The Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II) is funded by the European Union (EU) and runs from 2023-2027. With a view to contribute to economic development in the East African Community (EAC) through increased sustainable intra-African and EU-Africa trade, MARKUP II has been designed to improve livelihoods, employment, export competitiveness for MSMEs and economic growth in Africa through supporting the development and strengthening of key export-oriented priority value chains with high potential. The programme will cover activities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda through the provisions of partnerships with national, regional and international institutions.

The outputs expected from this job are:

• Providing assistance to MARKUP II’s programme management and coordination including at country and sector levels.
• Contribute to supporting the achievement of targets set for implementation through monitoring work plans and budgets, ensuring project quality assurance, and supervision of consultants.

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer (MARKUP II) and the overall supervision of the Senior Trade Promotion Officer in charge of the EAC region and the Chief, Office for Africa, Division of Country Programmes (DCP) and in close collaboration with other project team members, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:

• Works with key clients to facilitate the implementation and evaluation of MARKUP II.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Collects and organizes information related to project results, writes articles and contributes to communication and promotion material.
• Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client and field-based personnel by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, including contributions towards mid-term and final evaluations;provides inputs to annual/country specific calendars of activities, drafts background papers and briefing notes.
• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative, technical, sectoral and steering committee meetings and conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Contributes to activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, financial grants, sub-contracts etc.).
• Provides inputs towards the integration of cross-cutting interventions on gender, youth and environment during implementation and contributes to innovation efforts.
• Performs other duties as required.

• PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge of the international trading system, the trade-related technical assistance environment and recent trends in export development and competitiveness, in Africa; awareness of current and emerging trends in regional trade integration; Knowledge of result-based project management, monitoring and reporting. 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.

• 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.

A first-level university degree in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

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

Experience in trade-related project design is desirable.

Experience in regional trade integration in Africa is desirable.

Experience with EU trade and development is desirable.

For the position advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

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.