Within its Division for Market Development – a technically focused division, the Trade Facilitation and Policy for Business (TFPB) Section is ITC’s focal point to improve the trading business climate (national and regional) for the benefit of exporters in developing and transition economies. The TFPB Section contributes to enhancing exporters’ competitiveness through technical assistance in specific areas, including trade policy, trade facilitation and trade law.
ITC plans to start a project to facilitate the process of Timor Leste’s accession to the World Trade Organisation (WTO), the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the European Union (EU)-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations and implementation through a project funded by the European Union. In doing so, the project aims to support Timor Leste in increasing its economic integration within the Southeast Asian region and to the multilateral trading system.
The project is structured according to the following outputs:
1. Improved coordination and consultation mechanisms for preparation of the accession to the ASEAN/ASEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY (AEC), the WTO and the EPA among government agencies, the Parliament, the civil society and the private sector.
2. Enhanced capacity of Timorese government agencies, regulators and the Parliament in the negotiations and implementation of the ASEAN, the WTO and the EPA agreements.
3. Increased public awareness of the opportunities and challenges arising from the negotiations, accession and implementation of ASEAN/AEC, WTO and EPA, focusing on special assistance to the private sector, MSMEs and women-led businesses.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Officer, Business and Trade Policy, and the overall supervision of the Chief, TFPB, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of activities related to the EU funded and ITC implemented project aimed at supporting Timor Leste in acceding the WTO, the ASEAN and the EU-Pacific EPA; monitors and analyzes 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 local beneficiaries ,by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the local counterparts will use to manage the change.
• Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in trade and investment related policy and regulatory development of relevance for the WTO, the ASEAN and the EU-Pacific EPA negotiations/implementation, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
• Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on topics/activities of relevance for the WTO, the ASEAN and the EU-Pacific EPA negotiations/implementation.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Coordinates, identifies and implements synergies with other development partners active in Dili on issues/activities/support of relevance to Timor Leste’s accession to the WTO, ASEAN and EU-Pacific EPA, as well as to the implementation of the commitments made in the context of these processes.
• Liaises and ensures efficient collaboration with ITC’s local office based in Dili
• 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 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.

• 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.

• 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, management, economics or a related field such as law or international trade policy.
A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

A minimum of five years of experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required

Experience working in implementing trade-related technical assistance programmes is desirable.

Experience in trade policy formulation and/or implementation in relation to WTO, ASEAN or EU is desirable.

Experience working with Timor Leste is desirable.

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

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.

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

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.