ECOWAS SME Competitiveness and Market Access Liaison Advisor
Organizational Context
The International Trade Centre (ITC), funded by the EU and implemented with UNIDO, is executing the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA). This role specifically supports the ECOWAS sub-regional component, focusing on improving market access, enhancing SME export competitiveness, and reducing trade barriers within West Africa.
Job Purpose
The purpose of this role is to ensure the effective coordination, implementation, and monitoring of the ATCMA ECOWAS initiatives. This involves aligning activities with regional policies, liaising with diverse stakeholders, and facilitating communication between the ECOWAS Commission, the ATCMA ECOWAS Project Management Unit, and ITC teams. The role contributes to identifying and reducing market access barriers, enhancing value addition, and strengthening SME capacities to boost intra-African trade and export competitiveness.
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include supporting the alignment of ATCMA ECOWAS activities (outputs 1.1, 1.3, 2.2) with regional policies and frameworks. The role involves liaising with ECOWAS Member States, regional institutions, trade promotion organizations, business support organizations, and private sector actors to ensure coordinated implementation. It also requires ensuring regular communication and information flow between the ECOWAS Commission, the ATCMA ECOWAS Project Management Unit, and ITC teams. Additionally, the role supports the organization of stakeholder consultations, coordination meetings, and technical working groups, and contributes to initiatives aimed at identifying market access barriers and enhancing SME capacities.
Work Experience
A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management or administration is required. Experience working with the ECOWAS Commission, its specialized agencies, and related regional institutions is essential. Experience with EU-funded programmes and implementing regional programmes in West Africa is desirable.
Skills
Professionalism, Communication, Teamwork, Accountability, extensive knowledge of ECOWAS institutions/programmes/policies, understanding of trade competitiveness and market access in West Africa, familiarity with UN system management tools, data analysis, research, and problem-solving skills. Fluency in English and French is required.