Johansein Rutaihwa
Economist
Gaborone,Botswana
Summary
Johansein Rutaihwa is an economist with 15 years of experience, currently serving as the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Head for Industrialisation and Competitiveness Unit. Johansein has excelled in policy development and harmonisation, strategic planning, report writing, capacity building, evaluation, and leading initiatives to identify strategic gaps, coordinate policy frameworks, and ensure their adoption across SADC Member States. Johansein’s expertise extends to research, strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation and program implementation, driving impactful development initiatives. Johansein leadership is marked by successful stakeholder engagement and a track record of fostering regional economic integration and Competitiveness.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
1
1
Certificate
Work History
Senior Program Officer Industrialisation
Southern African Development Community, SADC
Gaborone , Botswana
03.2018 - Current
- Achieved 95% improvement in aligning strategies, policies, regulations, and standards across SADC structures and Member States, fostering greater regional integration and cooperation
- Accomplished 100% adoption and implementation of harmonised measures by SADC structures and Member States within agreed timelines
- Drafted and reviewed 1 protocol on industry, ensuring 90% effectiveness in domestication across Member States
- Commissioned and coordinated 10 research studies identifying critical gaps in regional industrialisation strategy
- Redesigned database with 95% accessibility rate, facilitating timely and relevant data dissemination
- Proposed 3 key intervention areas and enhanced strategic plans adopted by all policy structures within 6 months
- Created capacity-building initiatives resulting in 100% review of member states industrial policies and strategies
- Secured $200,000 in resources and undertook 2 programs across Member States for industrial policy and SME development
- Monitored 3 program implementations, prepared detailed reports with 100% compliance, and contributed to SADC Annual Report
- Revitalise partnerships with 5 inter-governmental organisations, 3 international organisations, and 10 private sectors/non-state actors, enhancing program impact by 90%
- Promoted SADC’s industrial development programme in more than 20 regional and international forums, enhancing visibility and impact
- Increased media coverage of programme achievements by 100% through strategic collaboration with communication and PR units
- Implemented 1 new SME policy and strategy that aligned with corporate goals within fiscal year
- Attained 95% budget utilisation efficiency under unit
- Improved employee satisfaction scores by 90% through initiatives fostering positive team culture while maintaining 100% compliance with organisational standards and statutory requirements
- Carried out quarterly meetings, resulting in 98% increase in team productivity and engagement
- Executed bi-annual performance reviews, resulting in 90% of team members meeting or exceeding performance targets.
Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, RI
Southern African Development Community, SADC
Gaborone , Botswana
10.2023 - 12.2023
- Provided strategic oversight to 10 sectors, including industrial development, trade, finance, investment, customs, infrastructure, agriculture, social development, and disaster risk reduction, resulting in 90% improvement in sectoral alignment with national development goals
- Led planning efforts across thematic areas, successfully implementing 1 year approved annual operation plans
- Executed resource mobilisation plans for regional integration projects, enhancing support capacity by 70% and achieving 85% increase in cross-regional project success rates
- Managed budgetary process and financial planning, ensuring all directorates have received 95% of budget requested
- Ensured integration efforts were inclusive and responsive to needs of 15 member states, achieving 90% satisfaction rate in stakeholder surveys
- Represented SADC in 10 regional and international forums on integration and development, advocating for regional priorities and fostering partnerships with key stakeholders.
Associate Research Fellow
EARCDF Arusha
Arusha , Tanzania
10.2013 - 01.2022
- Designed and developed 8 qualitative and quantitative research tools, ensuring their appropriateness and effectiveness for various research projects
- Pioneered implementation of 3 research programs aligned with organisational objectives, resulting in 10 research outputs contributing to policy formulation
- Provided technical support in analysing and reporting on socio-economic trends in East African region, producing 4 research reports with valuable insights
- Developed mechanisms for exchanging research outputs at regional and international levels, including preparing 5 internal policy briefs to disseminate findings effectively
- Established and sustained networking activities with 2 regional and international research think tanks, fostering collaborative opportunities and knowledge exchange
- Mobilised resources worth $ 564,000 from various governments, development partners, private sector organisations and other stakeholders to undertake socio-economic studies.
UNIDO Regional Industrial Policy Project Coordinator
EAC, United Nations Industrial
UNIDO , Arusha
03.2015 - 03.2018
- Tanzania
- Enhanced and executed 1 evidence-based strategy, resulting 99% increase in regional industrial competitiveness metrics over three years
- Performed capacity-building initiatives resulting 95% improvement in institutional capacity within EAC Secretariat and Member States for effective industrial policy formulation
- Implemented 1 needs assessment studies, providing critical insights for policy interventions and strategic planning
- Completed mapping exercises covering 5 member states on industry and trade policy instruments across EAC Member States, contributing to enhanced policy coherence
- Designed and delivered 9 capacity-building training programs, improving stakeholders’ capabilities in industrial policy by 97%
- Prepared and launched EAC Industrial Competitiveness Report 2017, providing critical insights into regional industrial performance and opportunities.
