1. Introduction

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the East African Business Council (EABC), responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational management, and ensuring the achievement of the organization’s mission, goals, and objectives. The ED reports to the Governing Council and acts as the primary link between the Board, staff, and stakeholders.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this ToR is to define the scope of authority, roles, responsibilities, and expectations for the Executive Director to ensure effective leadership and governance of EABC. Below are the key responsibilities and roles of the ED.

3. Key Responsibilities and Roles

3.1 Strategic Leadership and Implementation

Provide visionary leadership in executing the EABC Strategic Plan by developing annual work plans and budgets approved by the Executive Committee, overseeing implementation, and establishing robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to track progress and impact.

3.2 Organizational Management

Lead and manage the EABC Secretariat, ensuring optimal performance across programmatic, financial, administrative, and communication functions. Foster a motivated, collaborative, and high-performing team committed to achieving organizational goals.

3.3 Policy Advocacy and Engagement

Develop and execute effective policy advocacy strategies on critical issues affecting the EAC business community. Ensure active engagement of EABC members and the broader business sector in shaping, implementing, and monitoring regional public policies.

3.4 Public-Private Dialogue

Foster strong relationships and continuous public-private dialogue with the EAC Secretariat and key EAC decision-making organs and institutions, including the Heads of State Summit,

Council of Ministers, Sectoral Councils, Committees, East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), East African Court of Justice (EACJ), and the Inter-University Council for East Africa (IUCEA).

3.5 Resource Mobilization and Partnerships

Identify and mobilize diverse resources to support the implementation of the EABC Strategic Plan. Cultivate strategic partnerships with development partners, private sector entities, and institutions supporting EAC integration. Develop and roll out innovative revenue-generation products and services beyond membership fees and grants. Enhance institutional sustainability by mobilizing a minimum of USD 600,000 in annual income to fully cover operational expenditures and support program implementation.

3.6 Membership Retention, Expansion, and Engagement

Enhance EABC’s influence and outreach within the business community by designing and implementing strategies, services, and products to retain and increase membership and ensure active participation in regional, continental, and global integration processes.

3.7 Visibility and Communication

Elevate EABC’s profile and visibility by implementing a comprehensive communication plan that effectively promotes the organization’s work, achievements, and regional impact.

3.8 Governance and Compliance

Ensure strong organizational governance by maintaining close collaboration with the EAC Executive Committee, Governing Council, and its Committees. Implement Board decisions effectively and uphold transparency, accountability, and organizational integrity.

3.9 Strategic Partnerships and Alliances

Cultivate and sustain strategic alliances with regional, continental, and international organizations to advance EABC’s agenda, foster regional integration, and promote the interests of the East African business community.

3.10 Knowledge and Best Practices

Harness regional, national, and international best practices to enhance private sector participation in policy dialogue, regional integration, and economic development initiatives.

3.11 Programmatic Innovation and Growth

Perform additional activities necessary to advance the interests of the EAC business community, aligned with EABC’s mandate and strategic objectives to foster sustainable growth and development.

3.12 Financial Stewardship

Ensure prudent, transparent, and effective management of EABC’s financial resources. Uphold accountability standards and ensure compliance with applicable financial policies, regulations, and development partners’ project agreements.

4. Qualifications and Experience

Candidates applying for the position of Executive Director of the East African Business Council (EABC) must meet the following minimum qualifications and experience:

Education:

• A Master’s degree in Economics, Public Policy, International Trade from a recognized institution.

• Additional professional qualifications or certifications in corporate governance, leadership, or financial management will be an added advantage.

Eligibility

• This position is open to qualified individuals who are nationals of East African Community (EAC) Partner States, namely: Burundi, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Somalia.

Experience:

• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior executive or managerial role in a regional, international, or private sector organization.

• Demonstrated experience in policy advocacy, regional integration, private sector development, and stakeholder engagement at national, regional, and international levels.

• Proven track record in resource mobilization, project management, strategic planning, and institutional development.

• Sound knowledge of the East African Community (EAC) integration agenda, regional trade and investment issues, and international development frameworks.

• Experience in working with development partners, government institutions, private sector actors, and regional economic communities.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership, strategic thinking, and negotiation skills.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.

• High integrity, results-oriented, and able to work under pressure and tight deadlines.

• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French and/or Kiswahili will be an added advantage.

• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms relevant to modern organizational management.

5. Application Requirements

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

1. A motivation letter expressing interest and suitability for the position;
2. A detailed and updated CV including references – Contact details (email and telephone) of at least three (3) professional referees.
3. Certified copies of academic and professional certificates;
4. National ID or Passport

All applications should be submitted via email to:

procurement@eabc-online.com

CC: info@eabc-online.com  | chairperson@eabc-online.com

Deadline for submission: 29^th January 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The East African Business Council (EABC) is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals who are nationals of EAC Partner States, without discrimination based on race, gender, religion.

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