About the Organization
The United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a vital regional arm of the United Nations, established to promote the economic and social development of its member states. Through its Regional Integration and Trade Division (RITD) and African Trade Policy Centre (ATPC), the ECA plays a transformative role in supporting African nations as they navigate the complexities of international trade. The organization focuses on fostering intra-African trade and sustainable development, serving as a strategic partner to the African Union in realizing the ambitious goals of Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want.”
At the heart of the ECA’s mission is the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By providing technical expertise and policy support, the ECA helps countries translate continental agreements into national growth. The organization is deeply committed to ensuring that trade becomes an inclusive engine for development, specifically targeting the empowerment of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), women, and young entrepreneurs.
The ECA operates on a foundation of diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that sustainable economic progress requires the participation of all sectors of society. Our work environment encourages innovative thinking and cross-border collaboration to solve Africa’s most pressing economic challenges. We believe that by strengthening institutional capacities and regulatory transparency, we can build a more resilient and integrated continent.
The organization actively promotes a culture where professional excellence meets social impact. By joining the ECA as a consultant, you become part of a global network of experts dedicated to high-level policy reform and practical field-level implementation. We provide a platform for specialists to influence the future of African commerce while working alongside major stakeholders, including national ministries and international development partners like DANIDA.
In pursuit of a balanced and representative workforce, the ECA explicitly encourages women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply. We are committed to gender parity and inclusive recruitment practices, ensuring that our team reflects the diverse populations we serve across the African continent.
Job Description and Strategic Impact
This consultancy role is of paramount strategic importance to the successful implementation of the AfCFTA in Senegal. The primary objective is to develop a comprehensive, step-by-step “Guide for Trade in Goods,” a practical tool designed to demystify complex regulatory requirements for the private sector. By bridging the information gap, this role directly facilitates the participation of Senegalese businesses in the continental market, turning policy into tangible economic activity.
The “day-in-the-life” of this consultant involves high-level research, stakeholder engagement, and strategic drafting. You will be tasked with analyzing Senegal’s national trade policies and legal frameworks while collaborating closely with the Ministry of Industry and Trade and the National Union of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (UNCCIAS). Your work will involve transforming dense legal and economic data into accessible, actionable guidance for entrepreneurs.
This role offers significant career development opportunities for trade experts. Working under the auspices of the United Nations provides exposure to international trade negotiations and the inner workings of continental integration. It is an opportunity to showcase expert-level analysis on a prestigious platform, building a professional reputation as a leading authority on West African trade dynamics and AfCFTA implementation.
The impact of this mission is profound: it empowers local SMEs to expand their horizons beyond national borders. By providing transparency in customs procedures and regulatory demands, you are lowering the barriers to entry for thousands of businesses. Your contribution will help ensure that the AfCFTA achieves its potential as a driver of industrialization and poverty reduction in Senegal.
Ultimately, the successful candidate will leave a lasting professional legacy by producing a document that will serve as the foundation for future digital trade portals. You will be instrumental in fostering a more transparent, predictable, and inclusive business environment, directly contributing to Senegal’s economic resilience and the broader integration of the African continent.
Job Positions and Requirements
National Consultant – Trade Expert
Educational Qualification: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent/higher) in Economics, International Trade Law, Political Economy, or related fields. A PhD is considered an asset.
Work Experience: A minimum of seven years of experience in research and/or analysis related to trade. Proven knowledge of AfCFTA, Senegalese trade policies, and the local institutional context is required.
Job Location: Home-based / Remote (with coordination in Addis Ababa and Senegal).
Salary: Per Scale (Consultant Level).
No. Required: 1
Employment Type and Compensation
This is a consultancy contract with an expected duration of four months. The nature of the work is “Home-based,” offering the flexibility of remote work while maintaining strict alignment with the deliverables and timelines established by the ECA. This structure allows the expert to focus deeply on research and drafting while remaining available for virtual consultations and validation workshops.
The compensation package for this role is competitive and aligned with United Nations standards for international consultancy. It is designed to attract high-level experts who bring specialized knowledge to the project. Beyond the financial remuneration, the role offers the stability of working with a major international organization and the professional prestige associated with UN-level reporting and publication.
We prioritize a growth-oriented experience where consultants are integrated into the ECA’s broader mission. Although the contract is short-term, the professional connections and the high-level impact of the deliverables provide a strong foundation for future opportunities within the UN system or international development sector.
How to Apply
To ensure a streamlined application process, candidates are informed that scanned certificates or physical attachments are NOT required during the initial application phase. We encourage you to focus on the accuracy of your professional profile and the relevance of your experience as stated in your online application.
Original documents, including academic degrees and proof of experience, will be required only for physical verification if you reach the interview stage. This protocol is intended to simplify the early stages of recruitment for all qualified applicants. Please ensure your contact information is up to date to avoid missing important communications.
Please note that the United Nations recruitment process is highly competitive, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment. If you have not been contacted within a certain period after the deadline, you should assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.
Following the application deadline on May 5, 2026, the selection committee will conduct a thorough review. Successful candidates will be invited to discuss their methodology and previous experience in trade analysis. This role requires immediate availability to commence the four-month mission as soon as the selection process concludes.
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official United Nations recruitment portal. This is the primary and only recognized channel for applications. Ensure all required fields in the Job Opening ID: 275931 are completed accurately to be considered for the position.
Application Deadline
May 5, 2026
Official Application Link / Contact
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Applications must be submitted via the UN Inspira portal or the official “Apply Now” link on the job opening page.