AGOA Manager, Southern Africa

Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 60 projects in 30 countries and total revenues of $173 million.

AGOA Manager, Southern Africa

We are currently seeking an AGOA Manager for the anticipated USAID-funded Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub Program. The project’s primary focus will be to provide expert technical assistance to help farmers and firms, through private sector associations, to efficiently meet market requirements of quality and volume and succeed in the international market place. To achieve this objective, technical components will include improving the enabling environment for regional trade; enhancing the integration and competitiveness of regional value chains; and increasing international and regional trade.

Responsibilities:

• Design and implement technical assistance interventions to improve international competitiveness of target commodities at all levels of the value chain. Focus of those strategies should be on investment attraction and facilitation, commercial partnerships, and trade expansion.
• Improve ability of Southern African countries and firms to benefit from AGOA preferences. Lead coordinated efforts to develop AGOA strategies, and monitor progress in implementing those strategies across all countries.
• Develop mechanisms for targeted promotion and knowledge sharing of AGOA benefits and rules of trade.
• Establish commercially viable and sustainable partnerships with national and regional entities involved in export promotion and trade capacity building including export promotion bodies, business associations and councils, and regional economic blocks.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree required, strongly preferred Master’s degree or equivalent in international trade, economics, public policy, business administration, or related area or equivalent.
• At least ten years of relevant experience, five of which shall be in developing countries, preferably in Southern Africa.
• At least five years of experience (strongly preferred over five years’ experience) managing and coordinating promotion activities.
• Strongly preferred experience assisting developing countries supporting developing country firms export, particularly under preferential trade agreements such as AGOA.
• Strongly preferred experience serving in an advisory capacity to high‐level government officials on achieving global competitiveness.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders in a multi‐country setting.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• Ability to use the latest ICT technology and computer software programs.
• Excellent English.

HOW TO APPLY:

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55C6E361D43515B7E59192F7757196C0D627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE