Senior Manager, Trade & Commodities Research

Job Summary

The Senior Manager, Trade & Commodities Research will provide strategic research leadership to support Afreximbank’s mission to promote and expand African trade. The role will lead theoretical and applied research on trade, commodities, economic integration, and industrialisation, producing high-impact publications and insights that guide the Bank’s strategic initiatives, support the implementation of the AfCFTA, and strengthen policy formulation across African markets. The incumbent will also spearhead the production of the Bank’s flagship publications and analytical tools, including the African Trade Report, African Commodity Index, and working paper series.

Key Responsibilities

Research Leadership & Publication Management

• Lead research projects in trade, commodities, economic development and regional integration, producing actionable insights for decision-makers.

• Oversee the preparation and publication of flagship research works including the African Trade Report, African Commodity Index, and other thematic reports.

• Conduct advanced commodity market analysis, price forecasting, and volatility modelling with implications for African economies and Bank strategy.

• Produce technical papers, sector reports, working papers, country briefs, and policy notes.

Policy Support & Thought Leadership

• Provide empirically grounded analysis to support AfCFTA implementation and Africa’s industrialisation Agenda.

• Develop and maintain trade and commodity datasets and models to support Bank operations.

• Monitor global and regional trade trends, informing Bank strategy and stakeholder engagement.

• Represent the Bank in global conferences, policy dialogues, and academic fora.

Data & Analytical Excellence

• Perform econometric modelling, statistical analysis, and interpretation of complex data sets.

• Manage and update relevant databases including balance of payments, trade flows, and commodity indicators.

• Support the use and improvement of CGE, GTAP and relevant econometric tools for trade and macroeconomic analysis.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build research partnerships with DFIs, academic institutions, think tanks, and international organisations (e.g., WTO, ITC, UNCTAD).

• Provide research advisory support to internal teams, including business origination units and senior management.

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Master’s degree or PhD in Economics, International Trade, Econometrics, or related field.

• Minimum 15 years’ experience in trade and commodity research, preferably in a Development Finance Institution or reputable international organisation.

• Proven publication record in peer-reviewed journals.

• Deep knowledge of African trade, regional integration, and commodity markets.

• Hands-on experience in trade policy analysis, commodity modelling, and CGE/GTAP frameworks.

• Proficiency in statistical/econometric tools: SPSS, STATA, E-Views, MATLAB, SAS, Microfit, Excel, etc.

• Familiarity with global data sources: World Bank, IMF, ITC, WTO, UNCTAD.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, including experience presenting to policymakers, executives, and international audiences.

• Ability to work under pressure, manage complex research programs, and meet tight deadlines.

• Fluency in English; proficiency in French, Arabic or Portuguese is an advantage.

Key Competencies

• Advanced trade and commodity analysis capability

• Strong quantitative and econometric skills

• Strategic thinking & thought leadership

• Strong publication and writing capacity

• Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication

• Ability to manage research teams and external contributors

• Deep understanding of African markets, policy, and macro-economic environments

Compliance

• Adhere to Afreximbank AML, conduct and regulatory compliance standards.

• Complete annual compliance training and escalate any compliance concerns.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should apply by sending their CV to:
📧 sfraser@caglobalint.com