Chief, Office for Africa, Geneva (P-5) International Trade Centre (UNCTAD/WTO)

The International Trade Centre is looking for a: Chief, Office for Africa Post level: P-5 Division/Section: Division of Country Programmes/ Office for Africa (DCP/OA) Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Vacancy Notice No.: ITC/VN/33/2011

Deadline for application: 20 November 2011 (midnight Geneva time)

Entry date: as soon as possible Duration of appointment: two years, renewable

THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT SUPERSEDES ITC/VN/05/2011.

CANDIDATES WHO APPLIED FOR ITC/VN/05/2011 AND WHO WISH TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POST WILL NEED TO RE-APPLY.

THE ITC

The work of the International Trade Centre (ITC) is focused on delivering 'Export Impact for Good'. We target the private sector, trade support institutions and the promotion of government policies which contribute to competitive trade and sustainable and inclusive development. We support developing and transition countries in seeking out and promoting export opportunities - leading to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. If you are a passionate and committed individual who wants to make a lasting difference, then ITC is the place to be. For further information and details of how to apply, please visit ITC's website: www.intracen.org

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The Division of Country Programmes (DCP) is responsible for coherence and impact of ITC's programmes at the country and regional levels. The five regional sections maintain close relations to partners in ITC's programme countries to ensure a demand-led approach for all projects. They coordinate throughout the project cycle in the design, implementation and monitoring of projects.

MAIN PURPOSE AND KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

The purpose of this job function is to lead ITC's contribution to development of trade capacity in beneficiary countries in Africa with a particular focus on activities which provide good pro-poor employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Chief, Office for Africa will develop coherent and coordinated responses to country and regional trade development needs within the ambit of ITC's mandate; build effective relations with key counterparts in the private sector in Africa and related institutions, national governments and regional organizations; enhance collaboration with principal donors and other international partners in the region and countries within it; feed related intelligence back to ITC as a means of ensuring quality programme development with a clear sustainable impact orientation. S/he will lead the Section's contribution to ITC's core objective of Export Impact for Good. The performance of the Section will be measured in terms of its contribution to capacitating beneficiary countries to increase exports, and related employment and entrepreneurship, on a sustainable basis; thereby contributing to the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Related performance evaluation criteria will be: efficient needs assessments performed as basis for assisting in developing strategic responses to trade development needs; trade development projects and programs designed and effectively implemented using good results-based management ITC vacancy announcements are available on http://www.intracen.org/about/jobs/
(RBM) practices - thereby delivering sustainable outcomes and contributing to the related developmental impact; effective working relationships established with partners and stakeholders in countries and regional organizations, in international agencies as well as with other sections within ITC.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief, Office for Africa (OA) will be directly supervised by the Director of the Division of Country Programmes, based on ITC's vision and related strategic objectives. The incumbent will be expected to develop programmes and actions that will translate the vision and objectives into concrete actions and monitor the results deriving from his/her programmes in an independent manner. S/he will:

• Develop a common vision, strategic objectives and support related planning for the programmes under his/her leadership, in line with ITC's strategic plan.
  
• Ensure that the staff of the section is motivated and valued, respecting the Paris Declaration by delivering projects which emphasize demand-led capacity building in beneficiary countries designed to achieve substantial outcomes and related impact.
  
• Apply a RBM approach towards programmes and projects under his/her responsibility (including a project cycle management methodology, performance indicators, measurable outputs and outcomes, and monitoring and evaluation measures).
  
• Identify, employ and communicate good programme and project management practices.
  
• Constantly encourage innovation, improvement, and new ideas by taking calculated risks
  
• Build and maintain effective collaboration based upon trust with project partners and stakeholders from within and outside of ITC and work collaboratively across ITC's sections.
  
• Ensure effective financial resources management and integrate financial concepts in decisionmaking.
  
• Make sure goals, roles and responsibilities are clearly defined and communicated. Implement and monitor efficient distribution of work within the section team.
  
• Provide coaching, performance appraisals and regular feedback on performance.
  
• Delegate responsibility within an agreed process, which clearly outlines expectations and accountabilities. Address difficult personnel situations, potential conflicts directly, using appropriate discretion and HR advice.
  
• Respect and manage diversity and operate efficiently in a multi-cultural team.
  
• Initiate and oversee needs assessments and lead related programme development to build capacity in beneficiary countries in relation to initiation and strengthening of export oriented development programmes with a view to achieving the related developmental impact with respect to shared wealth creation, employment growth and entrepreneurial opportunities.
  
• Ensure that ITC's programme activities in Africa employ a pro-poor approach benefitting not only established SMEs but also poor communities and entrepreneurs, in particular targeting women and youth.
  
• Work collaboratively with beneficiary countries, and across ITC sections, and with external stakeholders in the planning, co-ordination, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of trade development programmes in Africa.
  
• Oversee the management of ITC's projects and programmes in Africa, from identifying capacity building needs and priorities, and producing related logframes, work plans and budgets - to developing new methodologies for trade development interventions and related capacity building initiatives in beneficiary countries, through the effective management of a team of professionals and support staff.
  
