Country Director / Strategic Expert Abuja

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a leading Aid-for-Trade organisation founded in 2010 to grow intra-African trade, increase Africa’s share in global trade, and make trade more pro-poor and sustainable. We operate on a not-for-profit basis, funded by a strong coalition of development partners including Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, the Gates Foundation, Ireland, the Mastercard Foundation, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the United Kingdom. TMA works closely with regional and continental institutions, national governments, the private sector, and civil society to unlock trade and investment opportunities across the continent. We are  recruiting to fill the position below:

 Job Title: Country Director / Strategic Expert 

Location: Abuja Job Summary

TradeMark Africa (TMA) is seeking a Country Director to lead its Nigeria team and portfolio and serve as its Strategic Expert for the ECOWAS Trade and Transport Facilitation Programme (TTF-ECOWAS). The Country Director will develop and implement TMA’s Nigeria strategy, grow the country portfolio, and coordinate with regional corridor programmes, including the Abidjan–Lagos corridor. TTF-ECOWAS is the ECOWAS-anchored component of the EU’s Trade and Transport Facilitation Measures for Strategic Corridors in West Africa. GIZ leads implementation in partnership with TMA and ENABEL. The Country Director will hold TMA’s programme budget, be accountable for its delivery and results, and serve as TMA’s day-to-day counterpart to the ECOWAS Commission, consortium partners and the EU on the programme.

TTF-ECOWAS strategy, budget and delivery (60%) Set the direction for TMA’s contribution and lead its part of the six-month inception phase, including  recruitment, office setup and monitoring arrangements. Oversee workplans, budgets, expenditure, procurement and reporting. Represent TMA on the regional steering and technical coordination committees and connect regional reforms with corridor-level implementation. Nigeria country programme delivery and development (15%) Develop and implement TMA’s Nigeria strategy in line with regional priorities and Nigeria’s implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Lead delivery of the existing portfolio, develop new programmes and secure donor investment. Integrate inclusion, safeguarding and climate considerations into programme delivery. Stakeholder engagement and partnership development (10%) Build senior relationships with the Government of Nigeria, the ECOWAS Commission, the AfCFTA Secretariat, development partners, the private sector and civil society. Represent TMA in national and international forums. Team management (10%) Lead and develop the Nigeria-based teams. Coordinate delivery with TMA’s country offices, corridor programmes, technical teams and consortium partners. Corporate responsibilities (5%) Support effective programme governance, provide strategic input to TMA’s oversight bodies, and promote learning, inclusion, integrity and compliance.

Qualifications and Experience

Undergraduate or postgraduate Degree, preferably in Economics, Development Studies, International Trade, Planning, Finance or Management. At least 12 years of relevant work experience for undergraduate degree holders or 10 years for postgraduate degree holders. At least seven years of experience leading business units or development programmes, particularly in infrastructure development, trade facilitation, customs or private sector engagement. At least 10 years of progressively senior leadership and management experience in West Africa or other developing economies. Proven experience as budget holder for a donor-funded programme, preferably an EU-funded programme implemented by a consortium or multiple partners. Demonstrable experience in programme cycle management and delivery, political economy analysis, donor management and fundraising. Experience working with regional economic communities, preferably the ECOWAS Commission, and with government institutions in Nigeria.

Ability to think strategically and plan and deliver complex programmes. Strong political networks and influencing skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas clearly in writing and in person. Well-developed technical knowledge of the AfCFTA, ECOWAS trade and transport instruments, customs, trade facilitation and regional trade integration in West Africa and across Africa. Proven ability to lead diverse teams, manage performance, deliver change and achieve results. Ability to build and maintain partnerships with development and consortium partners, senior government officials, civil society and business organisations. Sound financial management, decision-making, judgement, problem-solving, organisational and analytical skills. Fluency in English, including strong writing under time pressure and excellent presentation skills. A good working knowledge of French is essential.

Knowledge of EU contracting, financial and reporting rules, particularly contribution agreements. Knowledge and practical experience in grant management or risk assessment in a development organisation. Familiarity with digital trade and customs connectivity systems in West Africa.

22nd November, 2026. How to Apply

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