Programme Officer, DCP/OA

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. Within ITC’s Division of Country Programmes (DCP), the Office for Africa (DCP/OA) coordinates ITCPs technical assistance at country, sub-regional, and continental levels, including in the context of the operationalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The ITC Representative Africa - Africa Regional Director, responsible for East African Community, leads DCP/OAs Regional Operations, from the ITC Regional Office in Nairobi, Kenya, and assumes a representation role vis-a-vis the African Union (AU) and the East African Community (EAC). The Regional Director also serves as a UN Country Team (UNCT) member for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia, with mutual accountability to the Resident Coordinator system under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).

Under the direct supervision of the ITC Africa Regional Director, and overall guidance of the Director (DCP) the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: Support to Strategic Planning and Programme Development • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc. monitors and analyizes programme/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. • Performs 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. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. Monitors and summarizes major social, economic and political developments in the AU, the EAC, and assigned countries relevant to ITC’s mandate. • Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, in collaboration with other ITC teams. Supports the formulation of country strategic notes and annual country workplans for EAC member states, Ethiopia, and ITC"s work with the EAC and AU. • Liaises as delegated, with the Chief, Office for Africa on synergies within ITC’s Africa portfolio and the operationalization of the AfCFTA, and with other ITC regional offices on South-South trade and investment opportunities. Support to ITC Project Portfolio Coordination and Oversight • Undertakes survey initiatives, designs data collection, contributes to needs-assessment missions, project concept development, and project design, ensuring high quality and strong client orientation. • Supports coordination of ITC"s project portfolio across EAC member states and Ethiopia to maximize complementarity and results across programmes and projects, tracks project compliance with agreed targets, logical frameworks, donor requirements, and UNCT agreements, and flags risks to results delivery. • Serves as an interface with stakeholders to strengthen synergies between ITC projects and the work of development partners. • Supports the uptake of ITC"s Global Public Goods in the countries and regional organizations, relaying user needs and feedback to ITC-HQ managers. • Contributes to the establishment and coordination of ITC project offices in the region. • Contributes to internal and external evaluations of the regional portfolio. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, data intelligence reports etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc , to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Supports senior management missions from ITC Headquarters to the region, including preparation of itineraries, briefings, and follow-up. Support to Partnership and Resource Mobilisation- • Contributes to the identification of national and regional private-sector needs relevant to SME competitiveness at macro, meso and micro levels, to inform partnership and programming priorities. • Tracks funding trends and opportunities across Eastern Africa and flag these to the Director. • Supports the development and implementation of resource mobilization and partnership strategies and plans for the region, Drafts and coordinates donor correspondence, concept notes, and funding proposals. Support Regional Technical Management at the Regional Office • Supports in developing the core teams annual workplan. • Supports day-to-day operations of the Nairobi office, including administrative, personnel, procurement, and financial management processes, in compliance with ITC and UN regulations and policies. • Supports the interaction with the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), in coordination with ITCs Division of Programme Support, • Contributes to arrangements safeguarding the safety, security, and well-being of personnel, programmes, and organizational assets in the ITC Nairobi office. • Supports onboarding, work planning, and day-to-day supervision of interns and consultants in the office, as delegated. • Supports the Director’s active participation in the UN Country Team (UNCT) for Kenya, Uganda, Somalia and Ethiopia, including preparation for UNCT consultations and decision-making processes. • Assists ITC Country Managers in the other EAC member states with materials and coordination support for their respective UNCT engagement; Help position ITC within UN Coordination Frameworks in line with ITC’s regional strategy, and contribute to UN system interagency coherence, collaboration, and reporting; coordinate and consolidate ITC’s periodic reporting to the Resident Coordinator’s Office (RCO) on contributions to the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF). Support to Representation and Advocacy • Supports the Director’s engagement with government officials, multilateral, regional and bilateral agencies, NGOs, the private sector and civil society across Kenya, Ethiopia, and the other EAC member states; Prepares briefing notes, talking points, background papers, and presentations for the Director’s engagements with the African Union, the EAC, and other regional bodies; Supports the planning and follow-up of the Director’s participation in intergovernmental meetings, public events, and high-level bilateral meetings. • Contributes to communication materials and strategies that raise awareness and visibility of ITC’s work in the region, in coordination with ITC’s communications team; Supports logistics, agendas, and visibility arrangements for ITC’s participation in key regional events. • 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. Helps initiate and maintain partnerships for purpose with government agencies, UN and other international organizations, funders, the private sector, and NGOs. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc. ) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc. )Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as required.

• Professionalism: Good understanding of Eastern Africa's trade and private-sector development context. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct data collection using various methods. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. • 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.

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, project management, economics, or a related field such as international relations, political science, social sciences. A first-level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Successful completion of degree and/or non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is desirable.

A minimum of five years (seven years with a first level degree) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme / portfolio oversight and coordination, external relations, programme management, business administration (e.g., work in a strategy/finance/controlling department, project management office or an executive office), or related area is required. Two years or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience supporting senior representational functions, coordinating multi-stakeholder programmes, or supporting field/regional office operations is desirable Experience working in or with Eastern Africa is desirable. Experience in resource mobilization and donor reporting, and with the UN Country Team/Resident Coordinator system processes, is desirable. Experience with the AU, EAC, or other regional/continental bodies is desirable. Experience working in a UN agency, fund, programme, or other international organization is desirable.

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult

https://languages.un.org

for details).

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Required Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Desirable Languages

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

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. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org THE USE OF AI AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS PROHIBITED AND ITS USE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

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. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

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.