Org. Setting and Reporting

The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition countries to take advantage of expanding trade and investment opportunities. ITC supports “Trade Impact for Good”, promoting sustainable and inclusive development through trade. The Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) hosts ITC’s work in relation to environmental sustainability, gender, youth and vulnerable communities. The division comprises two sections: Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) and Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC). ITC adopted an ambitious Strategic Plan with an enhanced focus on environmental sustainability, gender, youth and vulnerable communities in response to the role of MSMEs and related trade in the rapidly evolving social and environmental challenges facing the planet. The strategy seeks to contribute to transformation to a green economy, equitable economic growth and poverty reduction. The strategy recognizes that trade can make an important contribution to the urgent goal of advancing the climate and environment agenda while contributing to the prosperity of women, youth and vulnerable communities around the world.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Executive Director (DED) and under the general guidance of the Executive Director (ED), the Director will; • Formulate and implement the substantive and ambitious programme of work of the division to include related prioritization of high impact areas for ITC to pursue. • Oversee the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensure that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and coordinate work in the different areas both within the Division and the Organization, and with other organizations of the United Nations System, as appropriate. • Lead, supervise and carry out the work programme of the Division under their responsibility. Coordinate the work carried out by different divisions and by other agencies and bodies of the United Nations system; provide programmatic/substantive reviews of the drafts prepared by others. • Coordinate and oversee research, analysis and translation of key messages and information gathered from diverse sources and related communication of these widely across diverse media platforms. • Lead and coordinate outreach and advocacy activities; as well as training workshops, seminars. • Lead contributions to and engage in policy dialogues and related debates. • Lead the further development of ITC’s networks with partner institutions, the private sector, academic institutions, civil society, non-governmental organizations, funders and other relevant stakeholders. • Report to relevant bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/ substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented annual reports. • Ensure that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensure that all outputs produced by the Sections under their supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates. • Prepare the work programme of the Division, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs and their timely delivery. • Undertake or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, reporting on budget/programme performance, evaluation of staff performance (PAS), interviews of candidates for job openings, evaluation of candidates and preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting. • Recruit staff, taking due account of geographical and gender balance. • Manage, guides, develops and trains staff under their supervision. • Foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries. • Lead and supervise the organization of meetings, seminars such as the UN Environment Management Group, the WTO Aid for Trade Review etc. on substantive issues. Manages the substantive preparation and organization of such meetings or seminars. • Participate in international, regional or national meetings and provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, and holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions. • Represent the Division at international, regional or national meetings. • Perform other duties as required.

Competencies

PROFESSIONALISM: Knowledge on issues regarding international trade and competitiveness – and on the interlinkages between trade and broader socio-economic societal development Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Ability to apply UN rules, regulations, policies and guidelines in work situations. 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. 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. 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. VISION: Identifies strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Clearly communicates links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Generates and communicates broad and compelling organizational direction inspiring others to pursue that same direction. Conveys enthusiasm about future possibilities. LEADERSHIP: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business or public administration, finance, law, social sciences or related area such as economics, political science, international relations. A first-level university degree in the above areas may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant professional work experience

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of fifteen years (seventeen years with a BA) of experience in trade and development related activities and/or Aid for Trade at the national, regional and /or international level is required. Experience leading and managing sizeable and/or complex teams is desirable. Experience in high-level representation including interacting and influencing high-level stakeholders is desirable. Experience in donor relations, advocacy, fund raising and establishing public and private sector partnerships is desirable. Experience working in the UN system is desirable.

Languages

Fluency in English required and knowledge of French and/or Spanish desirable.

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. 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

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.