The Project Adviser – Policy & Value Chain Engagement will provide dedicated support focused on trade and investment policy programming and the facilitation of regional Value Chain Review Mechanisms (VCRMs) in selected sectors within the COMESA region.

The position forms part of the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Programme, a major initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to enhance intra-African trade, improve market access, and strengthen the competitiveness of SMEs.

Responsibilities or duties

Trade and Investment Policy Support

• Support the COMESA Secretariat and designated regional institutions in planning and organizing trade and investment policy-related meetings and regional value chain platform engagements.
• Prepare technical reports, concept notes, policy briefs, work plans, presentations, and other programme documentation.
• Identify, prioritize, and support the analysis of regulatory barriers affecting trade and investment.
• Support the development and implementation of policy reforms aimed at improving market access and export competitiveness.

Value Chain Review Mechanism (VCRM) Facilitation

• Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of regional Value Chain Review Mechanisms (VCRMs).
• Coordinate regional value chain development activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between regional and national stakeholders.
• Track implementation progress and sector-specific outcomes.

Research, Monitoring and Reporting

• Collect, analyze, and monitor developments in trade and investment negotiations and value chain initiatives.
• Contribute to policy evaluations, research studies, and impact assessments.
• Consolidate progress reports and communication briefs.
• Maintain strategy tracking systems and document success stories.

Stakeholder Engagement and Outreach

• Support public-private dialogues and stakeholder consultations.
• Organize workshops, meetings, and sector coordination events.
• Prepare communication materials, including press releases and social media content.
• Engage with funding partners and stakeholders to support sustainability of programme initiatives.

Field Support

• Participate in field missions and provide technical, analytical, and data collection support.
• Liaise continuously with the COMESA ATCMA Programme Management Unit (PMU).

Education

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in: Economics, Trade, Law, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, Public Policy, Or a related field
• Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12) OR Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields plus two (2) additional years of relevant work experience.

Experience needed

• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in: Trade and investment, Economic research and analysis, Policy or strategy formulation, Development programmes, Related fields

Desirable Experience

• Working with the COMESA Secretariat and/or COMESA Member State institutions.
• Value chain development and policy implementation.
• Project monitoring and reporting.
• Economics

Required Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of COMESA frameworks, processes, and regional integration dynamics. Strong analytical and research skills. Ability to interpret economic data and support evidence-based decision-making. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills. Ability to prepare technical reports and policy documents. Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Planning and Organizing: Strong project planning and coordination skills. Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Client Orientation: Ability to build productive partnerships with stakeholders. Strong service-oriented approach and relationship management skills.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of French or Arabic is desirable.

Any other provided details (e.g., benefits, work environment, team info, or additional notes)

• This vacancy is open to nationals of COMESA Member States.
• The contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS.
• Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located.
• Relocation costs will not be covered for successful applicants selected from outside the duty station.

• Support the COMESA Secretariat and designated regional institutions in planning and organizing trade and investment policy-related meetings and regional value chain platform engagements.
• Prepare technical reports, concept notes, policy briefs, work plans, presentations, and other programme documentation.
• Identify, prioritize, and support the analysis of regulatory barriers affecting trade and investment.
• Support the development and implementation of policy reforms aimed at improving market access and export competitiveness.
• Support the design, implementation, and monitoring of regional Value Chain Review Mechanisms (VCRMs).
• Coordinate regional value chain development activities and stakeholder engagement.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between regional and national stakeholders.
• Track implementation progress and sector-specific outcomes.
• Collect, analyze, and monitor developments in trade and investment negotiations and value chain initiatives.
• Contribute to policy evaluations, research studies, and impact assessments.
• Consolidate progress reports and communication briefs.
• Maintain strategy tracking systems and document success stories.
• Support public-private dialogues and stakeholder consultations.
• Organize workshops, meetings, and sector coordination events.
• Prepare communication materials, including press releases and social media content.
• Engage with funding partners and stakeholders to support sustainability of programme initiatives.
• Participate in field missions and provide technical, analytical, and data collection support.
• Liaise continuously with the COMESA ATCMA Programme Management Unit (PMU).

• Knowledge of COMESA frameworks, processes, and regional integration dynamics.
• Strong analytical and research skills.
• Ability to interpret economic data and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to prepare technical reports and policy documents.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong project planning and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to build productive partnerships with stakeholders.
• Strong service-oriented approach and relationship management skills.

• Advanced University Degree (Master’s Degree or equivalent) in: Economics, Trade, Law, Agricultural Economics, Business Management, Public Policy, Or a related field
• Primary & Secondary Schooling (K-12) OR Bachelor’s Degree in the above fields plus two (2) additional years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in: Trade and investment, Economic research and analysis, Policy or strategy formulation, Development programmes, Related fields
• Working with the COMESA Secretariat and/or COMESA Member State institutions.
• Value chain development and policy implementation.
• Project monitoring and reporting.
• Economics