Project Adviser, Policy & Value Chain Engagement (LICA 9)

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to provide support focused on trade and investment policy programming and the facilitation of regional value chain review mechanisms in selected sectors.

Work Location

Lusaka, Zambia

Expected duration

One year, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

• BACKGROUND: The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors. It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. The umbrella programme is structured around two intervention levels: 1) the Continental Component, and 2) Sub-regional Components in five RECs: COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC. The current opening pertains to the COMESA sub-regional component of the ATCMA umbrella programme. The COMESA ATCMA programme is thematically structured into five components leading to 5 outputs as follows: In relation to Specific Objective 1: Enhanced market access for selected value chains
• Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced
• Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards
• Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated In relation to Specific Objective 2: Enhanced export competitiveness for MSMEs in selected value chains
• Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification
• Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export While UNIDO is in charge of implementing output 1.2 and 2.1., ITC is responsible for the implementation of output 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2. To ensure an overall coherent umbrella ATCMA framework, coordination and complementarity between the continental component and sub-regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation. Output 1.1 of the COMESA ATCMA programme aims to identify and then address regulatory and procedural market access barriers related to trade and investment, as well as to prevent the insurgence of new ones in relation to the implementation of AfCFTA and other relevant trade and investment agreements covering the COMESA region. For the purpose of this job description, the focus will be on market access barriers that are regulatory in nature and related to po...