Org. Setting and Reporting
The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition countries and MSMES to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC supports ‘Trade Impact for Good’, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through trade. The Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) hosts ITC’s work in relation to sustainable and inclusive value chains. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within DSIT catalyzes sector-wide transformation and improves market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards and market systems. The section uses Alliances for Action methodologies, co-managed by GIVC and OLAC (Office of Latin America and the Caribbean), to support the transformation of food systems and advance SDGs through partnerships that cultivate responsible, climate smart, inclusive, and sustainable agribusiness. Through a network of partners and a systemic approach that places producers at the centre GIVC supports value-chain analysis and upgrading, as part of its efforts to improve the competitiveness and resilience of MSMEs through the delivery of specialized advisory solutions. GIVC also manages ITC’s Inclusive Agribusiness and Value Added to Trade programmes, which are directly linked to ITC’s strategic focus area of connecting MSMEs to markets for better trade. The goal of this function is to assist in the development and implementation of designated programs and projects that focus on agricultural and agribusiness value chain development, as well as in providing technical support to public and private sector stakeholders across various crosscutting themes such as export development, circular economy, food security, human rights, environment, value addition, agri-finance, agri-entrepreneurship, and digitalization, all while ensuring the effective application of the Alliances for Action and associated methodologies.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer (Alliances for Action), the overall guidance of the Head, Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects focusing on agricultural and agribusiness value chain development programmes/projects; and ; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes and key issues affecting agri value chains, such as: selecting project beneficiaries, building MSMEs competitiveness, sustainability and resilience to support operations and other activities. Research work may include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for the identification of policy issues affecting selected agri value chains and in particular MSMEs operations. Ensures coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies. • Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, on topics inherent to agri-value chain development and competitiveness by reviewing deliverables and outputs, conceptualizing and planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts, and approaches relevant to a particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Knowledge of agricultural, trade, finance and market dynamics in the main agri-food global and regional markets. Knowledge of environment, human rights, circular economy and food security issues affecting the agricultural and agribusiness sectors. Knowledge of ITC’s Alliances for Action methodology or similar approaches built on stakeholder engagement and participation for inclusive and sustainable value chain development; 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 value chain diagnostic tools, various research sources, including: technical reports and working papers, 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. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals. Solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. Places team agenda before personal agenda. Supports and acts in accordance with final group decision, even when such decisions may not entirely reflect own position. Shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings. Commitment to continuous learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession. Actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally. Contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates. Shows willingness to learn from others. Seeks feedback to learn and improve.
Education
An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in agribusiness, food and agriculture is desirable. Experience in supporting producer organizations, promoting sustainable production and commercial alliances and fair and responsible MSMEs is desirable. Experience in value chain development is desirable. Experience in evidence based participatory approaches that promote inclusive agribusiness systems and policy support frameworks for development is desirable. Experience in agricultural and trade economics, finance and market dynamics in agri-food is desirable. Experience of ITC’s Alliances for Action methodology or similar approaches built on stakeholder engagement and participation for value chain development is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year. 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. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to hrs-jobs@intracen.org. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. 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.