US Embassy
Duties
The incumbent is an Economic and Commercial Specialist in the Economic Section, providing advanced economic analysis and essential support to advance USG economic and commercial diplomacy priorities. Researches, analyzes, and reports on developments in the economic and commercial sectors in Malawi. Develops and maintains contacts across the spectrum of economic policy makers, business leaders, and civil society to inform the USG about relevant economic activity and the investment climate in Malawi. Provides business facilitation services to U.S. companies operating in or interested in operating in Malawi.
Monitor all aspects of the Malawian economy in order to provide in-depth analysis to a range of interested parties in the United States Government on policies and trends impacting USG interests in Malawi, including the investment climate, transparency, reform plans, trade, finance, macroeconomics, agriculture, intellectual property rights, infrastructure, labor rights, child labor, and gender equality. Coordinate with other USG agencies to both obtain and share relevant information. (25%)
Cultivate existing and develop new contacts at all levels of government, private sector, academia, and civil society. Use these contacts to provide information, broad-based analysis, and effective evaluation of economic trends and policy implications, as well as assist in developing guest lists for Embassy events. Facilitate introductions to contacts for other Embassy employees. Maintain a reliable contact database. Serve as back-up to the Protocol Assistant in maintaining computer-based contact database for the Front Office. Serve as back-up to the Protocol Assistant, assisting the Front Office with official events, preparing invitations, advising on protocol matters, translating and preparing correspondence, and maintaining the contact database. (25%)
Draft reports and cables on policies and trends impacting USG interests in Malawi. Draft required USG reports including the Country Commercial Guide, the Investment Climate Statement, the Fiscal Transparency Report, the annual Report on the Worst Forms of Child Labor, and the AGOA eligibility report. Contribute to other Embassy reporting as appropriate. (20%)
Compile and maintain an extensive range of data covering key areas of the economy. Analyze data and prepare insightful presentations of data to inform policy and interested parties. Keep abreast of a variety of published and unpublished materials and data sources to inform analysis. (10%)
Provide market facilitation services to U.S. companies. Brief U.S. companies on market opportunities and the investment climate; monitor and report on local laws and regulations impacting U.S. commercial interests; and monitor and share trade, procurement, and investment opportunities. Provide services in compliance with the partner post agreement with the U.S. Foreign Commercial Service. Support advocacy for approved U.S. companies. (10%)
Support the travel of USG personnel (Embassy personnel and visitors) through logistical arrangements, scheduling meetings, and providing briefings. Support the Economic and Commercial Officer with administrative and logistical tasks and other duties as assigned. Perform own logistical, administrative, and clerical work. (10%)
Qualifications and Evaluations
Requirements:
EXPERIENCE: At least five years of progressively responsible experience in following, analyzing, and reporting on economic issues is required
Education Requirements:
Bachelors’ degree in economics, finance, or business is required.
Evaluations:
LANGUAGE:
Level IV (fluency – speaking/reading/writing) in English is required.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Ability to prepare precise, accurate, and informed analysis and reports on a wide range of economic issues
- Ability to develop and maintain senior level contacts across the government, private sector, and civil society
- Ability to execute complex research projects and render advice with detachment and objectivity, employing sound judgement
- Ability to use the Microsoft Office suite with ease
- Excellent interpersonal skills
Qualifications:
All applicants under consideration will be required to pass medical and security certifications and complete a mandatory probationary period for LE Staff.