The United States and Côte d’Ivoire have enjoyed a close partnership since establishing diplomatic relations in 1960. Today, the two countries collaborate on efforts to promote Côte d’Ivoire’s emergence as a regional leader with a stable and prosperous democracy and a healthy population. The United States established diplomatic relations with Cote d’Ivoire following its independence from France. A coup in 1999 ushered in several years of instability. In 2015, Cote d’Ivoire held successful presidential elections, and a new constitution was approved via a nationwide referendum in 2016.

The United States supports Côte d’Ivoire’s efforts to create conditions for sustainable economic growth. The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Compact aims to rehabilitate four major highways, connecting 8.8 million users to the main port and airport in Abidjan. The secondary education project will train and develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting human resource demands for business. USAID's Trade Africa Initiative attracts investment and boosts exports, while Power Africa increases the number of people with access to power and expands energy production. The United States is the second-largest shareholder of the African Development Bank (AfDB) and is represented by the U.S. Treasury Department on the AfDB Board of Directors. In 2016, the AfDB approved more than $400 million in project financing for Côte d’Ivoire, for rural agricultural development, urban transport infrastructure, and power distribution. The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Liaison Office to the AfDB helps U.S. companies invest across Africa, through AfDB financed projects. The US Embassy, Abidjan, are seeking an Economic Specialist to play a key role in driving their efforts.

As the new Economic Specialist you will research, analyse, and present a broad range of information about the Ivoirian economy and its implications for U.S. policy, under the supervision of the Economic/Commercial Officer. You will be the Embassy’s in-house expert on various sectors of the economy, including the extractives industry, banking/finance/taxation, energy, agriculture (and particularly, cocoa), information communication technology transportation, labor and labor rights, environment, science and health.  You will advise U.S. diplomats as they develop and implement U.S. policies in Cote d' Ivoire, and serve as a back-up to the Political Specialist and Commercial Assistant.

The Economic Specialist position is located in the Political-Economic Section (POL-ECON) of the Embassy and does not supervise any employees.

Experience:

• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in business, government, academia, or think tanks/research institutions in the fields of marketing, trade promotion, international trade, economics, economic research, banking, or donor/development assistance management, while physically based in or with a professional portfolio specifically dedicated to Côte d'Ivoire, is required.

Education Requirements:

• Master's degree in business management, economics, marketing, finance, or international trade is required

Knowledge:

• Expert knowledge of local economic conditions and business climate, key industries and sectors of the Ivoirian economy (both in Abidjan and throughout the country), and the country's primary trade patterns is required
• Must understand finance, the Ivoirian banking system, and the role of regional institutions (e.g., the West African Economic and Monetary Union), development banks, and international financial institutions in setting and/or influencing Ivoirian fiscal and monetary policy

Languages:

• Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading/writing of English is required. This may be tested
• Level IV (Fluent) speaking/reading/writing of French is required. This may be tested

Skills & Abilities:

• Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of contacts in the Ivoirian government and private sector; to plan, organize, and execute economic research and representational events; to prepare accurate reports; and to render advice with detachment and objectivity, employing sound professional judgement
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel (or comparable spreadsheet software) is required

• Locally Employed Staff, including Members of Household (MOHs), and Third-Country Nationals (TCNs), working at the U.S. Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire may receive a compensation package that may include health, separation, and other benefits

The United States established diplomatic relations with Cote d’Ivoire in 1960 following its independence from France. A coup in 1999 ushered in several years of instability. In 2015, Cote d’Ivoire held successful presidential elections, and a new constitution was approved in a nationwide referendum in 2016. With investments by the United States and other international partners, Cote d’Ivoire can act as a bulwark against religious extremism and support U.S. efforts to promote democratic institutions, regional stability and counter the spread of terrorism. U.S.-Ivoirian relations have traditionally been friendly and close. The United States participates in the international effort to assist Cote d’Ivoire in moving beyond its decade-long crisis, providing funding for the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire.