Programme Advisor, Alliances for Action (IICA 3)

The goal of this job function is to coordinate Alliances for Action partnerships and programme activities across Africa and internationally, promoting inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chain development.

Accra, Ghana

Six months, with possibility of extension

BACKGROUND: 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 Chief, Green & Inclusive Value Chains and in close collaboration with the Programme Officer, the Programme Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Implements and evaluates assigned programmes/projects activities c.; 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 consulting assignments , in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Coordinates policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies, • Generates survey initiatives; designs 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/or participates in large, complex field missions, including provision of guidance to 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.). • Coordinates and support 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. • Coordinate the implementation of activities on nutrition-sensitive and/or agricultural value chain development, human rights and environmental due diligence and Responsible Business Conduct. • 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 the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in in agribusiness, nutrition, food and agriculture desirable. Experience in supporting producer organizations, entrepreneurs and MSMEs, promoting sustainable production and commercial alliances desirable. Experience in value chain development desirable. Experience in evidence based participatory approaches that promote inclusive agribusiness systems and policy support frameworks for development desirable. Experience in agri-business, value addition, supplier development and market dynamics in agri-food is an asset. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Knowledge of Alliances for Action approaches for project implementation; Knowledge of value chain and private sector development concepts, as well as development theory; Understanding and direct knowledge of the countries Public Sector functioning and dynamics; Understanding and direct knowledge of the agribusiness sectors. 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. • 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. • 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. • Building Trust: Provides an environment in which others can talk and act without fear of repercussion; manages in a deliberate and predictable way; operates with transparency; has no hidden agenda; places confidences in colleagues, staff members and clients; gives proper credit to theirs; follows through on agreed upon actions; treats sensitive or confidential information appropriately.

Fluency in English is required.

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.