Regional Trade Policy Adviser, COMESA, 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 undertakes 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 DESCRIPTION:

The principal purpose of this project is to address the trade policy and negotiation capacity challenges faced by COMESA countries. To this end the RTPA based at the COMESA Secretariat in Lusaka, Zambia, will be required to undertake the following duties:

• assist with the implementation of the COMESA regional Policy on Intellectual Property Rights adopted by the Council;
• finalisation of the COMESA regional services negotiations. Also advise on issues related to the implementation of international trade agreements, particularly the COTONOU Agreement, agreements under the WTO, and other regional and bilateral negotiations taking place in the COMESA region;
• advise COMESA Member states and the COMESA Secretariat on trade policy formulation and implementation, particularly mainstreaming of poverty eradication and other Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) into COMESA trade policy and the Custom Union;
• advise COMESA Member states and the COMESA Secretariat on WTO and EU/ACP negotiations;
• prepare annual work programmes, including training activities, in collaboration with the TPAs, the COMESA Secretariat and the COMESA Member states;
• conduct periodic needs assessments for COMESA Member States on trade policy matters in collaboration with those COMESA Member states and supported by TPAs stationed at the COMESA Secretariat and in the region;
• prepare briefing material on relevant EU/ACP, WTO and other trade-related issues;
• assist COMESA Members to strengthen their WTO notification mechanisms;
• assist COMESA Member states and the COMESA Secretariat to integrate development and poverty reduction considerations into their national and international trade strategies;
• propose, design and conduct regional and national training programmes on trade-related topics;
• maintain regular contact with COMESA Member states governments and TPAs and support the work of the TPAs and governments in his/her area of responsibility to facilitate coherent interventions and co-ordination in trade policy matters;
• maintain regular contact with national and regional Counterparts;
• identify key stakeholders who have a role and are affected by trade negotiations at national or regional level and help integrate these key stakeholders in the formulation of trade policy and negotiating positions as appropriate;
• supervise the work of the TPA and the Administrative Assistant (AA) based at the COMESA Secretariat;
• assist with the management of financial resources allocated to carry out Action activities in the COMESA region;
• assist with the preparation and submission of quarterly financial and progress reports in response to the requests of the C-AT;
• maintain regular communications with the C-AT including providing six monthly progress reports in the prescribed format;
• carry out any other related duties assigned by the Director, Trade, Customs and Monetary Affairs, COMESA Secretariat and consistent with the Outputs of the Hub and Spoke Project.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS:

Education:

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

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 regions;
• 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 Eastern and Southern Africa.

Desirable:

• Written and verbal communication in French language;

Competences:

Applicants should be able to demonstrate:

• sound knowledge of WTO, EU/ACP issues;
• knowledge of the COMESA 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.

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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