Assistant Researcher
East African Community, Secretariat Arusha
Arusha , Tanzania
08.2013 - 03.2015
- Lead efforts to strengthen regional industrial and trade complementarities through comprehensive desk research and structured interviews with stakeholders across EAC Partner States, achieving 95% adherence to timelines and objectives
- Enhanced instruments and processed data into usable datasets for analysis, culminating in detailed research reports, achieving 88% of target
- Participated in studies within Tripartite framework, particularly focusing on 2 areas, including agro-processing value chains and industrial statistics, to support regional economic integration efforts
- Developed 2 policies and strategies to drive trade and industrial expansion, emphasising employment generation and value addition
- Enhance infrastructure programs, including policies on special economic zones (SEZs), to enhance industrial competitiveness
- Reviewed regional business regimes and spearheaded reform programs to promote industrial competitiveness, which was achieved by 95%
- Conducted extensive studies on 5 areas: agro-processing, renewable energy, cotton, textiles, apparel, leather products, iron, and steel value chains
- Identified growth industries and potential investment opportunities to support regional economic growth targets, realised by 84%
- Assessed institutional requirements for industrialisation in EAC region by visiting 5 member states, identifying capacity gaps and recommending strategies for enhancement and realised 100%
- Contributed to formulating regional Local Content Policy to support sustainable growth and expansion of SMEs
- Engaged in international development, government planning agencies and inter-governmental organisations in implementation process and performance report preparations.
Assistant Researcher
REPOA Dar es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania
06.2012 - 04.2013
- Successfully oversaw 15 commissioned projects, achieving 95% adherence to project timelines and objectives
- Performed data collection using documentary review, interviews, and questionnaires for 10 research assignments, ensuring robust data quality and relevance
- Organised 12 training sessions for diverse groups, achieving 100% alignment with research goals and enhancing participant preparedness
- Assisted in preparing and publishing 15 research outputs, maintaining 90% quality and relevance standards
- Enhanced sustained 2 databases meeting research requirements, ensuring 100% data integrity and accessibility
- Provided data analysis for 8 research assignments, offering insights and recommendations that informed strategic decisions
- Facilitated review process for 10 proposals and research reports, ensuring adherence to established frameworks and timelines
- Facilitate review process for proposals and research reports within established frameworks
- Organized 5 policy dialogue seminars, effectively disseminating research findings to 200 stakeholders
- Participate in local, regional, and international strategic policy forums, contributing technical inputs and insights
- Plan and train Research Assistants (enumerators), overseeing fieldwork activities to ensure data quality and protocol adherence
- Analyse field data and contribute to comprehensive report writing, including reviewing consultants’ reports for accuracy and completeness
- Mobilised resources worth $ 300,000 from World Bank to undertake National Input Vouchers (NAIVs) study in Tanzania
- Mobilised resources worth $200,000 from Government of Tanzania to draft Tanzania Gas and Oil Policy and review mineral policy in Tanzania
- Mobilised resources worth $ 50,000 from Government of Zanzibar to undertake legal and justice assessments in Zanzibar
- Mobilised resources worth $ 100,000 from ILO to undertake policies, programmes and plans for employment and decent work in Tanzania
- Mobilised resources worth $ 150,000 from WFP to assess impact of Purchase for Progress Programme (P4P) in Tanzania
Director of Programmes
REPOA Dar es
Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania
08.2012 - 01.2013
- Coordinate matters about organisation governance, including preparing for 4 meetings and reports to Annual General Meeting
- Ensure smooth coordination of meetings, handling logistics, and preparing necessary documentation for effective decision-making
- Coordinate preparation of 2 organisation annual plans and monitor their implementation to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
- Provide support in tracking progress against annual goals and milestones, facilitating adjustments as necessary
- Oversee activities of commissioned work unit, monitoring and evaluation unit, and Grants and Training unit
- Facilitate preparing and organising 1 annual research workshop, ensuring it meets organisational objectives and fosters collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Personal Assistant
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Dodoma , Tanzania
01.2010 - 06.2011
- Provided advisory inputs to Minister on 10 occasions, influencing strategic decisions in industry, trade, and marketing sectors
- Primed more than 20 speeches and reports for Minister, ensuring accuracy and alignment with ministry objectives
- Compiled more than 15 briefs on industry, trade, and marketing sectors to advise Minister effectively
- Prepared 2 cabinet papers on key policy issues, facilitating informed decision-making at highest levels
- Supervised administrative tasks, ensuring smooth operations within minister’s office and achieving 100% efficiency in office management
- Coordinated 25 meetings and appointments, maintaining efficient communication and workflow.
