Org. Setting and Reporting

Within the International Trade Centre, the Institutions and Ecosystems Section (IE) of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions (DECI) provides solutions to business support organizations (BSOs) in developing countries and economies in transition. High performing institutions act as multipliers for ITC projects. As delivery partners as well as beneficiaries they improve reach and scale of projects, and transfer knowledge and capacity to local actors for lasting impact. The Institutions and Ecosystems Programme delivers directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 and SDG 16 and indirectly to SDGs 1, 2,4,5,9,10,12, and 17. This role brings specialised expertise and networks in support of one or more projects with a focus on helping BSOs and related ecosystems to facilitate inclusive and sustainable as well as less specialised assessment and capacity building tasks as needed.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of a Programme Officer and the general guidance of Chief Institutions and Ecosystems, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the adaptation, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; applies ITC methodologies to identify problems and issues to be addressed for business support organizations and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by carrying out organizational assessments and ecosystem mappings, planning and conducting workshops, including coaching and other activities in support of organizational excellence and sustainability. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. mission and event reports, assessment reports, ecosystem mappings, etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Takes responsibility for developing and supporting BSO networks and ecosystems, including identifying and sharing good practice. • Contributes to the overall work by ITC in the area of sustainability to contribute to global climate and environmental goals • Participates in or leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the structural, managerial and operational features related to leadership and direction, resources and processes, products and services and result measurement of business support organizations. Knowledge of the institutional, socio-economic and policy factors that affect the ability of a region, country or sector to support the internationalization of small businesses. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct 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. 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. Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client. 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

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field such as organizational development or international relations. 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 five years (seven with a first level degree) of experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience advising public and private sector economic actors involved in trade promotion and business support in a diverse global context is desirable. Experience delivering missions or events related to trade promotion or the work of business support organizations is desirable Experience working with developing and transition economies is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English required. Knowledge of either Spanish or French required.

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 7 months dependant on actual start date 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.