Programme Manager, Customs at TradeMark Africa

Job Summary

• TradeMark Africa (TMA) is seeking a Programme Manager to lead day-to-day delivery of its work under the ECOWAS Trade and Transport Facilitation Programme (TTF-ECOWAS), with a focus on customs operations.
• The programme 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 Programme Manager will implement approved workplans and budgets, provide technical input on customs reforms and serve as TMA’s operational contact for GIZ and ENABEL. The role dedicates approximately 80% of its time to TTF-ECOWAS and 20% to supporting other TMA programming in Nigeria.

Key Responsibilities

• TTF-ECOWAS programme management and delivery (40%) Develop detailed activity plans and oversee delivery, procurement and contracts. Track spending and forecasts, coordinate workshops and technical meetings, maintain audit-ready records, and supervise the Project Assistant. Apply TMA, EU and safeguarding requirements across activities.
• Customs technical support (20%) Advise on customs data exchange, interconnectivity of customs and transit systems such as SIGMAT, common external tariffs, tariff schedules, rules of origin and customs management regulations. Support pilot Member States in transposing ECOWAS customs instruments. Work with the ECOWAS Customs Union and Taxation Directorate, national customs administrations, TMA specialists and GIZ advisers.
• Monitoring, reporting and coordination (20%) Verify results data and prepare TMA’s narrative and financial inputs to consolidated reports. Coordinate operational planning with GIZ and ENABEL, support steering and technical committee meetings, and document lessons and programme results.
• Nigeria programme support (20%) Support planning, procurement, monitoring and quarterly reporting for other TMA projects in Nigeria. Contribute to new project design and engagement with government, private-sector and development partners.

Qualifications and Experience

• Undergraduate or postgraduate Degree in Economics, International Trade, Customs Administration, International Trade Law or Development Studies.
• At least 10 years of relevant work experience for undergraduate degree holders or eight years for postgraduate degree holders.
• At least five years of experience in customs administration, customs modernisation or trade facilitation programming, preferably in West Africa.
• At least three years of experience managing donor-funded projects, including procurement, contract management, budget tracking and reporting.
• At least three years of experience supervising staff.

Essential Skills and Languages:

• Good knowledge of customs procedures, transit regimes, customs IT systems, and ECOWAS trade and customs instruments, including the ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS).
• Strong programme management skills, with attention to detail in planning, procurement and financial follow-up.
• Good understanding of regional integration and the socio-political context in Nigeria and West Africa.
• Excellent written and spoken English, including the ability to draft reports and present to senior counterparts.
• Ability to work constructively and diplomatically with government officials, regional institutions and partner organisations, and to collaborate within a multi-partner team.
• Initiative and ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Desirable Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

• Professional training in customs or project planning and management.
• Experience with EU-funded programmes and knowledge of EU contracting, financial and reporting rules.
• Working knowledge of French.
• Familiarity with digital trade and customs connectivity systems in West Africa.