Ghana AfCFTA Intern

Work Location

Remote

Expected duration

6 Months

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: Implementation of the landmark African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement is expected to boost intra-African trade significantly. This potential, however, will not be realised without measures to support Africa’s private sector to take advantage of preferential market access under the Agreement. The strategic importance of Ghana in the AfCFTA ecosystem is underscored by its role as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, positioning the country as a central hub for continental trade policy coordination, stakeholder engagement, and implementation dialogue. This creates a unique opportunity for in-country programming that is closely aligned with continental processes, while remaining responsive to national priorities and private sector needs. For almost sixty years, the International Trade Centre has enabled MSMEs in developing economies to become more competitive and connect to international markets. To upscale support to African businesses under the AfCFTA, in 2020, ITC launched a new corporate programme called “One Trade Africa” (OTA) to empower, enhance and enable African MSMEs to access new and transformative market opportunities created by the AfCFTA. At its core, One Trade Africa places a strong focus on enterprises led by women and youth entrepreneurs. Within this framework, Ghana represents a priority implementation country where OTA interventions can be closely coordinated with the AfCFTA Secretariat, national institutions, and regional stakeholders. Proximity to these actors enables real-time engagement, rapid feedback loops, and stronger alignment between policy, ecosystem support, and enterprise-level interventions One Trade Africa adopts a three-pronged delivery model which supports African MSMEs to compete, connect and change at the enterprise, business ecosystem and policy levels. 1. MSMEs are sensitised and trained on how to access AfCFTA opportunities through introducing changes to their operations. 2. Actors in the business ecosystem such as business support organisations (BSOs) are strengthened to deliver relevant and tailored services to support MSME competitiveness in a new world with the AfCFTA. 3. National, regional, and continental policymakers and regulators receive on-demand technical support to set the rules of the game in which MSMEs can thrive under the AfCFTA. One Trade Africa coordinates engagement with the principal partner of the AfCFTA Secretariat and other Accra-based institutions, all with a priority focus on AfCFTA implementation. In this context, ITC’s Office for Africa is recruiting an intern to support the implementation of the One Trade Africa programme, with a specific focus on Ghana’s role as a strategic AfCFTA implementation hub. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The intern will work closely with the ITC AfCFTA Liaison Advisor based in Accra, Ghana, under the direct supervision of the OTA Programme Manager, and the overall guidance of Acting Chief of the Office for Africa, DCP/OA : to support the delivery of OTA activities in Ghana and engagement with the AfCFTA Secretariat. The role will contribute directly to strengthening ITC’s in-country presence and responsiveness to AfCFTA-related opportunities. Project Management Support • Support the implementation of OTA programme activities in Ghana, ensuring alignment with national priorities and AfCFTA processes • Assist in coordinating activities that involve the AfCFTA Secretariat and Accra-based partners • Track progress of Ghana-based interventions and contribute to adaptive programme management based on field realities • Provide logistical support for in-country events, including stakeholder consultations, trainings, and policy dialogues • Support with actioning follow up actions from meetings. Coordination and Liaison • Work closely with the AfCFTA Liaison Advisor and relevant stakeholders to ensure coherent and needs-driven AfCFTA and country-level interventions in Ghana • Support coordination with Ghanaian government agencies, BSOs, and private sector actors • Assist in maintaining strong working relationships with local stakeholders to ensure effective programme delivery • Contribute to the organisation of high-level visits, meetings, and consultations involving AfCFTA stakeholders Research • Conduct background research on AfCFTA-related topics, MSME development, and regional trade issues • Support data collection and basic analysis to inform programme design and reporting • Monitor developments related to AfCFTA implementation in Ghana and at the Secretariat level • Support the preparation of policy briefs, briefing notes, and analytical inputs to inform OTA interventions Communications • Capture and communicate insights, success stories, and lessons learned from OTA activities in Ghana • Support visibility efforts linked to ITC’s engagement with the AfCFTA Secretariat and national stakeholders • Contribute to communication materials that highlight Ghana’s role in advancing AfCFTA implementation LEARNING ELEMENTS 1. Develop proficiency in project management techniques, by enhancing skills in organizing and coordinating events and training programs, including logistics management, scheduling, and budgeting. Learn how to effectively support the implementation of projects in the field, collaborating with officers and country partners. 2. Deepen knowledge on Africa’s regional integration process underpinned by the African Continental Free Trade Area by undertaking comprehensive desk research, engaging with African partners and stakeholders, and supporting the implementation of interventions to support MSMEs, women and youth to compete and trade across the continent.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION Applicants to the programme shall, at the time of application, meet one of the following requirements: a) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or b) Be enrolled in the final academic year of a first university degree programme (minimum bachelor’s level or equivalent); c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined in a or b above) and, if selected, shall commence the internship within one year of graduation. Relevant field of studies e.g. business studies, international trade, foreign affairs and development. Computer literate, particularly with relation to Microsoft Office and social media. Good communication and analytical skills and the capacity to present findings clearly in writing and orally. Consultancy and/or intern / junior officer experience would be an advantage.

Languages

Knowledge of a second official ITC language a distinct plus.

Additional Information

Student work plans can be adjusted to achieve the academic requirements in their field of study or time can be made available to advance their academic obligations. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Intern Specific text

Interns are not financially remunerated by the United Nations. Costs and arrangements for travel, visas, accommodation and living expenses are the responsibility of interns or their sponsoring institutions. Interns who are not citizens or permanent residents of the country where the internship is undertaken, may be required to obtain the appropriate visa and work/employment authorization. Successful candidates should discuss their specific visa requirements before accepting the internship offer.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.