Project Assistant (LICA 5)

The goal of this position is to provide administrative, logistical, and programme support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the programme office and the effective implementation of project activities.

Kathmandu, Nepal

One year, with possibility of extension

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral organization fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization and competitiveness of small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade and international business development. Through its projects and programmes, ITC contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advances the global Aid for Trade agenda. ITC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland (www.intracen.org). ITC is seeking a Project Assistant for the Trade Facilitation Programme for South Asia, a four-year regional programme implemented by ITC and funded by the European Union. The programme covers Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and businesses across South Asia to better understand, utilise and comply with requirements governing access to the European Union market. The overall objective of the programme is to leverage trade as a driver of sustainable development, poverty reduction and more inclusive socio-economic outcomes. Its specific objective is to enhance the readiness of South Asian institutions and SMEs to understand, utilise and comply with EU market-access requirements. The programme is structured around three key Outputs: • Output 1: Strengthened capacity to interpret and effectively utilise EU preferential trading arrangements, including Everything But Arms (EBA), the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and GSP+. • Output 2: Enhanced preparedness to comply with EU environmental sustainability-related trade legislation and requirements, including those linked to the European Green Deal. • Output 3: Strengthened awareness and capacities to address EU legislation and standards related to corporate sustainability due diligence, labour rights and gender equality. Through these interventions, the programme will support public institutions, business support organisations and private-sector actors in priority sectors and value chains to strengthen regulatory readiness, improve market-access capabilities and respond to evolving EU sustainability and due-diligence requirements. It will also promote regional and country-level cooperation, contribute to business linkages and more sustainable and resilient value chains between South Asia and the European Union. The position is located within ITC’s Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP). The Project Assistant will be based in the programme office in Kathmandu, Nepal, and will provide administrative, logistical and programme support to the Regional Team Leader and the wider project team, ensuring the efficient day-to-day functioning of the programme office and implementation of project activities. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager of OAP, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the direct supervision of the Regional Team Leader, the Project Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: • Assists in the coordination of project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the project initiatives; monitors status of project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. • Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific project and related topics or issues. • Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval. • Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system. • Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management. • Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc. • Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc. • Performs other duties as assigned. 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: High school diploma or equivalent. Specialized trainings in project administration, event organization or budget management are desirable EXPERIENCE: Minimum of 5 years of experience in development programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area. The minimum years of relevant experience can be reduced to three (3) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. Experience working in Nepal or South Asia. Experience working with UN, EU and/or other development agencies is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Proficiency in Microsoft office, database packages and spreadsheets. Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming and budgeting. Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units. Ability to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given. 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. • 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.

Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of language(s) spoken in participating South Asian countries is desirable.

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