Associate Programme Officer – Trade Development Strategy, DMD/RSE (2 posts)

Org. Setting and Reporting

Trade Development Strategies are integral to the achievement of ITC’s mission, and ITC has continuously enjoyed growth in demand in this area from LDCs, developing countries and economies in transition, for regional, national and sector strategy design and management. ITC also facilitates developmentally oriented initiatives such as youth, gender and environmental mainstreaming strategies, and the establishment of durable public-private consultative platforms such as National Export Councils. Indeed, ITC is recognized as a frontrunner in the area of trade strategy design and management. For developing countries, trade development strategies are critical to mainstreaming trade as a means for achieving socio-economic growth. Through such strategies, policy makers, trade support institutions and enterprises pursue an agreed, common framework and roadmap for trade development and competitiveness. They provide direction, establish priorities, specify what actions must be undertaken to remove constraints, and reveal new opportunities in production, in achieving business efficiency, in tapping into markets and linking enterprises to national, regional and global value chains. The Trade Development Strategy Programme (TDSP) consists of a cycle of research, tools development and field-level interventions. The goal of this job function is to contribute to the advancement of this work: to assist in the management and facilitation of selected programmes in trade and investment strategy design and management; to refine and develop new support materials (strategy tools, didactic and communications materials) related to strategic methodologies for trade competitiveness and value chain development; to build a network of competent practitioners at country and regional level; to raise awareness of ITC’s work notably in the area of trade development strategy; and to disseminate best practice, including through effective use of publications and articles, ITC’s website and events.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of a respective Senior Trade Strategy Officer and the overall supervision of the Chief of section, the Associate Adviser will be responsible for the following duties: • Contribute to the implementation of the Trade Development Strategy annual programme of headquarters-based and field-level technical assistance in trade/investment strategy design and management, by supporting the organization, administration, delivery and monitoring of specific regional-, country-, sector- or institution-level interventions. • Organize and facilitate field-level consultations and workshops. • Provide backstopping support to regional/national strategy teams. • Prepare Terms of Reference, provide supervision and guide national and international consultants, experts and resource persons that the TDSP may recruit. • Engage in research in areas related to trade development and competitiveness and contribute to the development or update of support tools, didactic materials and reference guides that are consistent with ITC’s process and methodology in export strategy design and management. • Ensure quality assurance in ITC’s trade/investment strategy work to achieve state-of-the-art standards by participating in the Trade Development Strategy Programme’s peer review mechanism. • Contribute to the review and development of innovative and technically sophisticated solutions to meet partner countries’ growing need for advice and capacity building. • Contribute to publications and articles. • Assist in the technical organization of specialized consultative events. • Perform any other related duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of research methodologies, processes and relevant project management techniques. An understanding of issues constraining the trade development and competitiveness of developing countries and the capacities of trade support institutions. Awareness of current and emerging trends in trade development and SME competitiveness. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with data collection using various methods. Conceptual analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with and experience in the use of various research sources, including electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Shows pride in work and in achievements; demonstrates professional competence and mastery of subject matter; is conscientious and efficient in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results; is motivated by professional rather than personal concerns; shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively. Listens to others, correctly interprets messages from others and responds appropriately. Asks questions to clarify, and exhibits interest in having two-way communication. Tailors language, tone, style and format to match the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Education

Advanced university degree in development studies, economics, business administration or related field. Note: A first-level university degree in development studies, economics, business administration or related field may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant professional work experience.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of relevant professional experience in trade and export development with the private or public sector is required. Experience working with LDCs, developing and transition countries in the context of trade strategy development and competitiveness is desirable.

Languages

For the positions advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

Assessment will be undertaken through a comparative analysis of the applications. The assessment may also include a competency-based interview and/or other appropriate evaluation mechanisms.

Special Notice

The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a temporary appointment for an initial 06 months and may be subject to extension. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. ITC also offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected]. Given the nature of the temporary opportunity, priority consideration may be given to candidates already located at the duty station. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. ITC Internal staff on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, if selected, may be entitled to Special Post Allowance as per Staff Rule 3.10. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ITC if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ITC does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.