Project Advisor, Youth Entrepreneurship and Digital Technologies (LICA 10)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this job function is to provide technical advice to support the implementation, monitoring, coordination, and evaluation of project activities related to digital skills and digital trade for youth entrepreneurship and SMEs. Work LocationFreetown, Sierra Leone Expected durationsix (6) months, with possibility of extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization based in Geneva. ITC’s mission is to enable small business export success in developing and transition- economy countries, by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions (TSIs) and policymakers. Implemented over a four-year period from 2024 to 2028, the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering youth through digital technologies’ (READY Salone) project has the overall objective of contributing to economic growth and job creation in Sierra Leone by enhancing the participation of youth in the digital economy. To achieve this, the project will: • Increase the capacity of youth to use digital technologies for work, entrepreneurship and social inclusion; • Enhance the competitiveness of young entrepreneurs through the adoption of digital technologies; • Improve youth-specific service offerings of business support organizations and tech hubs; • Strengthen the inclusive national strategies and policies related to the digital economy RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Head, SheTrades Initiative and the general guidance of the Chief, Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (DSIT/WYVC) , the Project Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the development, implementation, coordination and evaluation of assigned project activities, etc.; monitors and analyzes project 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 in relation to digital skills and digital trade for youth and SMEs. • Provide guidance and support to a team of specialists and administrative contractors, - • Performs consulting assignments in relation to digital skills and digital trade for youth and SMEs and tech ecosystem development, 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 various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, 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. • Undertakes 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 (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, project 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 (5) years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in digital technologies, digital skills and tech ecosystems is desirable. Experience in youth entrepreneurship and SMEs’ development is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to digital technologies, tech ecosystems, youth entrepreneurship and SMEs’ development. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. 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 disability inclusion 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. • 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. • 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. LanguagesFluency in English, (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of Krio is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Additional InformationThis vacancy is open for nationals of Sierra Leone. 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.