Position description
The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition countries and MSMES to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC supports ‘Trade Impact for Good’, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through trade. The Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) hosts ITC’s work in relation to sustainable and inclusive value chains. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within DSIT catalyzes sector-wide transformation and improving market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption. climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards and market systems. The section uses Alliances for Action methodologies to support the transformation of food systems and advance SDGs through partnerships that cultivate responsible, climate smart, inclusive, and sustainable agribusiness. Through a network and systemic approach that places producers at the centre GIVC supports Value-chain analysis and upgrading, as part of its efforts to improve the competitiveness and resilience of MSMEs through the delivery of specialized advisory solutions. GIVC also manages ITC’s Inclusive Agribusiness and Value Added to Trade programmes, which are directly linked to ITC’s strategic focus area of connecting MSMEs to markets for better trade.
Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Head, Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, the overall guidance of the Chief, Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) Unit. The Senior Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
- Develops, implements and evaluates inclusive agribusiness value chain development programmes/projects including crosscutting themes such as circular economy, food security, human rights and environment, value addition, agri-finance and agri-entrepreneurship. Monitors and analyzes programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and initiates corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; ensures follow-up actions.
- Performs advisory assignments, in collaboration with sector stakeholders, other agencies and other ITC Sections, including planning facilitating participatory processes thatcreate a shared understanding of agribusiness sustainability and market systems, issues and opportunities; establishment of public-private alliances from producer to consumer and building of competitive and responsible value chains.
- Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources and interprets and applies results of econometric and financial modelling.
- Coordinates policy, trade support institution and enterprise development around specific market and social development objectives agreed with stakeholders, , including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies.
- Generates baseline survey and beneficiary characterization initiatives; designs baseline and data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identify problems/issues and prepares conclusions.
- Organizes and prepares written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
- Provides substantive backstopping to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc.
- Initiates and coordinates outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
- Leads and coordinates complex field missions, including provision of guidance to peers, external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc.
- Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
- Assists in coordination and development of Alliances for Action and associated methodologies and support systems for inclusive agribusiness development, including facilitation of industry and producer networks and co-creation with partners
- Performs other duties as required.
Competencies
- Professionalism: Demonstrated knowledge of evidence based participatory approaches that promote inclusive and sustainable agribusiness systems and policy support frameworks for development; Knowledge of agricultural and trade economics, finance and market dynamics in the main agri-food global markets. Knowledge of environment, human rights, circular economy and food security related fields. Knowledge of ITC’s Alliances for Action methodology or similar approaches built on stakeholder engagement and participation for value chain development; 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 ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative as well as econometric and financial models, 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.
- Empowering Others: Delegates responsibility, clarifies expectations, and gives staff autonomy in important areas of their work; encourages others to set challenging goals; holds others accountable for achieving results related to their area of responsibility; genuinely values all staff members’ input and expertise; shows appreciation and rewards achievement and effort; involves others when making decisions that affect them.
Education
- Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
Work Experience
- A minimum of seven years (9 with a first level degree) of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in in agribusiness, food and agriculture is desirable. Experience in supporting producer organizations, entrepreneurs and MSMEs, promoting sustainable production and commercial alliances is desirable. Experience in value chain development is desirable. Experience in evidence based participatory approaches that promote inclusive agribusiness systems and policy support frameworks for development is desirable. Experience in agri-business, value addition, supplier development and market dynamics in agri-food is desirable.
Languages
- For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required.
Application instructions
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