Job Description
Org. Setting and Reporting
ITC’s presence in Iraq has expanded considerably in the last four years, with international and local staff based in several locations in the country. Currently, the organization implements three large projects, namely the “Strengthening the agriculture and agri-food value chain and improving trade policy” (SAAVI), the “Housing and complementary job creation”, and the “Jobs and entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable inclusive Development”. We expect a steady expansion of this portfolio. ITC’s projects in Iraq collectively aim to contribute to inclusive growth and job creation, particularly for youth. It seeks to enhance the trade competitiveness of Iraq’s agribusiness and services value chains, while improving the country’s trade policy framework. The principal government counterparts for current projects are the Ministries of Trade, Social Affairs, and Agriculture. Additional project counterparts are the Prime Minister Office (Economic Reform Unit), the Ministry of Planning, and the Federation of Iraq Chambers of Commerce, among others. Partnerships with other UN agencies and local NGOs are at the core of ITC’s implementation model in Iraq. The goal of this function is to provide direction and sound advice on the implementation and continuous development of ITC’s portfolio in Iraq, including project implementation, monitoring and evaluation, in close cooperation with the government of Iraq, funders (particularly the European Union Delegation in Bagdad) and other implementing partners. Additionally, the function must leverage learnings and opportunities from the substantive and operational portfolio in the country to inform ITC’s interventions in similar contexts.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Strategies and Policies for Trade and Investment (SPTI), overall guidance of the Director, Division of Market Development (DMD), and in close collaboration with ITC Project Output Leaders, the Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
1. Takes the lead to develop, implement and evaluate the assigned projects, and other projects that may be added to the portfolio; directs subordinates in project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions.
2. Directs the work programme of the portfolio and ensures that substantive work and activities are carried out in a timely manner in adherence to the individual project work plan.
3. Coordinates the work carried out by the project teams, including the Project Management Units (PMU); provides programmatic and substantive reviews of drafts prepared by others.
4. Guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
5. Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. position papers, analysis and reports for presentation to national counterparts, the project donor, and ITC Senior Management, as appropriate.
6. Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics related to the portfolio, including identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
7. Manages outreach activities on portfolio-related issues; through participation in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise.
8. Leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties, including project team members.
9. Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (e.g. progress reports, etc.) and ensures preparation of related documents/reports (work programme, programme budget, etc.).
10. Serves as an effective spokesperson for the portfolio and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization.
11. Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff. Guides, evaluates and mentors staff. Fosters teamwork and communication among staff in the project team and across organizational boundaries.
12. Develops and maintains partnerships with funders, other UN agencies and local entities to continuously feed the portfolio of projects.
13. Identifies, collects and systematizes learnings and opportunities from the country’s portfolio to inform ITC’s interventions in similar settings.
14. Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action.
15. May perform other duties as required.
Competencies
1. PROFESSIONALISM: Demonstrated knowledge in techniques of value chain diagnosis and strategy design. Technical knowledge of challenges to agricultural value chain development. Very good understanding of MSME competitiveness challenges in developing countries, and particularly in fragile and post-conflict settings. Demonstrated ability in the formulation, management and monitoring of trade development projects/programmes at the international level. Knowledge of the UN system, rules and procedures is an asset. Knowledge of trade policy matters. 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.
2. 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.
3. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.
4. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks; clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals; generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction, inspiring others to pursue that same direction; conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities.
Education
Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
A minimum of ten years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area, preferably in trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) is required. Experience working with developing, least developed, conflict and post-conflict developing countries is desirable. Experience working with government, trade support institutions, or public and private sector counterparts is desirable.
Languages
For the position advertised, fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which be followed by competency-based interview.
Special Notice
The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. ITC also offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to hrs-jobs@intracen.org. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
United Nations Considerations
In accordance with the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ITC if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application.
No Fee
ITC does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.
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