Associate Programme Officer (A4A), DSIT/GIVC (Temporary)

Org. Setting and ReportingThe Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section is responsible for developing and disseminating sector-level expertise for sustainable market-driven solutions in ITC, including the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodology. A4A is a participatory partnership model that engages smallholder farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to manage risk and facilitate networks that provide the required technical expertise and capacity building. The section develops proprietary methodologies for value-chain analysis and upgrading, as part of its efforts to improve the international competitiveness of MSMEs through the delivery of specialized advisory solutions. The Netherlands Trust Fund V (NTF V) programme’s ambition is to contribute to rebuilding back better in the targeted countries with a focus on MSMEs in the digital technologies and agribusiness sectors, linking up both for synergies and business opportunities. The programme covers both sectors in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal, as well as a multi-country approach aimed at the digital technologies sector in Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali and Uganda. As part of this programme, ITC A4A is implementing value chain development projects in Senegal with the objective of improving the competitiveness of farmers and agribusiness MSMEs in the cashew nut sector and associated crops with a focus on digitalization. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of the Technical Adviser on Inclusive agri-business and food systems and the overall guidance of the Head, Inclusive Agribusiness and Trade 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/activities; • Assists with monitoring and analyzing 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, to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Assists in providing 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. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, presentations etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing of background documents and presentations, planning 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 technical support, data collection, etc. • Assists in 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. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of business working and communications practices, and business structures found in anglophone and francophone developing countries. Knowledge of the agribusiness sector in developing countries and market dynamics in the main food & agricultural global markets. Knowledge of how to organize and monitor field implementation partners for management or project resources, execution of project activities, communications, reporting and visibility/communications. 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. 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. Vision: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in international trade, business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master’s degree. Job - Specific QualificationEducation or training that includes agriculture studies and/or food systems and/or local economic development and/or participatory governance approaches for sector and value chain development is desirable Work ExperienceApplicants to positions at this level who have an advanced university degree in a relevant field of study do not need to have professional work experience. For applicants who have a first level university degree, two additional years of qualifying work experience is required. Experience in a multi-cultural and global context in relation to trade development is desirable. Experience in agricultural value chain development projects is desirable. LanguagesFor the position advertised, fluency in both English and French is required. AssessmentAssessment 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 NoticeThe conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a temporary appointment for an initial 07 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 hrs-jobs@intracen.org. 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 ConsiderationsIn 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 FeeITC 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.