Trade Development Manager

Job Summary

In this position, reporting to the Managing Director involves devising strategies to achieve global objectives for a premier tea auction and payment system. The role includes stimulating tea trade growth through extensive research and information dissemination. Primary responsibilities encompass ensuring efficient trade facilitation, promoting trade, managing the Tea Auction platform, overseeing the integrated payments system, providing technical assistance to tea trade members, addressing issues hindering the smooth flow of the trade value chain, and fostering continuous growth in traded tea volumes at the Mombasa Auction. Additionally, the role requires constant improvement and modernization of the auction system in line with the EATTA strategic plan.

Duties and Responsibilities

Auction Platform

• Implement systems for an efficient and transparent Tea Auction platform following local and international best practices.
• Integrate modern information communication technology into the Tea Auction system.
• Implement a system for efficient and transparent payments for teas sold through the Auction platform.
• Explore opportunities to grow revenues from the Auction platform.
• Establish and maintain partnerships and collaboration with bodies involved in tea research, development, and marketing, including regulatory bodies and government agencies.
• Ensure transparency, accountability, and efficiency of the auction platform.
• Ensure compliance of the Auction platform with regulatory requirements.
• Continuously review and improve the management and administration of the Tea Auction platform for efficiency and effectiveness.

Trade Facilitation

• Liaise for the Rules, Legal, and Auction Conditions Committee, Strategy, Trade & Relationship Committee, and affiliated Ad-hoc Committees.
• Ensure timely resolution of all trade barriers to efficient tea trade.
• Maintain relations with key public and private sector agencies involved in trade facilitation.
• Obtain and disseminate information on tea trade matters to members.
• Maintain and disseminate accurate and comprehensive statistics on the global tea trade.

Trade Promotion

• Develop programs for capacity development of members and the Board based on sound needs analysis and future requirements.
• Establish collaboration with experts on various aspects of tea trade at every stage of the value chain.
• Organize forums for information sharing and networking for members.
• Lead the development of partnerships with donors and partners on projects beneficial to members.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business or its recognized equivalent.
• Master’s Degree is an added advantage.
• At least seven (7) years of experience in the tea industry, with three (3) years at a senior level.
• Familiarity with the East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) rules and regulations.

Key Competencies

• Strong understanding of the tea industry, including market dynamics and the regulatory framework.
• Good understanding and working experience in Information Communication Technology.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and networking skills, with the ability to maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and event management skills, with the ability to work well under pressure.
• Demonstrate a high level of integrity and ethical practice.