Principal Officer – Trade in Services (AfCFTA)

Location: Accra, Ghana
Organization: African Union
Employment Type: Full-Time
Application Deadline: 17 July 2026

About the African Union

The African Union (AU) is the premier continental organization driving Africa’s integration, prosperity, peace, and sustainable development. Through the implementation of Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the AU works closely with Member States, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), development partners, and stakeholders to create a more integrated and competitive African economy.

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated professional to join our team as Principal Officer – Trade in Services (AfCFTA). This strategic role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to the implementation of one of Africa’s most transformative economic initiatives by supporting trade in services negotiations, policy development, and capacity-building efforts across the continent.

Position Summary

The Principal Officer – Trade in Services will provide high-level technical expertise and strategic support for the implementation of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services. The role will lead and coordinate services trade negotiations, support State Parties in implementing commitments, develop policy recommendations, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and contribute to the advancement of Africa’s services trade agenda.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the Committee on Trade in Services, its subsidiary bodies, and broader efforts to facilitate market integration and economic development across Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Policy Development and Technical Leadership

• Provide technical leadership for the implementation of activities under the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services and related initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of strategies, policies, programmes, and operational plans aligned with Directorate priorities.
• Support the development and implementation of business continuity plans and risk mitigation measures.
• Conduct research, policy analysis, and horizon scanning on emerging trade in services issues to inform policy decisions and negotiations.
• Develop technical guidance notes, policy papers, reports, recommendations, and knowledge products to support implementation efforts.

Trade in Services Negotiations and Implementation

• Support and coordinate trade in services negotiations under the AfCFTA framework.
• Assist State Parties in developing offers and preparing schedules of specific commitments across services sectors.
• Provide technical guidance on market access and national treatment commitments under the Protocol on Trade in Services.
• Support the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of negotiated commitments by State Parties.
• Advise Member States on legal and technical issues relating to services trade negotiations and implementation obligations.
• Facilitate consultations on the domestication of commitments and regulatory reforms at national and regional levels.

Support to Committees and Negotiation Structures

• Coordinate and provide technical support to the Committee on Trade in Services, Sub-Committees, technical working groups, and negotiation platforms.
• Support the Sub-Committee on Specific Commitments in reviewing and monitoring State Parties’ schedules of commitments.
• Assess compliance of commitments with the provisions of the AfCFTA Protocol on Trade in Services.
• Monitor the removal of non-conforming measures and barriers to trade in services.
• Support processes relating to modifications of schedules and compensatory adjustments in accordance with AfCFTA obligations.
• Prepare annual status reports and technical assessments to facilitate future negotiations and implementation reviews.

Capacity Building and Technical Assistance

• Design and deliver training programmes, workshops, and technical assistance initiatives for State Parties and stakeholders.
• Develop practical tools, manuals, and training materials on services trade negotiations and implementation.
• Support the design, management, and delivery of technical assistance projects relating to trade in services.
• Identify capacity gaps and recommend interventions to strengthen institutional and technical capabilities.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Development

• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with State Parties, RECs, development partners, private sector organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across institutions involved in AfCFTA implementation.
• Contribute to resource mobilization initiatives and programme development efforts.

Representation and Reporting

• Represent the Division and Directorate at regional and international meetings, negotiations, conferences, workshops, and stakeholder consultations.
• Prepare progress reports, briefing notes, technical inputs, and contributions for the Secretary-General’s Annual Report and other institutional reporting mechanisms.
• Provide regular updates on programme implementation, negotiation outcomes, and emerging developments in trade in services.

Other Responsibilities

• Support the Head of Division in implementing the Division’s Annual Action Plan and strategic objectives.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Head of Division or Directorate in support of the AfCFTA agenda.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Master’s Degree in:

• International Trade
• Development Economics
• International Relations
• International Business
• International Law
• Political Science
• Or a closely related discipline

with a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including:

• At least 6 years at managerial or expert level; and
• At least 3 years in a supervisory role.

OR

Bachelor’s Degree in any of the above fields with a minimum of 12 years of progressively responsible professional experience, including:

• At least 6 years at managerial or expert level; and
• At least 3 years in a supervisory role.

Required Skills and Competencies

Technical and Professional Skills

• Demonstrated expertise in international trade policy and trade in services negotiations.
• Strong understanding of regional and international trade agreements and policy frameworks.
• Excellent analytical, research, and policy development capabilities.
• Strong report-writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proven negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple priorities effectively.
• Strong planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience leading teams and fostering high performance.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make strategic recommendations.
• Commitment to achieving results and meeting deadlines.

Language Requirements

• Proficiency in one of the African Union official working languages (Arabic, English, French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Swahili) is required.
• Fluency in an additional African Union official language is highly desirable.

Leadership Competencies

• Developing Others
• Strategic Insight
• Change Management
• Managing Risk

Core Competencies

• Building Relationships
• Fostering Accountability
• Learning Orientation
• Communicating with Influence

Functional Competencies

• Conceptual Thinking
• Job Knowledge and Information Sharing
• Drive for Results
• Continuous Improvement Orientation

How to Apply

Apply online by clicking on the application button.