Job Description
Job summary
TMA is engaged in several programme on the Abidjan – Lagos and the Cotonou corridors. Some of the programmes are carried out in consortium with other agencies. TMA is therefore looking to recruit a Programme Manager in Benin. S/he will be responsible for the overall management and delivery of TMA’s Benin programmes along the corridors. S/he will lead and manage the design and implementation of all projects in the Benin country programme, which supports trade policy, trade facilitation, border infrastructure, SPS/standards, customs and integrated corridor management. The role includes project cycle management, donor compliance, and technical leadership in trade facilitation. S/he will serve as the Lead for TMA’s Benin programme, ensuring alignment and synergies with other TMA programmes in West Africa.
Roles and responsibilities
Programme and Project Management
The Programme Manager will:
- Lead the inception, planning, and implementation of the Benin programmes, ensuring alignment with the Programme workplans, TMA’s Corporate Strategy 3 and Results Framework.
- Support the Country Programme to formulate and implement trade facilitation interventions in line with the approved activities within the country programme’s strategy and flagship programmes such as EU, especially Cotoni.
- As the project lead, the programme manager will be responsible for all aspects of Project Cycle Management, from design to project oversight, to M&E and contract management and will be the primary person accountable for project implementation for projects in the trade facilitation portfolio to drive both expenditure and results. It’s important that the PM follow best practice in line with TMA’s PCM guidelines and meets all specific compliance requirements of different donors.
- An important aspect of this work will be stakeholder engagement both within TMA, including other country teams, Programme Delivery Hub (finance, procurement, results), communications and impact, as well as external stakeholders related to the projects, including implementing partners and donors.
- Manage projects to ensure that results and indicators are appropriate, that progress is being made against agreed results, projects are properly structured and adequately resourced, projects are completed on time and within budget and that work is delivered to a technical standard that fully meets requirements.
- Support the regional programmes in managing the Innovations and Ideation of the next generation concepts in trade facilitation, incubating them, and translating them to implementable and practical solutions in addressing trade regulatory and policy challenges in the trade and business environment.
- Work closely with the knowledge and results team to develop quarterly and annual reports on the Management information System and timely submission of reports to key donors, in line with the set expectation(s) and templates.
- Ensure compliance with grant management procedures and guidelines including appraisal, selection, implementation, reporting and closure.
- Lead and manage trade facilitation projects in collaboration with the regional Trade Environment, Infrastructure and Inclusive Trade teams; and align with Trade Facilitation priorities globally, at continental, regional and national levels.
- Oversee all aspects of the project cycle (design, budgeting, procurement, contracting, reporting, and closure) with a strong focus on compliance with donor funding requirements.
- Assume strong coordination with the other consortia members in TMA programmes when applicable.
- Coordinate with technical leads and partners to ensure trade facilitation measures, including customs reforms and digital customs systems, are effectively implemented.
- Prepare and submit high-quality narrative and financial reports to the donors in conjunction with the other consortia members on time, and support requirements for other donors with the regional teams.
- Conduct results-oriented monitoring, risk management, and evaluations of programme interventions.
Strategic Partnerships and Representation
- Serve as the primary contact point for the donors on TMA’s Benin programme matters, ensuring strong communication and reporting.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with Benin’s Ministry of Trade, customs authorities, ECOWAS Commission, UEMOA, and other key regional and national stakeholders.
- Engage with the private sector and civil society to foster trade facilitation and regional integration.
- Represent TMA in relevant forums, working groups, and conferences on trade facilitation and customs modernisation.
Benin Programme Leadership
- Provide overall leadership for TMA’s programme in Benin, ensuring coordination with other corridor and national projects.
- Identify synergies with other TMA initiatives in West Africa to maximise impact.
- Support fundraising efforts and the development of concept notes and proposals for additional funding.
- Act as the primary liaison between the Benin office, the West Africa team, and HQ teams, ensuring timely updates on programme status, risks, and opportunities.
- Collaborate with technical specialists and HQ to ensure that Benin’s trade facilitation activities are integrated into broader TMA initiatives.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning
- Ensure that the Benin programme adheres to best practices in monitoring, learning, and evaluation.
- Document and disseminate lessons learned on trade facilitation, customs reforms, infrastructure and donor-funded programme delivery.
- Provide regular analytical reports on the performance of trade corridors and customs systems.
Teamwork and Communication for Impact
- Work closely with TMA technical teams (trade facilitation, customs, infrastructure, inclusive trade, monitoring and evaluation, results/impact) and HQ departments to ensure technical excellence, alignment with corporate strategy, and effective programme delivery.
- Foster collaboration and knowledge sharing across TMA’s West Africa teams to maximise programme synergies and cross-learning.
- Lead the preparation of impactful communication materials (progress reports, success stories, presentations) highlighting results and lessons learned to enhance TMA’s visibility with the stakeholders and donors.
Academic and professional qualifications
- An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in International Trade, Business Administration, Economics, Development Studies, or a related field.
- Professional certifications in project management (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) are an advantage.
Work experience
- For undergraduate degree holders at least 10 years and postgraduate at least 8 years of progressive experience in managing large, complex donor-funded programmes, including EU-funded projects.
- Minimum of three years of management experience is mandatory.
- Proven track record in trade facilitation, customs, and customs management systems reform.
- Experience working with regional organisations (e.g., ECOWAS, UEMOA) and national trade or customs authorities.
- Demonstrated success in donor relationship management.
Fluency in English and French (oral and written) is required.
About the Organization
TradeMark Africa (TMA) is a leading African Aid-for-Trade organisation, founded in 2010, with a mission to grow intra-African trade, increase Africa’s share in global trade, and make trade more pro-poor and environmentally sustainable. Our focus on reducing the cost and time of trading across borders through enhanced trade policy, better trade infrastructure, standards that work for businesses, greater use of digital innovations and a focus on creating trade access for vulnerable groups, has contributed to substantially lower cargo transit times, improved border efficiency, and reduced trade barriers. TMA has expanded in recent years to operate in 14 countries across East, West and Southern Africa as well as the Horn, with registration underway in a further six countries. TMA operates on a not-for-profit basis and is funded by 12 institutional and philanthropic development partners. TMA works closely with regional and continental organisations, national Governments, the private sector and civil society organisations to deliver results that drive shared prosperity and reduce poverty.
