International Trade Centre is looking for an Associate Programme Officer (Making Trade Happen), DECI/SEC (Temporary), P2

Organization: International Trade Centre
Location: GENEVA
Level: PD - P-2
Job Family: PGM
Application Deadline: 17 July 2026 at 03:59 UTC
Job Opening Number: 26-Programme Management-UNON-280818-J-GENEVA (X)
Apply via: UN Inspira Portal

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 attached to the Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Section (SEC). The Associate Programme Officer will support the Making Trade Happen (MTH) project, as well as other SEC initiatives focused on market entry and trade development. MTH is designed to build the capacity of targeted SMEs to navigate an increasingly complex global trade landscape and successfully export to the UK market under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs). The project takes a market-led, dual-track approach to sector development, emphasizing the institutional anchoring of technical expertise while fostering diversification and improved linkages in higher value-added segments of national, regional, and international value chains. It will facilitate strategic partnerships and direct commercial matchmaking, with a specific focus on helping firms overcome the compliance wall of ESG standards, SPS protocols, and Rules of Origin. MTH is funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as a key component of the Centre of Expertise and will run from June 2026 to March 2027. ITC has been selected as the implementing agency and will deliver this component in selected countries through national project coordinators and a wide network of national and international partners.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Making Trade Happen Programme Manager and the general guidance of SEC Chief of Section, 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, 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., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• 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; 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, brochures, web stories, quarterly newsletters, 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 particular sector, functional area or another 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 persona 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 audience; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.
• 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

An advanced (Masters or equivalent) university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be considered.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years (four years with a first level degree) of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.
Experience in the UN common system is desirable.
Experience supporting SMEs in Africa and the Middle East, in particular in Jordan and/or Nigeria and/or Zimbabwe is desirable
Experience developing communication material is desirable
Experience planning and organizing trade events and buyers trade missions 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 minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework, is listed below (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).

English: UN Level III (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)
French: UN Level III (Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking)

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.

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