Head of Division Digital Trade: AfCFTA - African Union

The role would be to have oversight, set policy direction for the development of the Protocol on Digital Trade, and formulate the strategy for the subsequent implementation of the Protocol, and to provide leadership for effective management and technical efficiency within the Digital Trade Division at the AfCFTA Secretariat.

Main Functions

• Oversight, design strategy and programme management of the development, negotiation and implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade negotiations;
• Lead the design and management of strategies and policies for the operations of the Digital Trade Division in order to align with and achieve the overall objectives of the Directorate and the AfCFTA Secretariat;
• Ensure the Division makes inputs into policy formulation in line with trade and integration strategies of the AfCFTA;
• Represent the AfCFTA Secretariat at meetings, conferences, seminars and etc;
• Engage stakeholders within State Parties and RECs in designing strategies for the implementation of the Protocol on Digital Trade;
• Supervise staff of the Division with regard to organisation and performance evaluation;
• Lead the preparation of the annual action plan and its corresponding resources for the Division;

Specific Responsibilities

• Coordinate and direct the strategic planning, organisation and services of the AfCFTA Secretariat and Division in the area of digital trade;
• Supervise staff within the Division to ensure timely achievement of objectives of the Division and effective performance evaluation;
• Ensure the achievement of the Division’s annual goals in line with the Directorate’s overall objectives and goals;
• Liaise with other divisions at the AfCFTA Secretariat on issues pertinent to digital trade within the AfCFTA or on any issues necessary to enhance the effective and efficient functioning of the Division;
• Contributes to the preparation of periodic financial and budgetary implementation reports and monitors budget implementation at the Division level;
• Coordinate and supervise the initiation and development of policies, programmes and projects aimed at achieving the Directorate’s objectives for the negotiation and/or implementation of the Protocol on Digital Trade;
• Provide primary administrative and technical support and capacity building to State Parties and non-State Parties in the negotiation and/or implementation of the Protocol on Digital Trade and its associated legal instruments;
• Coordinate and supervise the preparation of technical reports, publications, analysis, and policy papers on issues pertaining to or affecting digital trade under the AfCFTA, in particular, working closely with State Parties, RECs and other key partner institutions;
• Provide policy advice, strong intellectual guidance and direction on digital trade issues within the AfCFTA;
• Coordinate the preparation of presentations, speeches and regular briefs on digital trade for the senior staff, and ensure sound and timely monitoring and reporting;
• Provide technical leadership and ensure the effective functioning and performance of officers within the Division;
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned and/or required by the Director

Academic Requirements and Relevant Experience

• Master’s degree in Economics, International Trade, International Relations, International Law, Technology-related disciplines, and/or related areas with twelve (12) years of relevant experience at increasingly senior levels in the field of corporate communications.
• Seven (7) of these years should be at the senior management level and five (5) should involve a supervisory role. Certificates in Digital trade related to e-commerce, data protection and privacy (governance), cyber security etc shall be an added advantage.

Required Skills

• Ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations both internally and externally
• Ability to develop and delegate clear programme goals, plans and actions, that are consistent with agreed strategies
• Ability to delegate the appropriate responsibility, accountability and decision-making authority with regard to performance management and professional development
• Ability to effectively lead, supervise, mentor, develop and evaluate staff
• High degree of independence, maturity and initiative
• Ability to handle challenging questions and difficult stakeholders
• Ability to manage time and prioritize work
• Be flexible, adaptable and open to change
• Proficiency in one of the AU officials working languages (Arabic, English, French, Kiswahili, Portuguese and Spanish) and fluency in another AU language(s) is an added advantage;