National Technical Coordinator (LICA 10)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this role is to provide successful and effective technical coordination support on implementation related aspects of the project. Work LocationJuba, South Sudan Expected duration12 months Duties and ResponsibilitiesOrganizational Setting: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). It is fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It has a mission to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC, in partnership with FAO and WFP, is implementing the South Sudan – Green and Resilient Agriculture and Climate Economy (GRACE). The project has an overall goal of promoting green, sustainable, and climate-resilient economic development by contributing to increased food and nutrition security, resilience to shocks, and job creation in South Sudan. It has three major specific objectives of a) strengthening agricultural (crop) livelihoods through increased productive capacity and productivity, improved food and nutrition security, adaptation to climate change, and enhanced preparedness against and resilience to shocks and crises; b) supporting the development of a more competitive, sustainable, and modern agriculture through the development of resilient, context-specific agricultural value chains, the improvement of access to services, and the empowerment of women and youth; and c) enhancing the protection and sustainable management of the natural resource base of the economy and agricultural livelihoods. The project supports the development of four value chains (such as sorghum, groundnuts, honey, and horticulture) by improving production, processing and handling practices; building technical and operational capacities of producers, cooperatives, businesses and support institutions; and improving access to productive and processing inputs, finance and markets. The GRACE project is funded by the European Union (EU) under the Neighbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument (NDICI and is implemented over a period of 48 months in four states, namely: Central Equatoria State, Lakes State, Northern Bahr el Ghazal State, and Western Equatoria State. It will support small holder farmers, producers cooperatives, micro, small and medium sized enterprises that operate businesses in the various target product sectors, such as honey, horticulture, groundnuts and sorghum. ITC’s role will focus on providing support aimed at enhancing the business enabling environment; supporting market development, value addition and quality compliance capacities through training, advisory, and experience sharing; creating market linkages; and building capacities to facilitate regional, continental and global trade integration for South Sudan. Responsibilities: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Manager and the overall guidance of the Chief, Office for Africa, and in close collaboration with other project team members, the National Technical Coordinator will be responsible for the following duties: • Participate in the technical coordination support to the project to facilitate effective, efficient and timely implementation of project interventions • Liaising with all relevant project team and in consultation with stakeholders, coordinate the development of detailed annual work plans for the agribusiness development component of the project. • Provide technical support in the development terms of references and strategies, working closely with lead technical experts assigned to guide and implement interventions. • Coordinate the invitation and participation of relevant officials for attendance to important project events as and when required. • Arrange meetings for ITC project missions requiring consultations with relevant government institutions and project stakeholders when required. • Facilitate ITC’s interactions with relevant government ministries and private sector actors to ensure ownership and sustainability of project interventions and results. • Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations. • Provide support for the technical implementation of interventions aimed at product and market development of targeted value chains by providing expert advice and substantive support. • monitors all aspects of technical implementation of the agribusiness development, fostering positive collaborative engagements between and among project teams. • Prepares and submits brief reports on the meetings held with local authorities and designated focal point officials of stakeholder institutions. • Prepare implementation progress reports, ensuring the compilation of information and data on progress made, challenges and problems faced during implementation, proposed solutions and way forward in terms of recommendations that may be provided by stakeholders during the briefing meetings with the local consultants, experts and stakeholders. • Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Leads and/or participates in field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Monitors and reports on new developments and circumstances in the country that would be of interest to the project, including developments in political, socioeconomic, health (pandemic), environmental related issues that may affect the implementation of the project. • Provide technical and strategic guidance to the technical implementation team, including recommending appropriate actions and resolutions. • When required, organize any ad hoc technical meetings with beneficiary and/or development partners to address issues that may arise in due course of implementation. • Facilitate the implementation of surveys to compile data and analyse achievements and impact of project interventions. • Performs other duties as assigned. Copyright Clause: The Consultant 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 prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in agricultural sciences, environmental science, business administration, management, economics, development or a related area. A first level university degree in combination with two additional years of qualifying work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in implementation and/or coordination of agribusiness development projects or related area is required. Experience working with government and private sector institutions and stakeholders as well as development partners is desirable. Competencies: Professionalism: Proficiency in Microsoft Office. Knowledge of UN rules and regulations. Knowledge and understanding of agribusiness development, programme coordination, business support services and business development. Familiarity with UN system management tools and processes. 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. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Additional InformationThis vacancy announcement is open to locally residing South Sudan nationals only. 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 covering 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.