MANAGER – TRADE IN GOODS AND SERVICES

Location: EABC Secretariat, Arusha, Tanzania

Reporting to: Executive Director/CEO – East African Business Council (EABC)

1.    BACKGROUND

The East African Business Council (EABC) is the regional apex body of private sector associations and corporates from the eight East African countries. Established in 1997, it fosters the interests of the private sector in the integration process of the East African Community (EAC). EABC’s vision is a borderless East Africa for business and investment that delivers social and economic prosperity. Its mission is to advocate for a conducive business environment and promote sustainable private sector-driven growth in the EAC region.

EABC has ‘Observer Status’ in EAC policy formulation and decision-making processes. It is also recognized as a champion of regional private sector interests within the EAC Consultative Dialogue Framework and participates in the EAC-EABC Technical Working Group (TWG) on regional policy priorities impacting the private sector in the EAC.

EABC is implementing several regional programmes, including the LIFTED Project and AfCFTA-focused initiatives, which aim to support services trade readiness, reduce barriers to trade, and increase regional competitiveness in both services and goods trade. The EABC-AGRA Project, titled “Promoting Intra-EAC Agri-Food Cross-Border Trade by Addressing Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) to Trade,” seeks to enhance agri-food trade in the region.

EABC seeks to recruit a Manager – Trade in Goods and Services to lead the policy and advocacy component.

2. OBJECTIVE OF THE ASSIGNMENT

The Manager – Trade in Goods and Services will lead EABC’s policy and advocacy component, including research and analysis on the implementation of regional commitments, organizing public-private dialogues with the EAC Secretariat and governments, developing EABC’s Annual Policy Advocacy Agenda, building member capacity on regional and international trade agreements, and providing policy advice on trade and investment matters to members.

3.    KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy and Advocacy Leadership

• Lead development of EABC’s Policy Advocacy Agenda on goods and services.
• Provide policy advice on regional, continental, and international trade agreements and their implications for EABC members.
• Report on policy and advocacy activities to the EABC Policy and Advocacy Committee of the Governing Council.

Research and Analysis

• Coordinate research and analysis on trade and investment matters
• Prepare policy briefs, position papers, and technical reports to inform advocacy

Stakeholder Engagement and Public-Private Dialogue

• Organize and facilitate public-private dialogues and technical working groups meetings with the EAC Secretariat, government ministries, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the private sector in relevant EAC regional meetings and integration processes.

Project Management and Coordination

• Coordinate the planning, implementation, and monitoring of programmes/ projects.
• Supervise consultants and ensure quality delivery of project outputs.
• Prepare regular reports for internal use, partners, and donors.

Capacity Building and Awareness

• Organize capacity-building activities for EABC members and private sector actors

Institutional Support

• Contribute to the strengthening of EABC’s internal capacity on trade policy, project implementation, and regional engagement.
• Mentor staff and support institutional sustainability.

4. PLACEMENT

The Manager Trade in Goods and Services will be based at the EABC Headquarters in Arusha, Tanzania.

5. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERTISE

• Academic Qualification: Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in trade policy, regional integration, or advocacy. Proven experience in coordinating multi-stakeholder regional programmes, preferably in services and goods trade. Experience working with or within regional business associations or EAC institutions is an added advantage.
• Regional Integration: Strong understanding of the implications of the EAC Protocols and Commitments, the Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement (TFTA), the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and other EAC agreements with third parties on business and investment.
• Communication: Excellent skills in analytical writing, policy briefs, policy notes, and report writing.
• Advocacy: Ability to organize Public Private Dialogues, develop and present policy briefs and influence policy processes.
• Research Experience: Experience in conducting research on trade-related issues is an added advantage.
• Languages: Fluency in English is required; knowledge of Kiswahili or French is an asset.
• Coordination: Lead technical teams in organizing activities, dialogues, and policy engagements.
• Project Management: Demonstrated ability to manage and implement regional projects effectively.
• Nationality: Open to nationals of any of the EAC Partner States (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo).

6. Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements to be considered for the position:

• Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in trade policy, regional integration, or advocacy.
• Proven experience coordinating multi-stakeholder regional programmes, preferably in goods and services trade.
• Demonstrated understanding of EAC Protocols and Commitments, Tripartite Free Trade Area Agreement (TFTA), AfCFTA, and other relevant trade agreements.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kiswahili or French is an asset.
• Open to nationals of any EAC Partner State (Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo).

7.     APPLICATION PROCESS

Interested candidates should submit the following documents:

• A cover letter detailing their suitability for the role.
• A detailed CV outlining qualifications and relevant previous assignments.
• Contact details of at least three referees.
• Copies of academic transcripts and relevant professional certifications.
• A copy of a valid National ID or Passport.

Submission:
All applications must be sent via email to: 📧 procurement@eabc-online.com
CC: info@eabc-online.com Subject Vacancy  Manager Trade in Goods and Services

Deadline: 🕒 16th August, 2025, at 5:00 PM (EAT)

EABC is an equal opportunity employer. Recruitment is based on merit without regard to race, age, gender, disability, religion, or marital status. Canvassing will lead to automatic disqualification.