National Project Coordinator (LICA 9)

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

Chisinau, Moldova

One year, with possible extension

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint development agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, which enables small businesses to improve exports in developing and transition countries by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive trade development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions and policymakers. Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OEECA) is responsible for developing, monitoring, coordinating and implementing ITC’s activities and projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. ITC is implementing a 4-year technical assistance project EU4Business: Empowering Trade and Competitiveness in Eastern Partnership Countries (ETaC). The project aims to strengthen economic competitiveness and business environment reforms across the region. It is implemented jointly with the OECD. As part of its interventions under this project, ITC will support EaP governments in implementing targeted trade facilitation measures to simplify and digitalise trade procedures; strengthen SME capacities to improve international competitiveness, increase value-added production and build market linkages; and assist selected countries in aligning their trade statistics with international and EU standards, including expanding trade in services data management to additional sectors and facilitating dialogue between statistical offices, central banks and their EU counterparts. The project is structured around six Outcomes, with Outcomes 1-3 implemented by the OECD and Outcomes 4-6 implemented by ITC: Outcome 1. EaP governments formulate high-quality evidence-based economic policies. Outcome 2. EaP governments improve their frameworks to design and monitor SME policies. Outcome 3. EaP governments take action to strengthen their institutions to implement entrepreneurship, investment and trade facilitation policies. Outcome 4. EaP governments advance in the implementation of trade facilitation reforms as well as the digitalisation of trade and transport formalities. Outcome 5. SMEs increase their participation in international trade, in particular with the EU. Outcome 6. Public and private stakeholders make better informed business and policy decisions. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the Chief, Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OEECA) and the direct supervision of Programme Officer of the OEECA at ITC Headquarters in Geneva, and in cooperation with responsible ITC technical officers, the National Project Coordinator will assist the ITC HQ project management team in carrying out various tasks required to successfully implement the ITC components of the project. In particular, she/he will be expected to perform the following duties: • Work with key clients to facilitate the development of project work plans, monitor and ensure timely implementation of project activities in Moldova according to the work plan, identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and track follow-up actions. • Carry out research on selected aspects of the project, to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Assist in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with ITC experts and international consultants, plan and facilitate workshops. • Participate in survey initiatives; assist with design of data collection tools, review, analyze and interpret responses, identify problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contribute to the preparation of various written technical outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sectoral analysis, etc. oversee inputs from other national consultants, grantees and implementing partners of the project in Moldova and provide technical comments as required. • Provide inputs for project progress reports (quarterly and annual) related to activities undertaken in the country. • Assist in organizing various project events, and consultations with project stakeholders and beneficiaries (both bilateral meetings and roundtables), including identification and mobilization of key public and private stakeholders and national resource persons, and making administrative and logistical arrangements for the events. • Coordinate organization and provide substantive support for project events, including training workshops and seminars, consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Assist in preparation of missions for ITC experts and international consultants and accompany them during their meetings; provides interpretation from/to English and Russian or Romanian, as required; draft mission summaries; provide assistance in follow up actions. • Undertake outreach activities by organizing external communications for the project, e.g. through presentations at relevant key events in the country and regular dissemination of project results, through press releases, web-stories, success stories, presentations, etc. • Coordinate activities related to budget and financial expenditures at country level (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports. • Maintain close coordination with project partners, ensure synergies, avoid overlaps in project implementation, collaborate with other donors working in the same area, provide information relevant to the project. • Performs other duties as required. 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 business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field in combination with an additional two years of qualifying relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in project/programme management, administration of trade related technical assistance projects in Eastern Europe. Experience within the United Nations system or international/donor organizations COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: Proficiency in Microsoft office. 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. 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, Russian and Romanian is required.

This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing Moldovan 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.