Economist
Ministry of Industry and Trade
Dodoma , Tanzania
06.2009 - 09.2010
- Primed and represented country’s position in 5 multilateral, regional, and bilateral trade negotiations and cooperation efforts
- Oversaw formulation and implementation of 1 trade and investment programs within regional integration schemes such as EAC and SADC
- Ensured 100% compliance with contractual obligations under World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements
- Managed trade and investment policies for 2 bilateral arrangements, ensuring alignment with national objectives
- Conducted assessments on Tanzania’s comparative and competitive advantages in global and regional trade, advising on 5 strategic positioning and policy measures
- Reviewed and analysed 3 multilateral, regional trade integration, and bilateral cooperation agreements
- Created, revised, updated, and monitored 2 Ministry’s policies, ensuring consistency with National Trade Policy
- Equipped budget guidelines and arranged 3 budget preparations for Ministry, contributing to strategic financial planning
- Enhanched 2 action plans, 1 annual development plan, and strategic plans, monitoring and evaluating their implementation
- Participated in preparing 2 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and budget speeches
- Developed quarterly, mid-year, and annual reports, conducting research and impact studies on trade policies and programs
- Finalised speeches for Ministry leaders and formulated sub-sector industrial, trade, and marketing sector development strategies
- Identified challenges hindering industrial development, recommending appropriate measures based on economic and statistical data analysis.
Assistant Program Officer
Youth Action Volunteers, SIKIKA,
Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania
06.2007 - 05.2008
- Effectively directed and enforced 3 component work plans and budgets under guidance of Executive Director
- Monitored activities and ensured adherence to set timelines and budgets
- Performed research on health sector improvements, compiling findings to inform programmatic decisions
- Communicated and disseminated information on health and HIV/AIDS governance issues, leveraging publications, murals, and media platforms
- Enhanced materials on health sector reforms, district health planning and budgeting, lobbying, and advocacy
- Performed training sessions for youth volunteers, empowering them with necessary skills and knowledge
- Assisted in developing and preparing strategic plans and aligning activities with organisational goals and priorities.
Women In Social Entrepreneurship (WISE)
Youth Think Tank
Dar Es Salaam , Tanzania
06.2006 - 01.2007
- Established and led youth task force comprising 15 University of Dar es Salaam members to advocate for youth participation in NEPAD processes at national and AU levels
- Facilitated establishment of 10 operational youth working groups at grassroots levels to coordinate and lobby for increased political participation in NEPAD processes
- Trained and mentored 50 youth leaders to become agents of change within their communities through leadership development programs
- Conducted 20 awareness campaigns on MKUKUTA policies and MDGs, reaching 5000 youth participants and emphasising youth participation in policy implementation.
Education
Ph.D. - Sustainable Development and Diplomacy
Pôle Universitaire Euclide
Banjul, The Gambia 06.2018 - 03.2023
Master of Science - International Trade Policy and Trade Laws
University of Lund
Lund, Sweden 11.2007 - 11.2009
Post Graduate Diploma - International Trade Policy and Trade Laws
ESAMI-Trapca
Arusha, Tanzania 11.2007 - 11.2008
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Dar Es Salaam
Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania 09.2004 - 06.2007
Skills
Strategic leadership and visionundefined
Accomplishments
- May 2016, China Presidential Award in Economic Global Governance, International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (IDCPC)
- April 2013, Member, The Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)II, Ministry of Finance and Planning, URT
- June 2011, Member, National Strategy for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth II, Tanzania Ministry of Industry and Trade
- July 2009, Member, ICT committee, Ministry of Industry and Trade
- TRAINING
- The Malaysian Technical Cooperation Programme, 2023, Training in Sustainable Development Planning and Management
- African Leadership Institute, 2020, Leadership and Management, Science Publishing Group, USA
- International Society for Development and Sustainability (ISDS), Japan
- Economic Society of Tanzania
- British Reading Oasis and Discovery
Interests
AWARDS
July 2024, Editor of The British Journal of Economics and Development
December 2016, Honorary Doctorate in Economic Development, Eastern European Science Academy Scientific Council
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Certification
Microsoft Office skills include Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Microsoft Access
Software
Stata, Gretil, SPSS, E-view
Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeContract WorkWork Location
On-SiteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCareer advancementFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsLanguages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Timeline
Acting Deputy Executive Secretary, RI
Southern African Development Community, SADC
10.2023 - 12.2023
Ph.D. - Sustainable Development and Diplomacy
Pôle Universitaire Euclide
06.2018 - 03.2023
Senior Program Officer Industrialisation
Southern African Development Community, SADC
03.2018 - Current
UNIDO Regional Industrial Policy Project Coordinator
EAC, United Nations Industrial
03.2015 - 03.2018
Associate Research Fellow
EARCDF Arusha
10.2013 - 01.2022
Assistant Researcher
East African Community, Secretariat Arusha
08.2013 - 03.2015
Director of Programmes
REPOA Dar es
08.2012 - 01.2013
Assistant Researcher
REPOA Dar es Salaam
06.2012 - 04.2013
Personal Assistant
Ministry of Industry and Trade
01.2010 - 06.2011
Economist
Ministry of Industry and Trade
06.2009 - 09.2010
Master of Science - International Trade Policy and Trade Laws
University of Lund
11.2007 - 11.2009
Post Graduate Diploma - International Trade Policy and Trade Laws
ESAMI-Trapca
11.2007 - 11.2008
Assistant Program Officer
Youth Action Volunteers, SIKIKA,
06.2007 - 05.2008
Women In Social Entrepreneurship (WISE)
Youth Think Tank
06.2006 - 01.2007
Bachelor of Arts - Economics
University of Dar Es Salaam
09.2004 - 06.2007
Microsoft Office skills include Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and Microsoft Access
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