Programme Officer - Standardisation, Quality Assurance Accreditation and Metrology (SQAM)

Role Overview

Draft calendar of events for the year and maintain it up to date. Develop, strengthen and harmonise standards, technical regulations, conformity assessment procedures and Quality Infrastructure at large. Develop, review and monitor the implementation of the Technical barriers to Trade (TBT) Annexes of the SADC Protocol on Trade. Develop, review and monitor the implementation of the SADC Quality Infrastructure Strategy. Coordinate the development and review of strategic plans, annual plans and projects/ programmes aimed at developing infrastructures for quality and productivity in the SADC region. Facilitate implementation of regional SQAM programmes/projects linked to the TBT Annexes of the SADC Protocol on Trade. Facilitate capacity building in Member States. Promote and strengthen cooperation and collaboration with other SADC sectors, Regional Economic communities and international organisations dealing in matters or having shared interest on development of SQAM and removal of Technical barriers to Trade (TBT). Coordinate activities aimed at developing and negotiating a SADC Technical Regulation Framework.

Requirements & Qualifications

• At least a Master’s Degree in Natural Sciences, Engineering or any other related area from a recognised institution.
• Certification in Various Professional Trainings on Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation or Metrology.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of work experience in SQAM fields within a public or private sector, regional or international organisation.
• Knowledge of provisions and principles of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) TBT Agreement, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement and the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBTs) Annex to the SADC Protocol on Trade.
• Knowledge of development of Quality Infrastructure (Standardisation, Quality Assurance, Accreditation, Metrology and Conformity Assessment Bodies (Testing Laboratories, Calibration Laboratories, Certification bodies and Inspection bodies) through relevant policy and Infrastructure development.
• Knowledge and understanding of integrated programme planning, budgeting, development, administration and monitoring in SQAM.