Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition countries to take advantage of expanding trade and investment opportunities. ITC supports “Trade Impact for Good”, promoting sustainable and inclusive development through trade. SPTI (Strategies & Policy for Trade & Investment) provides thought leadership on trade and SME competitiveness and technical assistance in the design and implementation of trade development strategies. It produces global-level studies as well as country-level analyses highlighting opportunities and constraints to trade, and developing strategies at the regional, national and sector levels aimed at policy makers, trade support institutions and enterprises. SPTI is responsible for ITC’s annual flagship publication “SME Competitiveness Outlook”, and more generally, for analytical and inter-agency work on entrepreneurship and SME international competitiveness. SPTI contributes to the design and implementation of ITC research, the design of analytical methods for impact assessments of ITC technical assistance and takes the lead on ITC involvement with external academic networks. The goal of this job function is to contribute to SPTI’s analytical and statistical work on SME competitiveness with a focus on implementing analytical methods to assess SME Competitiveness.

Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Chief of section and direct supervision of the Programme Officer , the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: Economic and/or sector analysis: • Collects, evaluates, interprets, analyses specified statistics and qualitative socio-economic information obtained from a variety of sources and pertaining to particular sectors, countries, regions or development topics. • Maintains databases and programmes for database management on SME competitiveness and organizes non-quantitative information. • Assists in the design, testing, operation and modification of econometric models. • Prepares briefing notes, inputs to speeches and similar material on economic or sector issues in a form that is meaningful to non-specialists; • Prepares first drafts of sector, country or regional components of analytical studies on development issues and policies, notably for the SME Competitiveness Outlook. • Assists in the organization and servicing of expert group meetings, seminars, etc on development issues. Technical cooperation: • Compiles and analyses the data and other information necessary for the preparation of technical cooperation project proposals in the area of economic development. General: • Performs other related duties as required, including a variety of administrative tasks necessary for the final delivery of the work unit’s services; • Undertakes on-the-job and other training activities, both internally and externally. • Contributes to the collection and analysis of data as well as identification of trends or patterns and provides draft insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods for data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of economic theories and their application. Ability to identify and develop sources for data collection. Ability to undertake research, analyse data, make recommendations and write reports. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. 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.

Education

A first-level university degree in economics or related field.

Job – Specific Qualification

Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programmes in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in economic research and analysis, policy formulation, application of economic principles in development programmes (MA may be substituted in lieu of relevant professional work experience) or related area is required. One year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience using Stata and Excel and programming is desirable Experience with analysis of firm level data and surveys is desirable Experience in the UN common system is desirable.

Languages

For the positions advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. 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 03 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.