National Programme Coordinator (LICA 10)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this job function is to provide effective coordination support for the successful implementation of the programme. Work LocationGaborone, Botswana Expected durationuntil 31 December 2026, with possibility of extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The Botswana Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme is a four-year initiative funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in close collaboration with the Government of Botswana. The programme aims to diversify Botswana’s economy and generate decent employment by strengthening the competitiveness of the horticulture and ecotourism value chains. It responds to national priorities, particularly the government’s focus on job creation. Operating in Greater Gaborone, as well as in Western, Eastern, and Northern Botswana, the programme targets regions with strong potential for growth in both tourism and horticulture. It places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with a particular focus on supporting women, youth, and rural communities. The programme will work with small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), farmers, and community-based tourism organisations, offering support through training, improved access to finance, and efforts to enhance the business and policy environment in these sectors. It also promotes sustainable business practices and digital market access, aligning with Botswana’s broader green growth and climate resilience goals. The programme is structured around three main objectives. First, it aims to enhance the capacities of SMEs in the selected value chains. This includes support in areas such as marketing, compliance with market access standards, ecotourism certification, sustainable resource management, circular economy practices, and financial access. Second, it seeks to strengthen the ecosystem of business support institutions that provide services to enterprises in these sectors. Third, it focuses on improving the overall business, policy, and regulatory environment, including support for regulatory reform and the implementation of key policy initiatives, such as green public procurement and climate-resilient development strategies. The ecotourism component of the programme supports the development of priority tourism locations, including urban tourism in Greater Gaborone. It promotes community-led tourism models, the integration of cultural and creative industries, and stronger linkages between tourism and local value chains. Meanwhile, the horticulture component aims to increase productivity and competitiveness through the adoption of eco-friendly technologies, improved irrigation and cold storage infrastructure, and better market integration. These efforts could help to reduce Botswana’s reliance on imported fruits and vegetables and to improve national food security. The programme directly addresses several of Botswana’s most pressing structural challenges. These include the country’s dependence on diamond mining, persistently high unemployment and inequality, food insecurity and import dependence, barriers to SME growth, climate vulnerability, and the limited integration between key economic sectors. To ensure effective delivery and coordination on the ground, ITC is currently seeking a qualified national coordinator to lead the implementation of the programme in Botswana. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer of the Botswana Green Value Chain Development for Job Creation Programme, Office for Africa, ITC-HQ, and the overall guidance of the Chief, Office for Africa, ITC-HQ, the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the development and coordinate the implementation and evaluation of programme activities, etc.; monitors and analyzes programme development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Facilitate collaboration with and between government ministries (including authorizations, clearances, and official endorsements), private sector actors, and development partners. • Performs 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. • 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 and reviews various written outputs, e.g. annual work plans, draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, briefs, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Initiates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or lead 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. Copyright : The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. Qualifications/special skillsEDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years (seven (7) with first level university degree) of relevant experience in project or programme coordination and implementation, business administration or related area. Experience in working with government and private sector institutions and stakeholders as well as development partners. Experience in trade-related technical assistance desirable. Experience working with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) desirable. Experience in value chain development within the horticulture and/or tourism sectors, including market linkages and inclusive and sustainable business models desirable. Previous experience within the United Nations common system or other international organizations desirable COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Knowledge of MS Office applications. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations of financial, procurement and human resources processes. 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 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. • 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. • Planning& Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time efficiently. LanguagesAdvanced knowledge of English. Additional InformationThis vacancy is open for nationals of Botswana. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.