Associate Programme Officer

Posting Title: Associate Programme Officer (NTM), DMD/TMI, P2 (Temporary Job Opening)

Job Code Title: Associate Programme Management Officer

Organization: International Trade Centre (ITC)

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Posting Period: 13 July 2023 - 30 July 2023

Job Opening Number: 23-Programme Management-ITC-213966-J-Geneva (X)

Staffing Exercise: N/A

United Nations Core Values: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

Org. Setting and Reporting

The Trade and Market Intelligence (TMI) section is part of ITC’s Division of Market Development (DMD). TMI has developed and is continuously evolving a set of market analysis tools including Trade Map and Market Access Map among others and also customizes these tools for specific regions to facilitate greater intra-regional trade and integration. In addition, TMI has developed methodologies for focused studies as well as analytical outputs and surveys in areas such as non-tariff measures (NTMs). TMI also delivers capacity-building services for beneficiaries in using its tools and analysis methodologies in support of strategic and operational trade-related decisions.
ITC’s programme on NTMs, hosted in TMI, contributes to increasing the transparency of trade regulations, assessing private sector concerns with trade regulations and procedures and designing technical assistance for overcoming trade barriers with the aim to reduce NTM-related trade cost for developing country exporters and importers. It involves comprehensive business surveys on NTMs and related obstacles to goods trade in developing and least-developed countries, stakeholder consultations to bring SMEs’ voices to the attention of trade policy makers, to trigger the needed change, and capacity building on market access. For more information about the programme, please visit www.ntmsurvey.org.
The goal of this job function is to contribute to NTM programme implementation, in particular by contributing to the technical preparation and roll-out of business surveys, the implementation of the trade obstacles alert mechanisms and related training activities

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of NTM Programme Officer (DMD/TMI) and the overall supervision of the head of ITC’s NTM Programme (DMD/TMI), the Associate Programme Officer, NTM will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of NTM 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 on regulatory and procedural trade barriers, 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 business survey initiatives covering both goods and trade in services; 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, press releases 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 capacity building activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on trade in services and related trade barriers;
• 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.).
• Contribute to stakeholder engagement to ensure continuous liaison with key partners and stakeholders for NTM projects
• Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM:
Strong analytical and drafting skills. Proven capability to write clear and concise project documents and reports. Problem-solving skills. Excellent knowledge of Excel. Knowledge on issues regarding international trade, market access and competitiveness. Knowledge of non-tariff measures. Knowledge of services trade regulations and obstacles to services trade. Knowledge of survey design and implementation. Knowledge of issues faced by women-led companies and related theoretical underpinning on gender and trade. Knowledge of the relevant WTO agreements and other relevant international treaties and conventions. Project design skills. 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.

• 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.

• 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 business administration, management, economics or a related field.

Note: Candidates who have completed an advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field may be accepted with two years of relevant work experience.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of relevant experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.

Experience in trade in services and TRTA is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English is required. Fluency in French or Spanish is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which may 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 temporary appointment for an initial 09 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.
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.

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