Project Adviser, Policy & Value Chain Engagement (LICA 9)

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC), within the UN Secretariat, implements the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme. This role is part of the COMESA sub-regional component, focusing on enhancing market access and export competitiveness for SMEs. The position is based in Lusaka, Zambia, within the Strategies and Policy for Trade and Investment Section.

Job Purpose

This role supports trade and investment policy programming and facilitates regional value chain review mechanisms within selected sectors for the COMESA sub-regional component of the ATCMA Programme. The objective is to improve market access, reduce trade barriers, and enhance the export competitiveness of SMEs. This involves identifying and addressing regulatory barriers, supporting policy reforms, and fostering regional collaboration for trade and investment, aligning with AfCFTA and COMESA agreements. The role also contributes to strengthening SME capacities and promoting sustainable business practices, with a focus on women- and youth-led businesses.

Responsibilities

The Project Adviser will support the COMESA Secretariat in organizing trade and investment policy and value chain platform meetings, preparing technical documents, and identifying/prioritizing regulatory barriers. Responsibilities include supporting subject-matter experts in developing policy reforms, collecting and analyzing trade and investment data, and monitoring value chain development initiatives. The role involves facilitating the design, implementation, and monitoring of regional value chain review mechanisms, coordinating value chain development activities, and liaising with national platforms. Additionally, the adviser will support data entry for implementation progress, contribute to policy advocacy and VCRM evaluations, and assist in preparing reports and communication materials. Outreach activities, participation in field missions, and collaboration with the Programme Management Unit are also key duties.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant work experience in trade and investment, including economic research, analysis, policy formulation, and program application. Experience with the COMESA Secretariat or member state institutions, value chain development, policy implementation, and project monitoring/reporting is desirable.

Skills

Professionalism, understanding of COMESA frameworks and dynamics, project monitoring and reporting, economic theory application, independent research, data collection, Microsoft Office proficiency, analytical skills, communication (written and verbal), planning and organizing, client orientation. Fluency in English is required; French or Arabic is desirable.

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