Programme Officer, Industrialisation and Special Economic Zones

The African Union Development Agency invites applicants who are citizens of African Union Member States for the post of Programme Officer, Industrialisation and Special Economic Zones.

Under the supervision of the Head of Infrastructure and Transport Unit, the purpose of the Programme Officer, Industrialisation and Special Economic Zones role is to lead AUDA-NEPAD’s technical work under the Industrialisation component of the ICD-SMC project, focused on the development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and industrial value chains at corridor ports across the project geography. Under the supervision of the Head of the Infrastructure and Transport Unit and working within the PMU, the incumbent provides specialist technical expertise on SEZ pre-feasibility, industrial and value-chain analysis, investment promotion and PPP-readiness for industrial and SEZ packages; supports Member States, RECs and SEZ authorities; and ensures that the component’s outputs are investment-ready and feed coherently into the Integrated Corridor Investment Prospectus for the Integrated Investor Forum.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of African industrialisation, SEZ frameworks, AfCFTA, local content and regional integration processes.

• Excellent written and oral communication, stakeholder engagement and partnership-building skills.

• Familiarity with environmental and social mainstreaming for industrial zones and infrastructure.

• Prior engagement with AUDA-NEPAD, ECOWAS, EAC, IOC, AfDB or Africa50.

• Proficiency in the use of computer applications, MS Office, and SAP ERP.

• Ability to perform multiple tasks and work under pressure with a wide range of individuals and institutions.

• Able to work under minimal supervision, be proactive, initiative and with sound judgment.

• High level of accuracy, attention to detail, and thoroughness.

• Maintain confidentiality at the highest level at all times.

• Creative thinking and problem-solving skills.

• Good analytical, planning and organisational skills.

Education and Experience

Candidates must have a minimum of a Master’s degree in International Relations, Project Management, Political Sciences, Economics, Development Finance, Data Sciences or Development Studies and at least two (2) years of progressive experience in industrial development, value-chain development, private sector development, investment promotion, or a closely related area within an international, regional or national organisation. Project Management certification, such as PMP or PRINCE2, will be an advantage.

Or

A Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Project Management, Political Sciences, Economics, Development Finance, Data Sciences or Development Studies with four (4) years of progressive work experience in industrial development, value-chain development, private sector development, investment promotion, or a closely related area within an international, regional or national organisation. Project Management certification, such as PMP or PRINCE2, will be an advantage.

Experience

• Demonstrated experience supporting SEZ/industrial pre-feasibility studies, infrastructure pipeline development for countries, value-chain analysis or investment promotion, and producing high-quality technical reports and deliverables.

• Proven track record in national investment strategy formulation, unblocking infrastructure bottlenecks, operationalising SEZs, and mobilising private capital through high-level PPPs.

• Proven track record in the execution of high-level technical deliverables for Investment mobilization strategies, including pre-feasibility assessments on infrastructure rollout and industrial bottlenecks.

• Demonstrated experience in facilitating investor coordination mechanisms across government and private sectors.

• Experience with driving engagement at high-level investment conferences, managing complex stakeholder dynamics between cabinet-level officials, multinational investors, and community representatives.

• Experience in de-risking projects and mobilizing private capital for public infrastructure and SEZ packages.

• Experience working with multi-stakeholder, multi-country activities funded by development partners, and with AU agencies, RECs and international organisations.

• Experience with SEZ design, industrial policy or value-chain development in African Island States or coastal corridor contexts.

• Experience with investment promotion, PPP structuring or private capital mobilisation for industrial/SEZ packages.

Application : To apply, please submit the following:

• A motivation letter stating reasons for seeking employment with the NEPAD Planning and Coordinating Agency.

• A detailed and updated curriculum vitae (CV), not exceeding five (5) pages and indicating your nationality, age and gender.

• Three (3) referees with good knowledge of the candidate’s work, furnishing full contact details, telephone, fax and e-mail addresses.

• Certified copies of degrees and diplomas.

• A recent performance evaluation report (for internal candidates only).

Remuneration

Indicative basic salary of US$35,044.83 per annum plus other entitlements e.g., Post Adjustment (57% of basic salary), Housing allowance ($21,832.88 per annum), gratuity (15% of gross salary) in conformity with the rules and procedures applicable to internationally recruited staff of the African Union.

Applications must be received no later than Monday, 27 July 2026.

Click below to register and apply

https://e-recruitment.nepad.org:44310/sap/bc/webdynpro/sap/hrrcf_a_startpage_ext_cand

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted .

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