Associate Programme Officer, DSIT/WYVC (Temporary)

The International Trade Centre (ITC) mandate is: "Transforming trade. Changing lives." By enabling trade-led economic development, especially in the Global South, ITC enables small businesses to reach their potential and strengthens ecosystems for long-term impact. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) provide an opportunity for delivering change, with women’s empowerment as a prerequisite for achieving the Goals. The Women and Trade programme delivers on ITC’s commitment to the SDGs, particularly Goal 5 (achieving gender equality and empowering women) and Goal 8 (inclusive and sustainable economic growth). The International Trade Centre (ITC) launched the SheTrades Initiative to ensure that the right capacities and conditions are present to foster inclusive and sustainable trade. Within the framework of the initiative, the outputs of the programme are: Facilitating the improvement of the policy and regulatory environment in which women entrepreneurs operate; Strengthening the institutional support framework and improve trade related support to women entrepreneurs; Developing sectors critical to the economic empowerment of women producers in target countries; Enhancing women entrepreneurs’ capacity and the competitiveness of their products and services; Making buyers and partners (including investors) more accessible to women entrepreneurs.

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Management Officer and overall supervision of the Head of Women and Trade Programme, and within delegated authority, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Assists in working with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, related to market access, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. Provides substantive support for coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging project-oriented issues and trends. Assists in performing 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. Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications that relate to women focused market access approaches. Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of market access-related workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc. Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). Performs other duties as required.

Professionalism: 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 develop sources for data collection. 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. 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.

A first level degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field is required. An advanced university degree (MA or equivalent) in the above subjects may be accepted in lieu of the work experience requirement.

A minimum of two years’ experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience organizing international women-focused market access activities such as trade fairs, trade missions, B2Bs is desirable. Experience collaborating with business support organizations, private sector partners, and stakeholders (e.g., Chambers of Commerce) on women-focused market access is desirable. Experience managing importer relationships, maintaining databases, and facilitating B2B matchmaking for market access activities is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable.

Assessment will be undertaken through a comparative analysis of the applications. The assessment may also include a competency-based interview and/or other appropriate evaluation mechanisms.