Economic Inclusion Officer (NPSA 10)

The goal of this job function is to provide support in implementation of project activities.

Erbil, Iraq (with regular travel to project areas in the country)

One (1) year, with possibility of extension

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN), fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization and competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). ITC’s mandate focuses on inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade-led development. This assignment contributes to the implementation of two complementary EU-funded ITC interventions in Iraq or so called BEIT and JOBS projects: Iraq: Housing & Complementary Job Creation “BEIT” project: The Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT) project funded by the European Union and implemented by ILO in partnership with UN-HABITAT and ITC aims to stimulate decent work opportunities, generate quality jobs for young women and men while addressing urgent need for affordable housing, especially for lower income and vulnerable people in Iraq by enhancing the housing and construction sector. The BEIT project aims to stimulate decent work opportunities for young women and men while improving living conditions through addressing urgent need for affordable housing, especially for lower income and vulnerable people in Iraq. The project seeks to introduce a public works programme complementing support for addressing existing gaps within the Government and the private sector through Employment Intensive Investment Programme (EIIP) initiative. Furthermore, it aims to improve access to adequate and sustainable housing to create better living conditions for low-income and vulnerable populations; and build the capacities of the housing sector – including government actors and micro, small and medium enterprises, and civil society organizations – as a driver of economic growth. Iraq: Jobs and Entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable Inclusive Development – JOBS project: The Jobs and Entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable Inclusive Development (JOBS) project is the second phase of the European Union (EU)-funded Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy (SAAVI) project. It aims to contribute to Iraq’s sustainable development by addressing key and interrelated challenges such as slow growth, limited economic diversification and unemployment. The project’s specific objective is to enhance economic inclusion and access to decent employment for Iraqis, particularly youth, women, displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups. Beneficiaries include Iraqi government institutions, small businesses, youth, women, and displaced populations, with collaboration from partners such as governmental and non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, local business alliances, and international development agencies. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Senior Programme Officer, Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) and in close coordination with the HQ based team and Iraq based team the selected candidate will be responsible for the following functions: 1. Strategic Coordination and Stakeholder Engagement - Act as national focal point for WYVC section areas of work under BEIT and JOBS projects and potentially upcoming ones depending on needs. - Build and maintain strong partnerships with government counterparts, private sector actors, MSMEs, Key support organizations, youth and women organizations, financial service providers and any other relevant stakeholders. - Lead coordination with ITC project management unit, the ITC local office ITC HQ, UN partners, EU-funded initiatives, and implementing partners to ensure effective project implementation, alignment and synergies. - Contribute to and represent the project in inter-agency coordination mechanisms and technical working groups as required. - Contribute towards the development and dissemination of communication materials that highlight project achievements and stakeholder contributions to enhance visibility and awareness. - Coordinate with other ER leads and team members (JOBS and BEIT) to ensure synergies within the project and complementarity of efforts across different initiatives particularly in areas such as entrepreneurship, employability and access to finance. 2. Inclusive Employment and Skills Development (BEIT project focus) - Participate in the design and implementation of inclusive employment initiatives, with a focus on youth within the housing and construction value chain. - Promote youth participation in MSMEs, MSME alliances and local supply chains linked to housing and construction. - Oversee skills development initiatives aligned with labour market needs, including apprenticeships, on-the-job training, and vocational upskilling. - Contribute to the integration of green construction practices and climate-smart approaches in youth employment interventions. - Supervise the technical staff and consultants, ensuring effective coordination, performance, and accountability for progress and project quality. 3. Inclusive Entrepreneurship and Ecosystem Development (JOBS project Focus) - Participate in the design and delivery of entrepreneurship development programmes for youth, including business development services, bootcamps, mentoring, coaching, and innovation support. - Engage and coordinate with entrepreneurship hubs, business associations, and youth-led organizations to strengthen local ecosystems. - Provide strategic guidance and technical support to youth and women-owned MSMEs, as well as MSMEs led by vulnerable groups, in agribusiness, services, and emerging sectors to enhance competitiveness, market access, and sustainability. - Participate in capacity-building of trade and business support institutions serving youth entrepreneurs. 4. Knowledge Management, Monitoring and Reporting - Serve as focal point for knowledge management related to economic inclusion, including youth, women, IDPs, returnees, and other vulnerable groups. - Provide inputs to monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks, including youth, gender, IDPs and returnees and employment indicators. - Contribute to monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting requirements for both projects. - Prepare inputs for Project Steering Committees, donor reporting, and communication materials when required. - Promote local ownership, sustainability, and alignment with national development priorities. Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, international trade, business administration, development studies, agronomy or 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. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years of relevant experience in project or programme management, administration or related area. Experience in the field of technical assistance and trade development. Experience in working with government and/or private sector counterparts. Previous experience with the UN System would be an asset. COMPETENCIES:

• Professionalism: Understanding and knowledge of Iraq’s agribusiness sector, it’s structure and functioning particularly with regard to youth inclusion and economic empowerment; Demonstrated knowledge of challenges to trade and private sector development in Iraq; Result-based management skills; Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. Knowledge of the UN system and procedures or experience of EU-related projects would be an asset
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Fluency in English and Arabic is required

This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNDP. This vacancy is open for locally residing Iraqi nationals. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.