Consultant(e) International(e): Expert(e) / Spécialiste du Commerce des Services en Afrique Centrale
Organizational Context
The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint UN and WTO agency, promotes sustainable trade, particularly for developing countries. Its goal is to enhance global competitiveness, accelerate economic development, and achieve UN Sustainable Development Goals. The 'Strengthening capacities in services trade in Central Africa within the AfCFTA framework' program aims to boost intra-regional, continental, and bilateral trade in services.
Job Purpose
This consultancy role supports the 'Strengthening capacities in services trade in Central Africa within the AfCFTA framework' program, funded by the EU and implemented by ITC. The primary objective is to increase liberalization and exports of services in specific sectors across the African continent, region, and bilaterally, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The program prioritizes women- and youth-led businesses to foster economic inclusion and sustainable trade practices. The consultant will provide specialized support and contribute to the effective implementation of program activities, ensuring alignment with specific objectives and delivering key outputs such as analyzing trade barriers, supporting member states in developing service commitments, raising awareness of export opportunities, and developing appropriate, harmonized, and transparent regulations for services trade.
Responsibilities
The consultant will provide specialized support for the 'Strengthening capacities in services trade in Central Africa within the AfCFTA framework' program. Key responsibilities include: Coordination and Governance: Assisting program coordination, facilitating collaboration among stakeholders (ECCAS Commission, Member States, ITC), monitoring requests, participating in meetings, and ensuring implementation of steering committee recommendations. Technical Support and Expertise Management: Developing Terms of Reference for national consultants, coordinating national and regional experts, identifying relevant collaborating organizations, managing requests for capacity building and technical assistance, and monitoring developments in regional services trade. Capacity Building and Partnerships: Supporting national/regional institutions in project implementation and contributing to institutional capacity building. Operational and Technical Activities: Participating in workshops, preparing reports, acting as an expert in seminars, and developing a strategic roadmap for selected ECCAS services sectors with an action plan. Planning and Reporting: Contributing to annual and quarterly work plans, preparing technical reports, and producing an annual report on services trade agreement implementation in ECCAS Member States. Other Tasks: Executing any other relevant tasks to support the program and the ECCAS Commission in services trade.
Work Experience
Required experience includes successful work in services trade within Africa, particularly Central Africa, and multi-country experience in development projects. A strong understanding of AfCFTA protocols and the Central African business environment is essential. Experience in report writing, economic studies, training content development, and workshop facilitation is also necessary. Familiarity with UN administrative and financial procedures is beneficial.
Skills
• Services trade expertise in Africa/Central Africa • Multi-country development project experience • Knowledge of AfCFTA protocols and Central African business environment • Understanding of priority services sectors (transport, tourism, professional services, ICT, finance) • Understanding of public and private sector needs in Central Africa • Strong network within the ECCAS business community • Report writing and economic study skills • Training development and workshop facilitation • UN administrative and financial procedures knowledge • French and English fluency