Digital Application Officer (AfCFTA)

The African Union, established as a unique Pan African continental body, is charged with spearheading Africa’s rapid integration and sustainable development by promoting unity, solidarity, cohesion and cooperation among the peoples of Africa and African states as well as developing a new partnership worldwide. Our Headquarters are located in Addis Ababa, capital city of Ethiopia. The vision of the African Union is that of: An integrated, prosperous and peaceful Africa, driven by its own citizens and representing a dynamic force in global arena. Our mission is to become An efficient and value-adding institution driving the African integration and development process in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. The values that guide and govern our function and operations are: Respect for diversity and team work Think Africa above all; Transparency and accountability Integrity and Impartiality; Efficiency and Professionalism; and Information and Knowledge sharing
About The Job

Purpose of Job

The main objective of this assignment is to provide support to the AfCFTA Secretariat in AfCFTA digital trade negotiations and implementation.

Main Functions:

Handles technical activities related to the specific area of work, assists the follow up on activities planned including monitoring and evaluating progress made in line with a predefined strategic plan.
Reviews and makes recommendations on existing policy areas.
Contributes in conducting analysis and generate accurate reports in a timely manner for the respective Unit/Division and AfCFTA’s internal use.
Provides support in setting the overall research direction of a relevant policy area.
Responsible for execution of defined study/research areas.
Participates in the organisation of relevant meetings with stakeholders.
Engages with relevant mid-level stakeholders and develop working relationships.
Supports the promotion of the activities of the Unit/Division/Directorate including preparing leaflets, guidelines and fact sheets.
Provides support in drafting reports and participate in the preparation of budget and work programmes related to the functioning of the Unit/Division as required
Provides technical support to internal and external stakeholders

Specific Responsibilities:

The duties and responsibilities of the Expert include to:

support the digital transformation efforts of the AfCFTA Secretariat
support the development and implementation of digital application platforms for the AfCFTA
support the development and implementation of a digital strategy by working with different stakeholders to transition from traditional to digital processes
promote digital culture and build digital business technology platforms
build relationships externally with vendors, startups and third-party stakeholders
keep pace with market innovation to maintain a fresh digital strategy for the AfCFTA
support the development and implementation of business processes and associated technical solutions
support to the implementation, and negotiation process for the Digital Trade Protocol, including negotiation processes, attending and reporting on negotiation meetings, following up with State Parties, managing relevant documents, and arranging necessary meetings of State Parties and stakeholders
draft reports on AfCFTA negotiations supporting interaction with State and non-State Parties.
support integration of digital trade in AfCFTA issues and address requests from different stakeholders on digital trade.
produce papers for various audiences, including drafting documents and briefs for a policy audience, and support relevant research.
support stakeholder engagement and capacity-building activities, including the development of training materials and manuals, providing training to AfCFTA negotiators, and conducting training workshops on digital trade and
any other related duties assigned by the Director of Trade in Services, Investment, Intellectual Property Rights and Digital Trade at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Academic Requirements And Relevant Experience:

Candidates must have a university Master Degree in International Trade, Economics, International Relations, International Law and/or technology-related areas at least two (2) years of progressively responsible professional experience.
Candidates with University Bachelor Degree can be considered provided they have five (5) years of relevant work experience.
Experience in designing and building digital applications or platforms, coding languages, (e.g. Java, Python, PHP, C++, etc)
Ability to navigate multiple computer applications and systems
Understanding of Africa’s regional integration agenda and key AfCFTA issues is required.
Experience with continental, regional, and/or national policy-making on relevant trade and/or digitalization issues is desirable. Knowledge of trade negotiations is an asset.
Ability to work in a multicultural environment and to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high-quality work in short timeframes
Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills
Strong programme/project management skills

Required Skills:

Ability to work in a multicultural environment
Ability to work independently to meet critical and competing deadlines (multi-tasking), to produce high quality work in short timeframes
Excellent interpersonal/teamwork skills
Must be computer literate with a working knowledge of common computer applications and systems
Excellent drafting, reporting, communication and presentation skills
Strong program/project management skills
Strong analytical skills
Excellent planning and organizing skills
Ability to liaise with a diverse range of people and stakeholders and
Proficiency in one of the African Union working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish or Swahili). Knowledge of one more or several other working languages would be an added advantage.

Leadership Competencies:

Change Management
Managing Risk

Core Competencies:

Teamwork and Collaboration
Accountability awareness and Compliance
Learning Orientation
Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies:

Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
Job Knowledge and information sharing
Drive for Results
Continuous Improvement Focus

TENURE OF APPOINTMENT:

The Appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a period of one (1) year, of which the first three (3) months will be considered as a probationary period. Thereafter, the contract may be renewed for a similar period subject to funding availability, satisfactory performance and agreed deliverables.

GENDER MAINSTREAMING:

The AU Commission is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply.

REMUNERATION:

The salary attached to the position is an annual lump-sum of US$ 88,381.02 (P2 Step 5) inclusive of all allowances for internationally recruited staff, and US$ 70,805.71 inclusive of all allowances for locally recruited staff of the African Union Commission.

Only candidates who have met all the requirements of the post and have been selected for an interview will be contacted.

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