Project Management Adviser (LICA 10)

The goal of this job function is to provide coordination support to ensure effective project implementation.

Kigali, Rwanda

until 31 December 2026, with possibility of extension

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization based in Geneva. ITC’s mission is to enable small business export success in developing and transition- economy countries, by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions (TSIs) and policymakers. The project “Rwanda: Value-added Initiative to Boost Employment¨ implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) is part of the VIBE programme, a five-year programme led by TradeMark Africa (TMA) to increase dignified employment, particularly among excluded groups such as women, youth, refugees, and people living with disabilities in Rwanda. The VIBE programme aims to contribute to the Mastercard Foundation’s Young Africa Works (YAW) strategy, launched in Rwanda in 2018, to provide opportunities for young people in Africa to secure dignified and fulfilling work. The VIBE programme mainly works with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in the agriculture sector. This programme aims to empower youth to access dignified and fulfilling jobs by enabling MSMEs to better access and benefit from markets. The VIBE programme also aims to respond to the post-pandemic recovery on a more inclusive trajectory by integrating a job focus into trade. The VIBE programme consists of two workstreams: Workstream 1 - inclusive market access for agricultural value chains and Workstream 2 - enabling business environment for MSMEs ITC is currently implementing two interventions under Workstream 1: Intervention 1.2 targeting export-ready women-led MSMEs (project C195 - VIBE - SheTrades Rwanda) Women-led MSMEs have specific needs and require a specific strategy to access market opportunities at regional and international markets. The VIBE-SheTrades Rwanda project aims to support 150 women-led MSMEs in the horticulture sector (green beans, passion fruit and chili) to access new market opportunities and generate USD 10 million value of sales. The following describes planned areas of interventions during the project timeframe. 1. Increasing market access, knowledge and business information. 2. Providing a market-access training programme to respond to specific market-related challenges faced by women-led MSMEs. 3. Offering a digital and marketing training programme to strengthen digital identity and asset of women-led MSMEs. 4. Providing peer-to-peer learning sessions, mentoring and networking activities by leveraging regional and international networks of the ITC SheTrades Initiative between Rwandese women-led MSMEs and others countries where ITC set up SheTrades Hubs. 5. Facilitating business generation for the horticulture sector through international and regional trade fairs, inward trade missions, and B2B meeting opportunities (online or in-person). 6. Strengthening the capacity and leadership of the SheTrades Rwanda Hub, hosted by the Private Sector Federation (PSF) Specialized Cluster to create a community of partners and foster an enabling environment for women-led MSMEs in Rwanda. Intervention 1.4 targeting young refugees, especially women (project C225 - VIBE for Refugees) Intervention 1.4 has the target to support 900 refugees in agricultural sectors, both those that are self-employed and part of MSMEs and cooperatives, to increase their competitiveness and participation in local and regional trade in Rwanda. The key activities foreseen during the project duration are described below: 1. Deliver market access and business trainings and facilitate market and business connection between refugees and businesses in agricultural value chains 2. Strengthen dialogue on the market potential and needs for market support for refugee-led horticultural MSMEs with business support organizations including through the organizing of business forums  3. Design and amplify a policy advocacy message for refugee economic empowerment in Rwanda. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, the VIBE Programme, and the general guidance of the Senior Programme Officer, Women and Trade Programme the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the implementation and evaluation of assigned project; monitors and analyzes project implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with partner organizations, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the partner organizations will use to manage the change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Assists in policy review and development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Undertakes mobilization and outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or leads field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • 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. A first-level university degree in combination with additional two (2) years qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience of working on the following topics is an advantage: women’s economic empowerment and market-access activities in Rwanda. 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. 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. 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. 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.

Fluency in English (both oral and written) and Kinyarwanda is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

This vacancy is open for nationals of Rwanda. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. 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.