ECONOMIST - SOUTHERN AFRICAN CUSTOMS UNION

The Southern African Customs Union (SACU) has adopted a Vision and Mission statement and a new Work Programme for promoting sustainable development and deeper integration within the SACU region. The SACU Secretariat hereby invites suitably qualified and experienced citizens of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Swaziland and South Africa to submit their applications for the following position.

Job Title for the Position: Economist (Ref- EC)

Main Purpose of the Job:
To support the Secretariat to effectively implement the SACU Work Programme in order to achieve the objectives of the SACU Agreement by providing a professional service with regard to research and technical analysis in the areas of economic policy and revenue management. Specifically, partake in the provision of analytical support in the areas of economic research in so far as it relates to SACU economies.

Requirements

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Undertake research, prepare analytical papers on Member States economic performance, assess social, economic and political developments that may impact the achievement of the objectives of SACU Agreement and advise Management accordingly.
• Contribute to the design and execution of the SACU Work Programme, in particular the design and execution of programmes aimed at deepening integration in SACU;
• Coordinate the implementation of Council decisions pertaining to Economic Policy and Revenue Management;
• Undertake economic research and prepare policy briefs and working papers revenue management issues;
• Provide technical support to the review of the revenue sharing arrangement by preparing background and analytical papers, and ensure an effective implementation of the new revenue sharing arrangement;
• Monitor the adequacy and accuracy of financial information on flows into the Common Revenue Pool and prepare analytical reports on the performance of the Common Revenue Pool;
• Coordinate, facilitate and oversee the preparation and presentation of Economic Background papers by Member States.
• Coordinate the preparation of annual reports on Member States economic performance;
• Monitor continental and regional economic developments that may impact on the SACU Work Programme and provide Policy briefings;
• Collaborate with regional and international research institutions, development partners and other relevant stakeholders in the areas of economic analysis to meet SACU research needs with respect to economic policy development and revenue management;
• Represent SACU Secretariat in regional and international forums pertaining to economic issues relevant to SACU Work Programme and build networks with a view to source and facilitate the provision of technical assistance and capacity building initiatives and programmes for SACU;
• Serve as a focal point on economic issues to external/internal stakeholders;

Academic Qualifications Required:

• Master’s degree with emphasis on trade, economics and/or finance or equivalent post graduate qualification.

Relevant work experience and Competencies Required

• Minimum 7 years relevant experience with 4 years at senior level.
• Computer literate in MS word.
• Proven track record in the management and administration of the above job requirements in a multilateral organization.
• Strong quantitative/statistical, analytical and data management skills.
• Computer literate in MS Office.
• Excellent knowledge of regional and multilateral trading systems and rules.
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of the SACU Member States’ macroeconomic, fiscal and trade policy environment.
• Experience in engaging with regional and international organizations with a view to further technical cooperation.
• Excellent understanding of regional integration issues.
• Excellent conceptual, research and analytical skills
• Performance driven.

Closing date and application instructions

Applications must be accompanied by a detailed CV, e-mail and telephone contact details, certified copies of ID, educational qualifications and at least 3 contactable references. Quote the reference number and job title. Applications must be submitted to Human Resources Manager, SACU Secretariat, Private Bag 13285, Windhoek, Namibia. Fax: +264 61 245 611 or +264 61 279 864 / email: applications@sacu.int

The closing date for applications is 18th June 2015.

For further information, please visit our website at www.sacu.int.

Should you have received no response within 4 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful in this instance, as correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only.