The African Union Commission (AUC) Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM) through its two Directorates is undertaking the development and harmonization of policies and programmes in supporting the implementation of continental frameworks such as the AU Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) strategy, African Commodities Strategy, the AU Action Plan for Boosting Intra-African Trade (BIAT) and supporting the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). These are namely; (1) Economic Development, Integration and Trade (EDIT) responsible for issues on trade policy development, and (2) Industry, Minerals, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (IMET). 

It is against this context, and based on priorities identified by the African Union Commission (AUC), Department of Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals (ETTIM), that Expertise France, proposes to provide technical assistance to the Department, through facilitating the recruitment of a youth volunteer. Under this programme, the youth volunteer will be assigned roles to support the implementation of key industrialization and trade policy frameworks under the mandates of the two Directorates. These interventions are envisaged to positively impact on the sustainability of the AfCFTA implementation process. The volunteer will thus, provide specialised technical support in specific areas informed by identified strategic current, emerging and future technical needs of the EITTIM Department, to enhance its mandate towards. This is part of the broader AUC continental human capital development programme that targets youth for ongoing mentorship in various fields/sectors, to better prepare them to effectively participate into Africa’s social, economic and political development agenda. The Youth Volunteer will be integrated into the Department’s work flow, delivering targeted technical support, informed by an agreed Work Plan developed in close collaboration with the Department. 

The youth Expert will have the following professional profile: Junior Trade, Tourism and Natural Resources Officer.

The Youth Expert will work under the direct supervision of the Head Division of Industry, Innovation and Minerals. While the majority of the tasks are on-site, work within the EITTIM Department at the AUC, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the youth volunteer may be requested to travel as part of the duties and responsibilities. In order to achieve the above-mentioned objective, the youth volunteer will be assigned to deliver the following role: 

Junior Trade, Tourism and Natural Resources Development Officer.

The Junior Trade, Tourism and Natural Resources Development Officer will perform the following tasks:

• Assist in the Department’s work flow focused on the development of regional, and continental trade policy to enhance implemenation of the AfCFTA agreement;
• Provide assistance to the Department in its work with Member States to facilitate Trade Facilitation and Customs Administration Measures under BIAT Action Plan;
• Participate in thematic research initiatives covering trade policy, trade facilitation, trade barriers, with a view to improve the continetal trade regime, as well as provide objective trade policy reforms at MS, and regional level, in the context of the AfCFTA implemenation;
• Provide administrative support during the organization of strategic Departmental events such as the Africa Integration Day, and the 3rd Intra-Africa Trade Fair (IATF);
• Provide programme support for the operationalization of the AU Action Plan for Boosting Intra-Africa Trade (BIAT) Agenda;
• Assist in packaging and promoting urban tourism products among the domestic and regional market;
• Provide assistance in developing a roadmap for mobilization of investments in the tourism sector to accelerate Africa’s inclusive socio-economic development and contribute towards expanding opportunities for Africa on the global Tourism value chain;
• Provide assistance to the Department’s workflow in the area of natural resources development, with special focus on mineral resources development (mineral beneficiation), oil and gas to promote resource-based regional value chains in the continent.
• Provide technical assistance in strengthening the continental networks of Commodity producers in the Minerals, Agriculture, Energy, oil and gas sectors; and
• Perform other duties and tasks that may assigned by the supervisor(s).

Core Competencies

• Ability to communicate clearly;
• Ability to write clearly and concisely;
• Be committed to work;
• Ability to work harmoniously in a multi-cultural environment; and
• Possess the highest standard of moral conduct and integrity

Expected Duration

• This placement is expected for an initial period of twelve (12) months, upon signature of the contract.