International Consultant: Accelerating Implementation of the IGAD AfCFTA Regional Implementation Strategy through Enterprise Champions and Trade Facilitation Capacity Building

The International Consultant will lead the technical delivery of the project to accelerate the implementation of the IGAD AfCFTA Regional Implementation Strategy by strengthening private sector participation and enhancing institutional capacity for trade facilitation across the IGAD region. The role involves coordinating activities across IGAD Member States, developing technical tools, strengthening capacity of member states and private sector, and engaging stakeholders to support effective AfCFTA implementation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare an inception report outlining the work plan, methodology, and timeline for the delivery of all project outputs.
• Develop criteria and a methodology for identifying high-potential AfCFTA Enterprise Champions across selected IGAD Member States.
• Conduct a diagnostic assessment of customs and trade facilitation capacity gaps across IGAD Member States to inform the development of targeted training materials for customs officials.
• Develop comprehensive training modules on AfCFTA implementation for customs officials covering rules of origin, customs documentation and procedures, trade facilitation instruments, digital customs systems, corridor monitoring, the AfCFTA e-Tariff Book, and the online platform for the notification and elimination of Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs).
• Conduct enterprise mapping across selected IGAD Member States to identify, assess, and formally designate AfCFTA high-potential exporters, with participation of youth- and women-led enterprises.
• Conduct an assessment of key constraints and trade barriers faced by enterprises in trade within the IGAD region and develop actionable recommendations for improving AfCFTA utilisation.
• Support the organisation and facilitation of the regional workshop for lesson learnt and knowledge sharing among the AfCFTA champions and to strengthen the capacity of customs officials operating at borders and airports and facilitate experience-sharing among customs administrations across the IGAD region.
• Develop final report documenting lessons learned and contribute to policy dialogue at national and regional level.
• Engage with key stakeholders across IGAD Member States, including government agencies, customs administrations, private sector associations, and development partners, to ensure broad-based support for the project.
• Assist in organising regional workshops and networking events connecting AfCFTA Champions with buyers, investors, and trade support institutions, using practical case studies and examples of successful AfCFTA utilisation.

Requirements

• An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, international trade, business administration, law, or a closely related field is required.
• A PhD in a relevant discipline is an asset.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in trade policy, AfCFTA implementation, regional integration, private sector development, or a closely related field is required.
• Demonstrated experience in enterprise development, value chain analysis, or private sector capacity building in developing countries is essential, with experience in Africa and/or the IGAD region strongly preferred.
• Experience in designing and delivering training programmes for government officials, customs administrations, or the private sector is highly desirable.
• Prior experience working with or for the African Union, ECA, IGAD, or other relevant regional organisations is an advantage.
• Strong knowledge of AfCFTA architecture, including rules of origin, trade in goods schedules, trade facilitation provisions, and NTB elimination mechanisms.
• Solid understanding of private sector dynamics in the IGAD region, including the challenges and opportunities facing SMEs in accessing regional trade preferences.
• Familiarity with customs modernisation, corridor management, and border management systems in Eastern Africa.
• Experience working with government institutions, particularly ministries of trade, finance, or customs administrations.
• Demonstrate the ability to deliver high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• Possess excellent written and oral communication skills, including report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Show the capacity to work independently, proactively, and with minimal supervision.
• Exhibit strong analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.

Skills

• Trade Policy Analysis
• AfCFTA Implementation
• Regional Integration
• Private Sector Development
• Enterprise Development
• Value Chain Analysis
• Capacity Building
• Training Program Development
• Training Delivery
• African Union Collaboration
• ECA Collaboration
• IGAD Collaboration
• AfCFTA Architecture Knowledge
• Rules of Origin
• Trade Facilitation
• NTB Elimination
• Private Sector Dynamics
• SME Trade Access
• Customs Modernisation
• Corridor Management
• Border Management Systems
• Government Institution Engagement
• Report Writing
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Analytical Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Problem Solving

Languages

English, French