Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Trade Centre (ITC) mandate is: "Transforming trade. Changing lives." By enabling trade-led economic development, especially in the Global South, ITC enables small businesses to reach their potential and strengthens ecosystems for long-term impact. This position is located in the Office for Africa (OA), Division of Country Programmes (DCP). DCP/OA is responsible for coordinating and managing the development and implementation of several multidisciplinary trade-related technical assistance projects in the Africa region related to the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) programme. The focus of the job is to support the development, implementation and monitoring of designated projects. The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors. It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. SADC: Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) is part of a broader initiative under the ATCMA Programme. The SADC component focuses on facilitating intra-African trade, developing a strong regional quality infrastructure, and promoting a green transition. The ECOWAS: Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) works in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to improve market access, strengthen quality systems, support priority value chains, and help businesses compete with confidence, retain more value locally, and contribute to inclusive and sustainable growth across the region.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Programme Managers and the overall guidance of the Chief Office for Africa, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
Assists in providing substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions,
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.
Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies.
Assists in providing 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.
Assists in 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 the ECOWAS and SADC and its REC institutional processes. Knowledge of value chain selection processes. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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.
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.
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.

Education

A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics, environment studies, sustainable development or a related field. An advanced university degree in the above subjects may be considered in lieu of the required work experience requirement.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management is required.

Experience in SME competitiveness, international trade, and data analysis is desirable.

Experience in trade data analysis is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

Required Languages

English — Reading: UN Level III; Speaking: UN Level III; Writing: UN Level III; Listening: UN Level III
French — Reading: UN Level III; Speaking: UN Level III; Writing: UN Level III; Listening: UN Level III

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

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International Trade Centre is looking for an Associate Programme Officer (French-speaking)