ITC Representative Africa, DCP

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Division of Country Programmes (DCP). The incumbent reports directly to the Director DCP, under the overall guidance of ITC’s Deputy Executive Director. DCP is responsible for ITC's relations with member states and plays a central role for interaction and collaboration with traditional and non-traditional donors. DCP ensures the coherence and impact of ITC’s programmes at the regional and country levels and supports the implementation of complex projects. The purpose of this role is to lead ITC’s contribution towards building SME competitiveness, developing trade capacity and inclusive sustainable economic growth in Eastern Africa in alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The incumbent will lead DCP’s Office for Africa’s operations in Eastern Africa and assume a representation role vis-à-vis the African Union, from ITC’s Office in Nairobi, Kenya, working closely with the other parts of the Office for Africa (DCP/OA) at ITC HQ. As part of its mandate, OA coordinates ITC’s technical assistance at country, (sub) regional and continental levels including in the context of the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The work of OA includes coordination, and representation of ITC in various fora, resource mobilization, collection and analysis of country/region intelligence, project / programme design, management and coordination. The performance of the role is measured in terms of its contribution to ITC’s deeper country/regional engagement in Eastern Africa. This includes progress on four objectives: increased impact and visibility of ITC’s work in the region; increased operational efficiency; enhanced cooperation/coordination with development partners, and a larger and more diversified funding base for ITC’s work. Additionally, as a UNCT member, under the Management and Accountability Framework (MAF) of the UN development and resident coordinator (RC) system, the ITC Representative has mutual accountability with the Resident Coordinator in the member states of the East African Community (EAC) and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. for periodically reporting on contributions and support for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). The Director of ITC’s Division of Country Programmes conducts the performance review of the Regional Representative, whilst seeking inputs from the RCs on the ITC Representative’s contributions as a UNCT member. ResponsibilitiesRepresentation and Advocacy: Representing ITC in various fora, including intergovernmental meetings, public events, and key meetings with government officials, multilateral, regional and bilateral agencies, NGOs, private sector and civil society. Leading advocacy efforts on key issues relevant to ITC. This includes, in close coordination with the Chief OA and with relevant ITC Country Managers: • Representing ITC, advocating for ITC and managing relationships with key stakeholders in the Republic of Kenya, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and the other seven member states of the East African Community (EAC): The Republic of Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Republic of Rwanda, the Federal Republic of Somalia, the Republic of South Sudan, the Republic of Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania. • Representing ITC and advocating for ITC in regional organizations - the African Union (AU) and the EAC. • Managing communication strategies to raise awareness of ITC’s work in the region • Facilitating ITC’s participation and visibility in important events in the region. Partnership and Resource Mobilisation: Establishing and maintaining strategic partnerships with governments, stakeholders, and funders in Eastern Africa, to support programme development, implementation, and resource mobilisation. This includes: • Identifying needs of the national/regional private sector to support SME competitiveness at Macro, Meso and Micro levels. • Identifying funding trends and opportunities • Developing and implementing resource mobilisation and partnership strategies and plans • Engaging with funders, developing project leads and negotiating agreements • Overseeing ITC’s reporting to stakeholders and funders in the region • Initiating and fostering ‘partnerships for purpose’ with key stakeholders, including government agencies, UN and other international organizations, funders, the private sector and NGOs. UN Collaboration: Actively participating in the UN Country Team (UNCT) as ITC’s representative for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia. Supporting the ITC Country Manager in representing ITC in the UNCTs of other EAC members. This involves: • Positioning ITC in the UN Coordination Frameworks aligned with the ITC regional strategy. • Ensuring ITC’s collaboration on UNCT programming and advocacy. • Contributing to the UN system interagency coherence, collaboration and reporting. • Engaging in UNCT consultations and decision-making processes. • Coordinating ITC’s reporting to the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO). Strategic Planning and Programme Development: Supporting the development, and monitoring of strategic plans and programmes, aligned with ITC’s global strategy, national priorities, and the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). This includes: • Keeping ITC informed of major social, economic and political developments in the regional organizations (AU, EAC) and assigned countries (EAC members and Ethiopia). • Providing substantive advice to the Director DCP and senior management on strategies for the region and programme planning; collaborating with the Chief, Office of Africa on synergies within ITC’s portfolio in Africa and the operationalization of the AfCFTA; collaborating with ITC’s other regional offices on South-South trade and investment opportunities. • Ensuring high quality of project concepts and plans for the East African region while maintaining highest level of client orientation. • Leading the formulation of country strategic notes and annual country work plans for the member states of the EAC and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, and for ITC’s work with the EAC and AU • Leading and contributing to needs-assessment missions and project developments • Aiding Senior Management missions from ITC headquarters to the region. ITC project portfolio coordination and oversight: • Coordinating ITC’s projects for the member states of the EAC and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to support the ITC regional strategy, national priorities, the UNSDCFs and to be maximize complementarity and results between the programmes and projects. • Acting as an interface with key stakeholders for improved synergies of ITC projects with the work of development partners • Facilitating the uptake of ITC’s Global Public Goods in the countries and regional organizations and ensuring ITC-HQ managers are aware of any specific user needs and feedback. Serving as a channel for other ITC services to governments and Business Support Organizations (BSO) and promoting services innovation in view of client needs. • Overseeing that projects comply with agreed targets and logical frameworks, donor requirements and UNCT agreements. Identifying risks associated with the ITC project portfolio and with achieving results. • Facilitating the establishment and coordination of ITC project offices in the region. • Contributing to internal and external evaluations. Office Management: Overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Nairobi office, managing the team of core office staff and resources, and ensuring compliance with ITC and UN regulations and policies. This includes: • Developing the core team’s annual work plan and budget. • Managing the performance of personnel, providing leadership, managerial direction, guidance, feedback and development opportunities. • Overseeing administrative, personnel, procurement, and financial management. • Leading the interaction with the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), with support of ITC’s Division of Programme Support • Overseeing the safety, security, and well-being of personnel, programmes, and organisational assets in the ITC Office, Nairobi. Performing other duties, as required. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Extensive understanding of Eastern Africa’s ecosystem for SME competitiveness, trade and development, its current trade priorities, trade development needs, trade-related national, regional and continental governance structures and challenges. Expertise in private sector development in the context of the international trading system and technical assistance. Strong diplomatic skills, as well as excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to represent, advocate, negotiate and network, ideally with private sector development and trade-related contacts in the region - including ministries, the private sector, heads of business associations and non-governmental organizations, senior officials in UN and other international organizations and donor agencies. Excellent analytical and conceptual skills to understand complex policy issues and develop and implement effective strategies. Ability to identify and analyse trends, opportunities, and threats to fundraising. Ability to apply judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities. Familiarity with UN operations and related rules. Good collaborative and people skills to ensure integration, synergies and consistency of their activities with other parts of ITC. Proficiency in results-based programme formulation, implementation and monitoring. Experience in implementing sustainability and inclusiveness initiatives and/or programmes. 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 promoting the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work. Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow. Empowers others to translate vision into results. Is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives. Establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support. Anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions. Drives for change and improvement; does not accept the status quo. Shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing. 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. 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 interlocutors/audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. EducationAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, business administration, international relations, political science, law, social sciences or related area. 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 QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible professional experience that combines strategic and managerial leadership in development cooperation at the international level is required. A minimum of two years experience working in or with Eastern Africa is required. Experience at national and international level in trade and/or private sector development advocacy and policy dialogue, interacting with high-level government and regional officials is required. Experience in resource mobilization resulting in a track record of successful fundraising is required. Experience in leading and managing the development and execution of complex development programmes related to private sector development and/or international trade is required. Experience in managing multicultural teams is required. Experience in executing representational functions (outside own country) is desirable. Experience with inter-organizational collaboration and building and maintaining effective partnerships across organizations is desirable. Experience working in a field operation (inclusive of peacekeeping, political missions and UN agencies, funds, and programmes, or similar international organization or non-governmental organization) is desirable. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of an additional official UN language is desirable. AssessmentThe conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year. 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. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org Special NoticeThe conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year. 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. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. 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.