Policy Officer – Trade (Local Agent Group 1) – Nairobi, Kenya | JP/08041

Job Title: Policy Officer – Trade (Local Agent Group 1) – Nairobi, Kenya

• Reference Number: JP/08041
• Location: European Union Delegation to the Republic of Kenya
• Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)
• Salary: Minimum 449,467 KES/month, plus benefits (pension scheme, medical insurance)

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Job Summary

The European Union (EU) Delegation to the Republic of Kenya is looking for an experienced Policy Officer – Trade to support the Head of Trade Section in handling trade and investment matters between the European Union and Kenya. This role is critical in coordinating the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and monitoring trade policies in Kenya and the East African region. The selected candidate will play a vital part in ensuring smooth diplomatic relations, engaging with local and international stakeholders, and representing the EU at various trade-related events.

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Key Responsibilities

As a Policy Officer – Trade, your primary duties will include:

Policy Coordination

• Monitor and analyze the implementation of the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and other trade agreements at both the national and regional levels.
• Track Kenya’s trade negotiations with multilateral and bilateral partners, including the UN, WTO, and FTAs.
• Assess and report on Kenya’s economic, fiscal, and trade policies, focusing on key areas such as market access, taxation, intellectual property rights, and foreign investments.
• Liaise with EU Member States and the local business community to facilitate access to Kenyan markets for EU exporters and investors.

Representation and Negotiation

• Establish working relationships with key local stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry, and other governmental bodies.
• Engage with EU Member State embassies and private sector representatives to discuss trade-related matters.
• Represent the EU in conferences, meetings, and trade-related events, presenting EU trade policies and promoting regional integration efforts, particularly with the East African Community (EAC).
• Participate in policy dialogue with donor agencies, governmental bodies, and international organizations focusing on trade and investment matters.

Management and Planning

• Support the Head of Trade Section in planning and organizing activities related to trade and investment.
• Coordinate missions from EU Headquarters and prepare reports on trade-related activities.

Communication and Publication

• Manage communication efforts within the Delegation regarding trade and investment, contributing to press releases, publications, and events.
• Prepare and disseminate reports on trade and investment trends in the region, focusing on EPA implementation, regional integration, and other trade-related matters.

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Qualifications and Experience

Educational Requirements

• University degree (minimum three years) in Economics, Business Administration, Trade, Finance, or a related field is required.

Professional Experience

• A minimum of three years of experience in economic and trade policy, with a focus on EU or WTO matters, is essential.
• Demonstrated experience in analysis and reporting on trade-related issues, preferably in an international setting (e.g., Embassy, International Organization, NGO).
• A solid understanding of EU institutions, decision-making processes, and external policies is a strong asset.
• Experience working in East Africa or on regional integration processes is advantageous.

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Skills and Competencies

Language Proficiency

• Excellent written and spoken English is essential. Knowledge of French is an advantage.
• Strong oral and written presentation skills are critical for representing the EU and communicating trade-related policies.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis tools is required.
• Ability to interpret trade data, forecast market trends, and present findings in clear, actionable reports.

Personal Attributes

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build positive working relationships with colleagues, government representatives, and stakeholders.
• High levels of integrity, discretion, and an ability to handle confidential information.
• Adaptability to work in a multicultural environment and under tight deadlines.
• Attention to detail and ability to prioritize tasks.

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Additional Requirements

• Applicants must be Kenyan nationals or hold a valid work permit for Kenya.
• Experience working with EU Delegations or other international organizations in trade-related fields is a plus.
• Ability to multitask and manage various projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

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How to Apply

To apply for this position, please submit the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae (CV) using the Europass template. Click here to access the template.
2. Motivation Letter, addressed to the Head of EU Delegation to the Republic of Kenya, outlining why you are suited for this position.
3. Scanned copies of degrees and certificates verifying your qualifications.
4. Work references attesting to your relevant experience.

Application Submission

Submit your complete application package via email to eeasjobs-166@eeas.europa.eu. Please ensure the subject line reads: “JP/08041 Policy Officer – Trade”.

Deadline for Application

Applications must be submitted no later than October 17, 2024, 12:00 PM EAT.

TELEGRAM CHANNEL

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Selection Process

The selection process will include a documentary analysis, after which shortlisted candidates will be invited for a written test. Successful candidates will proceed to an interview phase. The final candidate will be offered an indefinite contract following a successful six-month probation period.

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About the European Union Delegation to Kenya

The European Union (EU) is a political and economic partnership between 27 European countries. It operates in global affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid, and collaboration with international organizations. The EU Delegation to the Republic of Kenya represents the EU’s values and interests in Kenya, working to promote trade relations, implement development aid programs, and support regional integration initiatives like those under the East African Community (EAC).

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Equal Opportunity Employer

The European Union Delegation to Kenya is committed to an equal opportunities policy and strives to ensure that no applicant is discriminated against based on race, gender, disability, or religion. We encourage applications from diverse backgrounds and will take necessary steps to provide accommodations for candidates with special needs.

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Privacy Notice

All personal data processed during the application, selection, and recruitment process will be handled in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 45/2001 of the European Parliament. The data will be used solely for the purpose of candidate evaluation and will be destroyed once recruitment is finalized. Should any monitoring or inspection be required by law, this data may be shared accordingly.

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Closing Remarks

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming a dedicated Policy Officer – Trade to our team. Join us in strengthening EU-Kenya trade relations and contributing to the economic development of the region.

For any queries, please contact the HR department at eeasjobs-166@eeas.europa.eu.

Application Deadline: October 17, 2024.