Programme Officer, SEZ and Industrialisation

About this role

AUDA-NEPAD, the African Union Development Agency, invites applications from citizens of African Union Member States for the post of Programme Officer, Industrialisation and Special Economic Zones. This full-time position is based in Midrand, South Africa, at the Agency's headquarters, and falls under the Infrastructure and Transport Unit within the Programme Management Unit. The incumbent will lead AUDA-NEPAD's technical work under the Industrialisation component of the ICD-SMC project, with a primary focus on developing Special Economic Zones and industrial value chains at corridor ports across the project geography. Core responsibilities include providing specialist technical expertise on SEZ pre-feasibility studies, industrial and value-chain analysis, investment promotion and PPP-readiness for industrial packages; supporting AU Member States, Regional Economic Communities and SEZ authorities; and ensuring all component outputs are investment-ready and feed coherently into the Integrated Corridor Investment Prospectus for the Integrated Investor Forum.

Candidates must hold a minimum Master's degree in International Relations, Project Management, Economics, Development Finance, Data Sciences or Development Studies, with at least two years of progressive experience in industrial development, value-chain development, private sector development or investment promotion. Alternatively, a Bachelor's degree with four years of relevant experience may be accepted. Project Management certification such as PMP or PRINCE2 is an advantage. Strong knowledge of African industrialisation, SEZ frameworks, AfCFTA, local content and regional integration processes is essential, alongside excellent stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.

Familiarity with AUDA-NEPAD, RECs or development finance institutions is preferred. 88 per annum and gratuity at 15% of gross salary, in line with African Union rules for internationally recruited staff. Applications must be received no later than 27 July 2026 through the AUDA-NEPAD e-recruitment portal.