Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located within the ITC Office for Africa (OA), Division of Country Programmes (DCP), under the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) sub-regional programmes (Economic Community of Central African States – ECCAS, Economic Community of West African States - ECOWAS and Southern African Development Community – SADC). The Programme Officer reports to the Chief, Office for Africa, with a technical reporting line to the Chief, Financial Management Section and in coordination with the Legal Unit, both within the Division for Programme Support, and in close coordination with the respective Programme Managers, technical sections and relevant support services.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Project Managers, and the overall supervision of the Chief, Office of Africa, Division of Country Programmes (DCP) and in close collaboration with other project team members, the Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Under the sub-regional components of the ATCMA programmes (ECOWAS, ECCAS and SADC), the Programme Officer will manage a portfolio of approximately EUR 3 million in grant funding to Business Support Organizations (BSOs) across three regions: o ECOWAS (EUR 1 million) o ECCAS (EUR 1 million, to be confirmed) o SADC (EUR 1 million, to be confirmed) o Prepare technical documentation for calls for proposals, in coordination with ITC legal and finance teams; o Develop evaluation guidelines and tools for the assessment of proposals in line with ITC established requirements; o Support the publication and dissemination of calls for proposals; o Coordinate and oversee the evaluation process, ensuring transparency and compliance with established procedures; o Coordinate the adjudication and award of grants; o Ensure technical and financial monitoring of all grants, including compliance with contractual obligations, in coordination with project teams; o Facilitate timely disbursements of grants; o Prepare periodic technical and financial reports for internal and external stakeholders; o Coordinate the closure of grants, including the collection and validation of necessary documentation from grantees; o Liaise with relevant partners and stakeholders, including regional organisations and beneficiary institutions. • Support the potential expansion of the grants management function at corporate level, and provide expertise and support to the establishment of its procedures and structure, as well as capacity building. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Participates in or leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.

Competencies

• 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • Planning and 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. • 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, finance, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five (5) years (seven years with a first level degree) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Minimum two (2) years’ experience in managing grants and/or supporting BSOs is desirable. Experience working in trade and economic integration and supporting small businesses in Africa is desirable Experience working in the UN system and familiarity with its financial regulations and rules is desirable. Experience working on European Union-funded projects is desirable.

Languages

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

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 candidate selected will be granted a fixed-term appointment limited (“FTA-limited”) for project-related needs only that may be extended, subject to funding, up to four years. At the completion of the project funding of the position, the external candidate selected holding a FTA-limited will be separated upon expiration of appointment in accordance with staff rule 9.4. ITC staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10, who are selected for a position subject to FTA-limited will be reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position 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 hrs-jobs@intracen.org. 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 THE USE OF AI AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS PROHIBITED AND ITS USE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

United Nations Considerations

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.

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.