Job Vacancies At Abt Associates – Regional Trade Director – ATIP Southern Africa South Africa

The International Development Division focuses on improving the lives and economic well-being of people in lower and middle-income countries. We command technical expertise in health, agriculture, climate change, food security and governance—as well as in international evaluation. Our multi-layered health portfolio includes policy, health promotion and disease prevention, health finance, and health systems management. In partnership with government clients and local experts, our high-quality programs in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East are known for impact and innovation.

Project Description

Abt Associates seeks qualified candidates in Africa for Regional Trade Director/Southern Africa. This position is located in South Africa for the anticipated USAID-funded Africa Trade and Investment Program (ATIP). ATIP will advance Prosper Africa’s goals to boost trade, increase investment, and support business-friendly policy reforms. Its team of transaction advisors will work closely with U.S. Embassy Deal Teams across Africa to identify and close deals. The program will complement the U.S. Government’s trade and investment tools through customized services – from business consulting and transaction facilitation to targeted policy interventions.

The program will have an office based in the Washington, D.C. area with regional offices supporting activities in West, East, and Southern Africa, and later North Africa. The program is a unique whole of government initiative, requiring coordination with USAID, Department of Commerce, State Department and others to complement the U.S. government’s trade and investment tools through regionally tailored services.

Job Summary

The Regional Trade Director will lead all activities in their region that support increasing trade between the U.S. and Africa, and s upport the improvement of the trade environment in Africa.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• For the assigned region, lead the strategy and implementation of trade enhancement between the US and Africa
• Develop and manage the region’s team of trade facilitators
• Collaborate with stakeholders including public and private stakehoders such as the regional or country-specific businesses that represent trade, and officials/deal teams in the U.S. Embassies, including USAID, Department of Commerce, Department of State, DFC, USTR and other USG entities, African governments and institutions such as Export Trade agencies, and private sector chambers of commerce
• Engage with government, private sector actors, and other stakeholders to address legal, policy and regulatory issues impeding or required for enhanced trade, including customs, sanitary/phytosanitary regulations, tariffs, intellectual property rights, and other aspects of the trade environment.
• Manage the coordination and technical aspects of subcontractor and grantee activities related to trade and export
• Work with the regional team’s trade specialists to understand and facilitate entrepreneur’s varying needs for meeting trade regulatory requirements and apply expertise to individual business opportunities
• Develop and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders and partners

• Manage and report on trade activities as required to meet USAID program requirements

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or Master Degree in business, business and/or trade law, economics, or similar field
• At least 12 years of professional experience working in private sector development
• Experience in export trade, including any experience working with the regulatory environment, intellectual property rights and other legal and policy issues affecting trade, customs, export requirements
• Experience working with public and private stakeholders and clients
• Relevant work experience in Africa
• At least 5 years of experience in a managerial or leadership role and collaborating with remote teams
• Fluency in English required

Minimum Qualifications

• (10+) years of experience and a bachelor degree OR the equivalent combination of education and experience

Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits