Principal Officer – Trade in Services (AfCFTA)

About the role

The Principal Officer – Trade in Services will lead and coordinate technical activities under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. This senior position supports negotiations, implementation, stakeholder engagement and capacity‑building programmes to advance the Division’s strategic objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical support for the implementation of AfCFTA Trade in Services activities and related initiatives.
• Coordinate and contribute to services trade negotiations and the implementation of negotiated commitments by State Parties.
• Assist the Head of Division in preparing and executing the Annual Action Plan, including the development of offers and scheduling of commitments.
• Support capacity‑building initiatives for State Parties and stakeholders on technical and legal aspects of trade in services.
• Develop research, policy analysis, technical guidance notes, training materials, reports and other knowledge products.
• Represent the Division at meetings, conferences, negotiations and other regional and international fora.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with State Parties, RECs, development partners and private‑sector organisations.
• Contribute to resource mobilisation, risk mitigation and business continuity planning.

Required profile

• Proven experience in trade in services, negotiations and policy analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement capacity‑building programmes.
• Experience in developing technical guidance, training materials and knowledge products.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and partnership development skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to shape continental trade policy under the AfCFTA framework.
• Collaborative environment with diverse regional and international partners.
• Professional development in trade negotiations and policy implementation.