The TRADE Hub project idea is based on the hypothesis that trade in wildlife and agricultural commodities could become an engine for inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction. The role of the hub is therefore to address the intractable challenge of how to eliminate the negative impacts on people and ecosystems from trade. 

Specifically, the project will map the flow of commodities from origin to destination to shed light on their impact on people and the natural world and inject this information into global models to predict how shifts in trade patterns will affect both people and nature. The project will also develop tools for countries, companies, and decision-makers to make sustainable trade a positive force into the future.

The Tanzania TRADE Hub will: 

1. Map relevant trade policies in wildlife- and commodity-exporting countries, value chain structures, strategies, agreements, protocols, demand and supply balance sheets for modeling of economic impacts;  
2. Analyse interactions of policy frameworks between importing and exporting countries, analyse the role of the historical evolution of policies and norms in shaping current situations for key wildlife products and agricultural commodities, and identify best practices; and
3. Analyse international trade governance and performance, quantification of trade values and factors that influence trade both in the supply side and demand side.

Research Associates Positions 
Within this project, Ten (10) Research Associate Positions are available for Tanzanian nationals at this time. Existing MSc. students who have or are about to complete their coursework are encouraged to apply to undertake their research within the framework of the project identified topics on the wildlife, wild meat trade, and agricultural commodities (coffee, sugar, and soybean).

Required competencies (Combined)

• Good BSc. Degree (GPA > 3.5) in natural, social sciences or related fields
• High social competences in interacting with stakeholders at different levels
• Good understanding of trade policies and their impacts on nature and livelihoods 
• Experience with stakeholder or institutional analysis
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office applications including statistical packages (e.g. SPSS, STATA, and Quantitive economic modeling will be  added advantages)
• Excellent skills in oral and written communications in English
• Great interest in working with an interdisciplinary and international team
• Willingness to work in the field for extended periods.

What the research project offers

• Work in a strong international team
• Training in inter- and trans-disciplinary research
• Field expenses and travel allowances
• Supervision by experts from SUA and the collaborating institutions.

Application
If interested, please send an application letter, CV, academic transcript, two academic referees’ letters, and a brief outline of your research interest to Prof. R.M.J. Kadigi  ( rmjkadigi@sua.ac.tz ) and Dr. Charles P. Mgeni (chrlsmgeni099@sua.ac.tz). Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 15th March 2020. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted immediately after the deadline to set up the interviews. Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

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