC member states and 6 regional business associations in Southern Africa. The SADC BC is mandated by the private sector to be the prime partner to the public sector, influencing high-level policy making with regard to market access, industrialisation, value chain development, and socio-economic development at regional, continental, and global level.
The main role of the SADC BC is to involve the national business associations, regional business organisations in SADC, and other stakeholders including corporates and international chambers of commerce in:
• SADC decision making processes to drive the implementation of SADC plans and priority programmes
• promote knowledge and information sharing between SADC and private sector
• to bring in the private sector expertise, experience, viewpoints, and perspectives in SADC policy making processes
With support from GIZ-CESARE Programme, the SADC BC has initiated a Trade Facilitation program, which includes identification of NTBs in the SADC and the larger COMESA-SADC-EAC tri-partite free trade areas, as well as an AfCFTA-focused sensitization program.
FUNCTION AND PURPOSE:
The Trade Specialist should exhibit a deep understanding and experience of trade facilitation in Africa. The Trade Specialist will coordinate all trade related activities and initiatives of the SADC BC and also drive, build and manage relationships with various senior level stakeholders.
The Trade Specialist will be responsible for achieving the following objectives within the SADC BC Trade facilitation Program:
• To resolve outstanding NTBs and Coordinate AfCFTA-related activities
• To capacitate regional and national private sector organisation/chambers of commerce in identifying, reporting and resolving NTBs and lead AfCFTA sensitization activities
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Lead and coordinate the SADC BC Trade Facilitation Program, which includes the NTB Resolution Mechanism, AfCFTA Sensitization Program, Trade Facilitation Working Group Meetings amongst others. This includes:
a. All activities to identify, resolve and report on NTBs
b. Developing materials for and organising workshops for SADC BC stakeholders to sensitize on NTBs and the AfCFTA
2. Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders within the public and private sector which leads to actionable initiatives/interventions/projects
3. Develop project proposals and concepts and presenting these to working group members for development and financing
4. Mobilise additional funding for project implementation and new work areas
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:
• Master’s degree or equivalent in International Economics, Trade Economics, Development, Economics/International Development, or Economics.
• Minimum 7 years of relevant working experience in the field of trade and development, trade facilitation and trade negotiations and (preferably with exposure to actual trade negotiations)
• Previous experience in managing teams in similar development-focused activities;
• Strong understanding of links between trade and human development, and understanding of the impacts of FTAs on local economies – including impact and transmission mechanisms and institutional reforms;
• Experience in delivering training to policymakers on trade policy and trade agreements;
• Ability to collaborate on complex programs with a diverse range of partners, and in cooperation with various stakeholders;
• Ability to establish relationships among international organization and local institutions/communities is a must;
• Experience in relationship and stakeholder engagement, managing workshops and stakeholder meetings.
• Proven ability to develop, document, maintain and write project proposals and reports and manage project timeframes/budgets.
• Ability to self-manage and meet deadlines.
• Excellent co-ordination skills across different levels of stakeholders.
• Ability to work within a team context
• Experience in working in Africa and dealing with governments, private sector, civil society and development agencies
• A good understanding of SADC and the current SADC BC Trade Facilitation Program initiatives
KEY COMPETENCIES:
• Demonstrates integrity as per international multilateral institutional values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission and strategic goals of the SADC BC and SADC
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability
• Treats all people fairly without favouritism
• Ability to lead business processes
• Ability to affect staff behavioural/attitudinal change
• Analytical and strategic thinking.
• Results orientated.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
• Ability to establish effective working relations in a multicultural team environment
• Excellent leadership and team-building skills. Conflict resolution skills.
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, as well as constructive, attitude
• Builds strong relationships with stakeholders and external actors
• Responds positively to critical feedback
Please submit your application on this link – https://forms.office.com/r/stnCfN0d1A
