P-4, Programme Officer (Market Access), DCP/Office for Africa

Organizational Setting and Reporting Relationships:

The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors. It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. The umbrella programme is structured around two intervention levels: 1) the Continental Component and 2) Sub-regional Components in five RECs: COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC. The current opening pertains to the ECOWAS sub-regional component of the ATCMA umbrella programme.

Responsibilities:  Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Office for Africa, the overall guidance of the Director, DCP, and in close collaboration with the Programme Officer at ITC HQ, the Programme Officer (Market Access) will be responsible for providing technical expertise to ensure the effective implementation and coordination of all ATCMA ECOWAS regional activities implemented with UNIDO. Specific responsibilities include:

·        Contribute to the effective oversight, management, and performance of the Programme Management Unit (PMU) in Abuja by providing technical leadership and expert guidance on market access barriers and other relevant topics to ensure informed decision-making and strategic implementation.

·        Develops, implements, and evaluates the ATCMA ECOWAS programme and assigned projects to ensure the achievement of general and specific objectives, as outlined in the programme’s contractual documents. This includes monitoring and analyzing programme and project development and implementation; reviewing relevant documents and reports; identifying problems and issues to be addressed and initiating corrective actions; liaising with relevant parties; and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

·        Ensures coordination and sequencing among programme activities across different programme Outputs 

·        Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the review client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other the research activities and studies, action plan the client will use to manage the change.

·        Liaises and engages with relevant stakeholders in the region, including national governments, the ECOWAS Commission, EU Delegation, and designated national Focal Points, to provide technical inputs on trade and market access-related topics, ensuring alignment with regional priorities while supporting strong programme ownership and visibility

·        Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.

·        Informs and coordinates trade policy and trade facilitation reforms and development, including the review and analysis of trade and market access-related issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies,

·        Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.

·        Provides substantive technical backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.; support the organization and coordination of annual meetings of the Regional Steering Committee and regional Technical Committee meetings;

·        Initiates and coordinates technical outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes expert presentations on relevant trade and market access topics.

·        Leads and/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

·         Supports activities related to budget 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.

Work implies frequent interaction with the following:

Establish and maintain relationships with counterparts, senior officers and technical staff in ITC and UNIDO, and in UN funds, programs and other UN specialized agencies;

Representatives and officials in the ECOWAS Commission, EU Delegations, national governments, international organizations, consultants.

Results Expected:

Develops, implements, evaluates, effective leadership and management of the programme and teams; demonstrates timely delivery of outputs in accordance with overall objectives and policies. Plays a key role in identifying significant trade and market access-related issues and develops well-reasoned, innovative approaches to deal with these issues. Serves as an effective technical spokesperson internally and externally and forms strong partnerships with relevant parties.

Competencies:

·        Professionalism

·        Teamwork

·        Accountability

·        Leadership

Please refer to Job Opening in INSPIRA

Qualifications:

Education:

 Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field such as development, international relations, international trade, international trade law. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. Successful completion of both degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics or data science programs is an advantage.

Experience:

A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in technical advisory roles, project or programme management, administration, or related area is required.

Experience in supporting or coordinating technical components of regional trade programmes, with a focus on market access barriers, non-tariff measures, trade facilitation, policy reforms is desirable.

Experience working with development partners in West Africa is desirable.

Experience working with public/governmental and private sector institutions and officials in ECOWAS member states is desirable.

Experience with programmes funded by the EU is desirable

Language:    

Fluency in French and English is required. Knowledge of Portuguese is desirable.

Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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. The incumbent will be ITC personnel administered through UNDP. 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 [email protected]. 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

UN Considerations - Please refer to Job Opening in INSPIRA

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.