• Ensure that project formulation is informed by trade opportunities in emerging and mature markets and that the projects initiated lead to capacity building activities which enable project partners to convert such opportunities into actual trade transactions.
  
• Employ good RBM practices in project development, in project implementation and related monitoring, and in the subsequent post-evaluation.
  
• Collaborate extensively with private sector to ensure market linkages.
  
• In collaboration with the Programme and Project Manager s within the section select, manage and appraise national and international consultants, and other individuals providing technical support and backstopping for ITC's programmes in Africa, ensuring that they deliver against the set objectives.
  
• Draft related documents as inputs to ITC's corporate documents (strategic plan, operational plan, annual report) and related statements, thereby contributing to ITC's communication with stakeholders.
  
• Ensure funding for new programme initiatives and build related relationships with development partners and understand their policies and strategies with the countries and region.
  
• Represent ITC at international fora on trade development and related technical assistance in the region and assist in tailoring agendas addressing current and future trade challenges. Perform other duties as required
  

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: This role requires a professional with the ability to maintain continued interactions with Division Directors and Section Chiefs to ensure integration, synergies and consistency of his/her activities with the other parts of the Organization. S/he will establish and maintain relationships with decision makers in beneficiary countries including Ministries, private Sector CEOs and Heads of Business Associations and Non-Governmental Organizations, Senior Officials in UN, other International Organizations and Donor Agencies, for the development and coordination of programmes in the region under his/her responsibility. The Chief Office for Africa will have good leadership skills in developing efficient and sustainable solutions responding to beneficiary needs, including strong ability to clearly communicate links between ITC's strategy and the Section's goals; inspire, guide and coach a multi-cultural team towards excellence; empower and support staff; and anticipate and resolve conflicts; good managerial skills in relation to effective and efficient development, and implementation of capacity building in relation to trade development programmes in Africa and the general management of the Office. S/he will be able to identify needs and related opportunities and issues, develop a vision and translate it into actions; and establish a results-based and performance culture. With sound programme managementskills in relation to provision of traderelated technical assistance (TRTA); financial managementcompetencies; s/he will be capable to develop and maintain a collaborative approach within the team, other parts of ITC and ITC's stakeholders. The Chief, OA will have good people and communication skills and related capacity to establish rapport quickly with a broad range of stakeholders, listen and engage with other; ability to employ a demand and needs driven approach to capacity building in relation to trade development and on this basis support development of efficient and effective programme solutions aligned to ITC's strategic objectives and related technical strengths; and the ability to understand market dynamics and translate market opportunities into related trade development initiatives. With good analytical skills in relation developmental issues and matters; s/he will be able to live and demonstrate ITC's values in daily activities and related behaviors.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

EDUCATION: Advanced University degree in economics, business administration, international trade, or related field. Note: A candidate possessing a university degree in economics, business administration, international trade or a related field may be accepted with a minimum of twelve years of relevant postgraduate professional experience.

WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible postgraduate professional work experience, ideally in a multi-cultural and global context. Good TRTA experience and related programme development and managerial experience. Demonstrated substantial experience from working in Africa, preferably within TRTA. Minimum two years of this experience should be at a senior level. LANGUAGES: Advanced knowledge of English. Working knowledge of French, desirable. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE: Project management methodologies, processes and standards and related good RBM practices. Good understanding of trade development needs in Africa and related understanding of the international trading system and the TRTA environment. Computer literacy.

DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE: Insights into UN and WTO operations and related rules. Familiarity with ITC's business and services.

ITC'S VALUES are: Vision, Integrity, Excellence, Pragmatism and Responsiveness.

ITC'S CORE COMPETENCIES are: Integrity, Vision, Teamwork and Leadership, Excellence and Accountability, Client Commitment, Pragmatism and Communications. For further information on the ITC competency framework and the definition of each competency, please visit our website or click on the following link: ITC Competency Framework

CRITICAL JOB-SPECIFIC

Teamwork and Leadership Excellence and Accountability Client Commitment Communications TERMS OF SERVICE Appointments with ITC are service-limited to this organization. The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations . This is a fixed term appointment.

INDICATIVE ANNUAL SALARY AT THE P-5 LEVEL

Annual Salary (net of tax) US$ 80,629 at single rate US$ 86,791 with primary dependants Post Adjustment Plus 125.4% (September 2011 rate) of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation. For further information please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org HOW TO APPLY Candidates are required to complete an on-line application. To apply, please visit the ITC website at http://www.intracen.org/jobs which provides all related instructions on how to complete the on-line personal history form (PHF). Candidates should also submit a motivation letter.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Information on the status of a vacancy can be obtained at: http://www.intracen.org/jobs. A written test may be held for this position. Candidates must ensure that they are the sole author of the answers. Reference materials including candidate's own work and material may be used if properly cited. Please be informed that software that detects plagiarism will be used to verify candidate's answers. Please note that candidates to this position may be considered for other ITC vacancies subject to meeting the relevant eligibility and competency requirements. ITC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, nationality, religion or other social criteria. ITC is fully committed to the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for gender mainstreaming and applications from qualified women and men are equally welcome. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged.