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Regional Trade Policy Adviser, SADC, Hub and Spokes Project

Closing Date: 14 Mar 2011

BACKGROUND

The Commonwealth Secretariat (ComSec) with the support of the European Commission (EC) and in association with Organisation internationale de la Francophone (OIF) is implementing a programme of trade related technical assistance in African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and regions through the; Building the Capacity of ACP Countries in Trade Policy Formulation, Negotiations and Implementation (“Hub and Spokes”) Project.

The objective of the Project is to enhance the capacity of ACP countries and regional integration organisations (RIOs) to deal with ACP/EU negotiations in the framework of Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) as well as World Trade Organisation (WTO), Regional Integration Negotiations and other trade policy –related issues.

The project will undertake activities primarily focusing on:

  • capacity building for ministries and organisations responsible for trade policy formulation and negotiations;
  • enhancing skills and expertise of staff in these ministries and organisations to undertake and manage the varied tasks associated with trade policy formulation and negotiations;
  • strengthening national and regional institutions and training organisations so that there is an ongoing and sustainable capacity to provide support to countries in these areas;
  • Provision of technical advice and studies on trade issues;
  • Developing coordination and communication mechanisms among ACP members on trade policy issues and strategies to achieve favourable trade outcomes in the current international climate;
  • identifying key stakeholders in countries who have a role in contributing to discussion about trade policy and the development of national interest positions by governments in international trade negotiations; and
  • providing advice and support for governments in developing broad-based networks through which private and community sector groups can access and communicate with governments on trade issues and the implications of specific international trade agenda outcomes.

TASK DESCRIPTIONS:

The principal purpose of this project is to address the trade policy and negotiation capacity challenges faced by Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries. To this end, the RTPA based at the SADC Secretariat in Gaborone, Botswana, will be required to undertake the following duties:

  • provide technical assistance to the SADC Secretariat and member states aimed at the successful conclusion of the SADC –EU EPA negotiations;
  • provide technical advice to the SADC Secretariat and Member States on implementation of regional trade agreements, including the SADC –EU EPA, and within the multilateral context;
  • Coordinate with other staff of the Secretariat to establish synergies between the processes to consolidate the SADC FTA; the establishment of the Customs Union, the EPA negotiations and the COMESA- EAC-SADC Tripartite FTA;
  • prepare briefing and technical papers on issues pertaining to the negotiations and implementation of the relevant regional trade agreements and their compatibility with the multilateral trading system
  • provide assistance to member states in strengthening their WTO notification mechanisms;
  • design and conduct regional and national seminars and/or workshops where necessary and when requested;
  • maintain regular contact, including through travel for formal consultations, with member states to facilitate coherent interventions in trade policy at the regional level;
  • Supervise the work of the Trade Policy Analyst stationed at the SADC Secretariat;
  • manage the financial resources allocated in support of the regional work programme and provide financial statements in line with agreed procedures and regulation of the Commonwealth Secretariat;
  • contribute to capacity building through transfer of skills to SADC officials;
  • any other related duties assigned by the SADC Secretariat;
  • maintain regular communications with the Commonwealth Secretariat including providing six monthly progress reports in a prescribed format;
  • carry out any other related duties assigned by the Director, Trade, Finance and Investment, SADC Secretariat and consistent with the Outputs of the Hub and Spoke Project.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Education:

Post Graduate qualifications in Economics/International Trade or related discipline.

Experience:

  • a minimum of ten years experience in trade policy formulation, analysis and implementation;
  • experience of trade capacity building in developing countries, with particular reference to the Eastern and Southern African region;
  • experience of providing advice to senior management and in dealing with Governments and project authorities at a senior level;
  • supervisory experience of multidisciplinary staff;
  • experience and knowledge of trade policy issues and challenges in Southern Africa.

COMPETENCIES

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

  • Sound knowledge of WTO and EU/ACP issues.
  • Knowledge of the SADC regional integration agenda.
  • Highly developed analytical skills and ability to provide clear and objective advice and recommendations;
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills (in English);
  • Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-disciplinary and multicultural environment

Desirable:

Written and verbal communication skills in French and /or Portuguese language.

Eligibility criteria:

Preference will be given to applicants from nationals of ACP countries.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Send your curriculum vitae to:

Mr Nimrod Waniala,
Manager, “Hub and Spokes” Project,
Commonwealth Secretariat
Marlborough House
Pall Mall, London SW1Y 5HX
United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 207 747 6145
Fax: +44 (0) 207 747 6504

Email: n.waniala@commonwealth.int

The Secretariat will acknowledge receipt of your CV and will contact you if you are short listed for the posting.

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