Location: Addis Ababa
Deadline: July 21, 2022
Job Description
Result of Service
Ultimate result of service
The consultant is expected to deliver on the following:
• Contribute to the finalization of the book project on AfCFTA Negotiations;
• Contribute to the handbook series on the AfCFTA Agreement, including its protocols, annexes and other instruments;
• Contribute to a new study on the status and prospects of the Abuja Treaty in the context of the AfCFTA;
• Produce research papers, advisory notes, briefings, meeting reports, and other reports as assigned;
• Organize events in collaboration with other colleagues; and
• Continuing support to the day-to-day work of the ATPC in his/her areas of engagement.
Work Location
Addis Ababa
Expected duration
The duration of the contract will be for an initial period of six (6) months.
Duties and Responsibilities
Background
The African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC) wishes to recruit a research and technical assistant to support its work on AfCFTA implementation. Established in June 2003 with the financial support of the Canadian Government, ATPC is a specialized unit within the United Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). It has since evolved to become a leading Africa-based centre of excellence and a continental hub that provides and coordinates technical support for the development of trade policies in Africa.
The Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) signed in Kigali, Rwanda, on 21 March 2018 is a key milestone in Africa’s integration Agenda. The AfCFTA will create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating. The pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 AU member countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at US$3.4 trillion.
Under its current phase IV program spanning from March 2021 to December 2026 titled “Implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to Boost Intra-African Trade”, ATPC will contribute to increased, inclusive and environmentally friendly intra-African trade flows in goods and services via the implementation of the AfCFTA. Gender dimensions will be central to the issue of inclusivity, while the entire project of AfCFTA implementation will seek to form an important plank of Africa’s economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.
The primary purpose of this consultancy is to provide research and technical support to ATPC work involving the AfCFTA, including the full and effective implementation of the whole Agreement and conclusion of Phase II negotiations. It is in this context that the ATPC, through its Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) proposes to recruit a research and technical assistant to support its work in the field of the AfCFTA generally.
Duties & Responsibilities:
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Coordinator, African Trade Policy Centre, the consultant shall perform the following tasks:
• Undertake research in the field of the AfCFTA, from negotiation to implementation, and provide support to member states and partner institutions;
• Undertake legal analysis of the draft protocols being negotiated under Phase II of the AfCFTA negotiation.
• Undertake research in the field of trade, industrialization and overall economic development in Africa as assigned.
• Support organization of events as assigned;
• Provide regular technical and administrative support to the Coordinator and other colleagues as may be assigned; and
• Assist with any other ad-hoc request.
Qualifications/special skills
Academic Qualifications: Academic Qualifications: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or above) in Law, Economics, Trade or related fields is required.
Experience: Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience is required. Demonstrated competence in professional writing for a trade policy audience within tight deadlines is required. Understanding of Africa’s regional integration agenda and key AfCFTA issues is required.
Language: English and French are the working languages of the United Nations. For this post, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of the other is an advantage.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
