Programme Adviser (Product Sector Development)

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE

INTERNAL/EXTERNAL TEMPORARY VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Reference Number: ITC/TVN/48/2013

Deadline for Application: 5 January 2014 (midnight Geneva time)

Post Title and Level: P-3 Programme Adviser (Product Sector Development)

Organizational Unit: Division of Market Development (DMD) / Sector Competitiveness (SC)

Duty Station: Geneva

Duration: 11 months

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Under the direct supervision of the Head, Product Sector Development (PSD) the incumbent will:

• Contribute to the design and development of new projects; 
• Support effective management of project financial resources keeping track of expenditures and making budget revisions as required in close coordination with the Financial Management Unit (FM) and project delivery partners; 
• Report when performance gaps are identified and work with the programme manager and project teams to identify corrective measures and adjustments; 
• Formulate and manage project communications with internal and external partners in a variety of media based on an agreed communication strategy including managing and maintaining inputs to project websites, issuing periodic newsletters, and ensuring information about project/programme activities and results is widely disseminated; 
• Collaborate with the Division of Programme Support (DPS) and other ITC technical sections to oversee and ensure effective and efficient implementation of administrative actions to support programme/project delivery; 
• Work with the Head, PSD to oversee the formulation and adaptation of project plans and implementation approaches, work plans and budgets and their consolidation into ITC, EU and EIF reporting and Programme management systems; 
• Assemble, analyze and summarize relevant country and regional sector-specific development information (mainly through desk research) and develop sector-specific country briefs that provide the basis for the preparation of new personnel and missions; 
• Design and implement performance monitoring processes, including effective collection of gender-disaggregated baseline data, for effective reporting on programme/project progress and for assessing and reporting performance against targets in line with an agreed-upon ITC Results Based Management (RBM) framework; 
• Prepare, organise and report for meetings of Coordination Groups and Steering Committees and other forms of delivery partner coordination. 
• Provide advisory services to beneficiaries and technical collaboration and project implementation partners on project component design, management and reporting, eventually taking responsibility for delivery of some project components in the field; 
• Assist the Head, PSD to develop potential solutions to problems quickly as they arise through dialogue with multiple stakeholders; 
• Perform other duties as required. 

Education: University degree in economics, business, international development or relations, economic development or a related field.

Note: Candidates possessing an advanced university degree in economics, business, international development or relations, economic development or a related field may be considered with 5 years or relevant professional experience.

Work Experience:

A minimum of seven years’ professional experience in delivery and management of economic and social development projects with some experience in management and coordination of projects in the field, and some experience related to linking poor communities and SME’s into international trade.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Project design and management; 
• Work planning, budgeting and communications using office and media facilities; 
• Knowledge of project design, project management techniques and value chain development methodology; 
• Skills in work planning, budgeting, results-based and performance management; 
• Capacity to develop and maintain a collaborative approach within a team, across ITC and its stakeholders; 
• Knowledge of identification and management of risks related to field development project delivery; 
• Capacity to manage multiple tasks concurrently, track progress, find solutions for day-to-day 
problems and find practical ways for field partners to comply with ITC and UN rules and regulations;
• Capability to analyse complex situations, communicate clearly and concisely. Knowledge of elements of trade development projects. 

Desirable knowledge and skills:

• Knowledge of agri-food and agri-business sector trade and sector value chain development projects an asset. 
• Knowledge of other development agencies work and approaches to value chain development in related sectors. 
• Knowledge of the multilateral trading system and the impact of market and buyers’ requirements on developing country suppliers. 

Languages: Advanced English and French.

Competencies:

For further information on competency based interview please visit https://careers.un.org/lbw/home.aspx?viewtype=AYI.

Critical Job-Specific Values & Competencies: All staff members are expected to adhere to the ITC values and competencies, however, the ones indicated below are particularly relevant for this position:

Values
• Integrity
• Professionalism
• Respect for Diversity

Core Competencies
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Planning & Organizing
• Accountability
• Creativity
• Client Orientation
• Commitment to continuous learning
• Technological awareness

Managerial Competencies
• Vision
• Leadership
• Empowering others
• Managing performance
• Building trust
• Judgment/Decision Making

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.

Important:

Applications received after the deadline or not compliant with the instructions will not be accepted.

Only applicants possessing the required qualifications will be taken into consideration. Only the successful candidate will be notified of the outcome of the selection.

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.

Note: Internal fixed-term staff, if selected, may be entitled to Special Post Allowance as per Staff Rule 3.10