Trade in Services Officer

About this role

The African Union AfCFTA Secretariat is seeking a Trade in Services Officer to support technical activities under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. Based in Accra, Ghana, this fixed-term P2 position reports to the Head of the Trade In Services Division and assists in coordinating services trade negotiations, implementation of negotiated commitments by State Parties, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building programmes in line with the Division's strategic objectives. Core responsibilities include providing technical support for the implementation of the Protocol on Trade in Services, monitoring and evaluating progress against predefined strategic plans, policies, and work programmes, and following up on Divisional activities. The Officer will support the development of quantitative and qualitative analytical tools to evaluate State Party compliance, assist in developing quarterly work plans for the Sub-Committee on Specific Commitments, and participate in related capacity-building workshops and meetings.

A key function involves providing targeted technical support to the Sub-Committee on Specific Commitments and the Committee on Trade in Services, including monitoring market-access and national treatment commitments, establishing mechanisms for removing trade restrictions, and tracking the removal of non-conforming measures and barriers by State Parties. Candidates must hold a Master's degree in international trade, development economics, international relations, international business, international law, political science, or a relevant discipline with three years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree in the same fields with five years of experience. Research experience in trade in services is an added advantage. Required competencies include strong communication skills, report writing, planning and organisational abilities, critical thinking and problem-solving, and familiarity with international and regional policy processes.

Proficiency in one African Union working language with fluency in another is also an added advantage. The AfCFTA Secretariat administers the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services across Africa, advancing the goals of Agenda 2063.