Summary

The GIZ “Support to regional integration” programme works to improve framework conditions for economic growth in the EAC by removing identified trade barriers, supporting value addition and assisting the business sector in developing policy recommendations, among other areas. In the area of trade SEAMPEC assists the EAC to jointly formulate harmonized positions in the negotiations for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Furthermore, the programme supports strengthening the legal and regulatory framework thereby removing identified trade barriers in the services sector- including tourism, professional services and ICT- and unlocking private sector capacity to take advantage of market opportunities.

LIFTED (Leveraging Integration Frameworks for Trade in Services and Civil Society Organizations in the East African Community) is a new component of the programme co-funded by the EU and the BMZ with the overall objective of increasing regional trade in services and civil society engagement in the framework of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) for people centered EAC integration. The initiative is anchored in the EAC Treaty whose goal is to deepen co-operation among the Partner States in economic and social fields.

It also contributes to the realization of the EAC common market through accelerating growth and development by facilitating free movement of services. In addition, LIFTED is aligned to several regional strategic frameworks including the EAC Strategy on Trade in Services, the 6th EAC Development Strategy, the EAC Gender and Youth policies as well as the EAC-Consultative Dialogue Framework (CDF). LIFTED is expected to commence in early 2024 for a duration of up to 36 months. It will be implemented in partnership with the EAC Secretariat and selected regional private sector and civil society organizations.

Focusing on the current seven EAC Partner States, this component is expected to lead to an increase in trade in services and inclusive regional economic trade policies by delivering the following outputs:

• Trade barriers in TiS(Trade in Services) are analyzed; policies properly defined and commitments
• Awareness of export opportunities is enhanced for private sector, including for women and youths.
• Commitments in the tourism sector are implemented and sector growth is enhanced.
• Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) are implemented, particularly for the engineering sector and other professional services.
• Enhanced legislative and policy framework to widen the space for CSOs in the EAC region and Partner States.
• Enhanced participation of Women and Youth in decision- and policy making in the EAC

The Output 4 will be implemented in collaboration with the GIZ DIGEAT project (Digitalisation for East African Trade & Integration), in partnership with the EAC Secretariat.

GIZ is seeking to recruit a Policy Advisor for regional Mutual Recognition Agreements to contribute to the implementation of the objectives of LIFTED by providing technical advisory support for regional Mutual Recognition Agreements, also in the area of tourism.

 

Responsibilities

Advisory Services of regional Mutual Recognition Agreements and cross-border mobility

• Lead the review and negotiation of MRAs for engineers and other regulated professions within the EAC.
• Collaborate with EAC member states, regulatory bodies, and stakeholders to facilitate the establishment of MRAs.
• Conduct thorough benchmarking and analysis of academic and professional qualifications across member states.
• Identify gaps and areas for alignment and harmonization to ensure uniform standards and recognition.
• Support capacity development of professional regulators implementing MRAs.
• Support the establishment of common Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the registration of engineers.

Multi-Stakeholder Forum Management

• Organize and lead multi-stakeholder forums, bringing together government officials, regulatory bodies, educational institutions, and industry representatives to address topical issues on MRAs and cross- border mobility of professionals.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing, and consensus building among stakeholders.
• Provide expert legal advice and analysis on the free movement and mutual recognition agreement process.

Digital Cross-Border Recognition/Certification Procedures:

• Provide quality checks on digital procedures for cross-border recognition and certification in terms of benchmarking and process steps
• Support to ensure users in Competent Authorities and other stakeholders are onboarded and trained.
• Develop and co-ordinate regular review of the process to identify areas for amendment.

General programme management

• Support the project manager responsible for Output 4 with advisory and regular progress reporting on the assigned work packages.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to ensure the successful implementation of integration projects.
• Efficiently manage resources, budgets, and timelines for assigned activities.
• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation plans to assess the impact and success of assigned activities.
• Contribute to knowledge management within the project and the wider GIZ-EAC Cluster.
• Maintain an excellent communication and information flow between institutions, counterparts, and GIZ
• Provide inputs for communication, visibility, monitoring and reporting.
• Perform other duties and tasks at the request of management.

Education and Qualifications

• A Master's or Degree in a relevant field such as international relations, law, education, or a related discipline.
• In-depth knowledge of EAC treaties, protocols and annexes related to the free movement of professionals.
• Proven track record in developing MRAs and facilitating their implementation.
• Strong understanding of academic and professional benchmarking methodologies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including conveying complex procedural concepts to a diverse composed audience Proficiency in English; knowledge of Swahili or other EAC official languages is an advantage, and German is an asset.

Requirements

• Minimum of seven (7) years of relevant experience in mutual recognition agreements for professional qualifications, particularly in engineering or other regulated professions.
• Experience in managing cross-border digital recognition/certification procedures.

Characteristics

• Strong knowledge of the East African Integration agenda and especially the Common Market and Customs Union.
• Excellent communication and report writing skills.
• Ability to work independently, structure tasks and familiarize oneself with M&E and communication aspects of trade and civil society initiatives.
• Flexibility and ability to work under time constraints.
• Fluency in English is vital, French and Kiswahili would be an asset.
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity and high commitment to intergrity.
• Willingness to up skill as required by the tasks to be perfomed.
• Work experience with GIZ and/or European Delegations.