Org. Setting and Reporting
This position is located in the International Trade Centre’s Section on Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness within the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions.The Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness (SEC) Section helps developing country MSMEs address the challenges around sustainable value-chain development, catalysing sectorwide transformation, and improving market linkages – including using new digital channels. The Fibres, Textiles and Clothing (FTC) programme improves the international competitiveness of the fibres, textiles and clothing as well as leather sector in developing countries. Working along the value chain, special emphasis is given on how the sector can improve its competitiveness, while addressing important development aspects such as women’s empowerment, youth employment and contributing to reducing climate change. FTC emphasizes the business case for addressing these overarching challenges while helping companies as well as the T&C sector in selected countries to meet ever increasing market requirements. The programme builds capacity of SMEs to take over additional functions along the value chain at production, pre- and post-production stages. In addition to the work with SMEs directly, the programme supports the institutional ecosystem around the sector to improve support services creating a holistic approach to the sector. As part of this approach, the FTC programme puts special emphasis on south-south cooperation as an effective tool to improve performance, link stakeholders across the value chain and to tap into new markets. After having suffered disproportionally from the disruptions of Covid-19, SMEs in the sector are in the process of restarting their businesses and re-entering markets. At the same time, they are being pushed to show they are producing in a responsible and sustainable way in response to increasing market pressure and mandatory due diligence requirements being put in place by markets such as the EU, Switzerland and the United States. The EU Circular Textile Strategy and overall 16 regulations in the making by the EU Commission will affect the T&C sector, both in Europe and those that would like to sell in Europe. The market will, thus, impose new challenges to developing country textile and clothing manufacturers that need to be addressed. The FTC flagship programme is the Global Textile and Clothing (GTEX) programme that enhances the export competitiveness of the T&C in selected countries. Other projects include cotton in Africa (Zambia and Tanzania) and cashmere in Nepal, as well as leather in East Africa.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager, Fibres, Textiles and Clothing and the general supervision of the Director, DECI, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned Fibres, Textiles and Clothing (FTC) programmes/projects, etc.; 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, operations and other activities, etc., in FTC and/or the leather sector, and/or the manufacturing sector, etc. to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. Collects, analyses and presents statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources, but especially from project beneficiaries as part of the M&E for results reporting. • Provides substantive support for policy 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, by 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 (especially for M&E purposes); 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. in FTC and/or the leather sector, and/or the manufacturing sector, 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 of trade policy aspects important to FTC trade (e.g. rules of origin requirements in trade agreements). Knowledge on circularity and traceability solutions for the T&C or leather sector. Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. 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. • Planning & Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches
Education
An advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field such as textile/manufacturing-related engineering. A first-level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Job – Specific Qualification
Not available.
Work Experience
A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or area related to international trade is required. Experience in projects in the fibre, textiles and clothing or manufacturing sector is desirable. Experience with or supporting enterprises and business support organizations in developing countries to benefit from international trade is desirable.
Languages
Fluency in English and knowledge of French or Spanish is required.
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. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to hrs-jobs@intracen.org. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. 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.