ICSC 9 - Associate Project Officer, A4A

Vacancy No: ITC/ICA/12/2022

Assignment TitleAssociate Project Officer, A4A

Category/GradeUNOPS – ICSC 9

Requesting Division / SectionDivision of Enterprises and Institutions/ Sector and Enterprise
Competitiveness (DEI/SEC)

Duty stationHome based

Duration12 months, with possibility of extension

Application period09 – 16 March 2022

BACKGROUND

The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade
Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries.

The Division of Country Programmes (DCP) is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating
all interventions, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels.

The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as geographical sections of the Division of Country
Programmes (DCP), are responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all interventions in the
regions, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels.

The Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Unit (SEC) is responsible for developing and disseminating
sector level expertise for sustainable market driven solutions in ITC, including the Alliances for Action (A4A)
methodology. A4A is a participatory partnership model that engages smallholder farmers and MSMEs in
order to manage risk and facilitate networks that provide the required technical expertise and capacity
building. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as a geographical section of the Division
of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all
interventions in the region, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels.

Alliances for Action (A4A) is an ITC initiative to establish a network that transforms food systems and
advances the Sustainable Development Goals through producer partnerships that cultivate ethical, climate
smart, sustainable agricultural value chains. With A4A, ITC aims at achieving resilience and growth for
farmers and MSMEs through more mindful and responsible trade, production and consumption systems
and improved opportunities to compete on a global market. This includes building resilience and
competitiveness of MSMEs, and enabling sustainable market linkages and value addition.The A4A
approach is being implemented in several ITC projects including EU-ACP Business-Friendly (BF), EU
Alliance for Coconut Industry Development in the Caribbean and Promoting jobs and growth through
competitive alliances in Eswatini.

FUNCTIONS

Under the direct supervision of the Head of Inclusive Agribusiness Systems and in close collaboration
with the Senior Trade Promotion Officer, OLAC as well as the project managers and project local team,
the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with project managers and local project team to facilitate the development and

• Contribute to the development of the framework for support the A4A/ITC project and partners on

• Assist in the coordination of the production of market studies, market briefings and other research

• Assists in linking MSMEs and Producers to Buyers and Consumer-Facing Companies in order

• Provides substantive support on product development evaluation and development of R&D

• Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the clients, by planning and

• Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection

• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical

• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings,

• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars,

• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data

• Performs other duties as required.

KEY DELIVERABLE AND MONITORING / PROGRESS CONTROLS

Assists in linking MSMES and Producers with Buyers and Consumer Facing Companies in order to
develop and consolidate markets and or sales; Provide direct market and product development capacity
building through interactive sessions and targeted training to MSMEs; Provides well researched and
sound analysis of issues and developments affecting programme/project development, administration
and implementation, etc. Provides thorough, well reasoned written contributions. Effectively, and in a
timely manner, liaises and interacts with colleagues and concerned parties internally and externally.

RECRUITMENT QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum education and qualifications (level and field of study)
Advanced university degree in social communication, business administration, management, economics
or a related field.
Note: A first-level university degree in social communication, business administration, management,
economics or a related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying relevant professional
experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Minimum experience (nature, length and field of experience)
A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project or programme management,
administration or related area. Experience in sustainable and inclusive food systems, communication and
networking. Previous experience of work with UN agencies. Experience working or trade promotion or
investment attraction agencies would be an asset.

Minimum language requirement
Advanced knowledge of English and Spanish.

Critical job-specific competencies

ITC core values: Professionalism, Integrity, Respect for Diversity

Professionalism:Understanding of market linkages and global value chains; 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 assist with 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.

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.

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.

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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted.