A U.S. Agency for International Development-funded project is seeking a chief of party to work with the West Africa Trade and Investment Hub, which is run by Abt Associates. The job is based in Accra, requires frequent travel in West Africa and starts July 1 or sooner.

The project is in the second year and will run until February 2018, with strong possibility of a one-year extension.

Abt Associates is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Associates was ranked as one of the top 20 global research firms in 2012 and also named one of the top 40 international development innovators.

The International Economic Growth (IEG) Division within Abt Associates conducts projects in agriculture, economic development, labor, privatization, environment, climate change and trade.

The chief of party will manage the Trade Hub’s entire project portfolio.

Candidates must demonstrate a record of results in export development, as well as an ability to design and carry out project activities in collaboration with multiple clients and stakeholders. Complete fluency in English and French are required, along with a master’s degree in export development, trade facilitation, agribusiness, agricultural economics, or related field and 10 to 15 years experience.

The successful candidate will oversee a staff of more than 30 employees based in three regional offices. He or she will report to the project director in the Abt Associates’ home office in Bethesda, Maryland.

he Trade Hub works through regional private sector associations and regional governmental entities to help channel partners’ efforts to address critical constraints to trade competitiveness, capture opportunities to expand regional and global trade, demonstrate West Africa’s productive potential to investors, and facilitate greater investment in the region.

The project is building the capacity of several key groups of African partners—regional private sector associations and alliances, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMOA). As the Trade Hub works with associations and regional alliances, it helps them serve as leaders in promoting reforms, attracting buyers and investors, and adopting improved practices.

To apply, send a CV/resume to linda.aines@internationalink.net and add “CoP – West Africa Trade Hub” in the subject line. Please include a list of at least three professional referees including name, contact information, including statement of relationship to the reference.

The deadline to apply is May 25, 2016.

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