Job Details

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July 1 2020
Arlington , Virginia , United States

Background:

Nathan is a leading provider of analytic and economic consultancy services worldwide. In the past decade, we have implemented more than 120 projects in more than 50 countries leveraging our global presence in Washington DC, London, and India. From improved transparency and deeper stakeholder engagement to more effective policies and more resilient businesses, we deliver results that impact economic growth, human development, and poverty reduction. We are passionate about applying our deep analytical expertise and advanced proprietary tools to generate economic solutions tailored to our clients’ unique challenges.  Nathan focuses on a range of economic development subject matter areas including Trade & Logistics; Economic Policy & Governance; Private Sector Development; Women’s Economic Empowerment; and Financial Solutions.  

Nathan is seeking a Director of Trade Facilitation for the upcoming Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATIP). This expected $400-750 million new program will work to expand African trade and investment in support of implementing the USG’s Prosper Africa initiative and USAID’s Private Sector Engagement policy. Objective 1, Increased Trade, is expected to have four main components: a) market intelligence, b) business-to-business linkages, c) emerging sector analysis, and d) support new business and sourcing relationships. ATIP will support trade, investment and PSE programming that drives development outcomes in all sectors. Illustrative technical capacities will include: 1) increased trade, 2) increased investment, 3) improved business environment, 4) leveraging strategic African, U.S., and international partners and resources, and 5) institutional support to USAID.

PosITION Summary: The Director of Trade Facilitation will report to the COP and coordinate all technical assistance activities under Objective 1 with field staff, short-term consultants, and Nathan home office personnel. S/he may also be responsible for the implementation of additional specific technical tasks within the project (to be determined according to needs and expertise).

 KEY RESPOSIBILITIES:

• Support strategy development in areas of trade facilitation and trade policy and lead execution of such activities throughout the duration of the ATIP project, including but not limited to activities that assist market intelligence, business-to-business linkages, export promotion, emerging sector analysis, and supporting new business and sourcing relationships;
• Engage governments, regional organizations, US agencies, and private sector associations to develop, prioritize, and execute strategies to advocate for rules and administrative systems conducive for investment and trade between the United States and Africa;
• Develop linkages with international and regional trade facilitation and transport/logistics associations to broaden advocacy on policy interventions;
• Provide technical and administrative oversight in the execution of studies, workshops, training and other activities related to Trade Facilitation activities undertaken by ATIP;
• Work closely with in-country team, partner institutions and beneficiary firms to deliver effective technical assistance trade facilitation support;
• Liaise with local government, USG partners, regional organizations, civil society organizations and other donors to coordinate activities and achieve the goals and objectives of the activity; and
• Promote the program among prospective participants, coordinate their selection, and monitor progress towards goals and expected results.

• An advanced degree (MA/MBA) from an accredited university in trade, business administration, marketing, finance, or economics is required;
• Extensive experience in trade facilitation and development of policy proposals and activities on trade facilitation including those related to the implementation of the WTO Agreements on Trade Facilitation of commodities;
• Preferably 10-15+ years of relevant experience in implementing strategic and operational elements of large-scale international business and economic development projects;
• Experience in and understanding of the African trade facilitation and trade policy environment;
• Proven track record in working on trade facilitation, transport and macroeconomic policy issues will be an added advantage.
• Experience in engaging with regional and international organizations with a view to further technical cooperation; and
• Fluency in English is required. Proficiency in French, Portuguese, or Arabic would be a distinct advantage.