Since 1963 and in 146 countries, ACDI/VOCA has empowered people in developing and transitional nations to succeed in the global economy. Based in Washington, D.C., ACDI/VOCA is a nonprofit international development organization that delivers technical and management assistance in agribusiness, financial services, enterprise development, community development and food security in order to promote broad-based economic growth and vibrant civil society. ACDI/VOCA currently has approximately 60 projects in 30 countries and total revenues of $173 million.
Export Business Development Director, Southern Africa
We are currently seeking an Export Business Development Director for the anticipated USAID-funded Southern Africa Trade Hub program. The project’s primary focus will be to increase international competitiveness, intra-regional trade and food security in Southern Africa. To achieve this objective, technical components will include improving the enabling environment for regional trade; enhancing the integration and competitiveness of regional value chains; and increasing international and regional trade. Export Business Development Director responsibilities will include:
Responsibilities:
• Design and implement technical assistance interventions to improve international competitiveness of target commodities at all levels of the value chain. Focus of those strategies should be on investment attraction and facilitation, commercial partnerships, and trade expansion.
• Improve ability of Southern African countries and firms to benefit from AGOA preferences. Lead coordinated efforts to develop AGOA strategies, and monitor progress in implementing those strategies across all countries.
• Develop mechanisms for targeted promotion and knowledge sharing of AGOA benefits and rules of trade.
• Establish commercially viable and sustainable partnerships with national and regional entities involved in export promotion and trade capacity building including export promotion bodies, business associations and councils, and regional economic blocks.
Minimum Qualifications:
- M.S., M.B.A., or other post-graduate degree in trade, economics, business, marketing or other relevant field
- At least ten years of relevant experience, five of which should be in developing countries, preferably in Southern Africa
- Trade promotion and market linkages development experience required
- Experience educating firms as to AGOA objectives, provisions, procedures and eligibility requirements
- Experience in expanding awareness of the benefits, provisions and procedures of regional trade agreements to private sector organizations and government officials
- Demonstrated experience helping developing country firms meet the requirements for exporting goods, including agricultural goods, to the United States and other international markets with regard to meeting regional and international standards and external market demand (e.g., formation of strategic alliances with buyer organizations)
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders in a multi-country setting;
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to use the latest ICT technology and computer software programs
- Excellent English
HOW TO APPLY:
Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55C6D361D43515B7E59192F7757186D0C627B4D. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.
