Job Description

Country Director / Strategic Expert - TradeMark Africa - Nigeria

Location Abuja, Nigeria, based at the joint TTF-ECOWAS project office
Department Programmes
Reports to Regional Director, West Africa and AfCFTA
Direct reports Nigeria-based teams, including the TTF-ECOWAS Programme Manager and Customs Specialist and the Project Assistant

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.

Key Responsibilities

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.

Essential Skills and Languages

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.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

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.

How to Apply

Submit your CV in English by 22 November 2026 through the TMA jobs portal.

If you have trouble applying online, contact m.v.maineri@developmentpeople.org.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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