Director of the Division on International Trade on Goods and Services, and Commodities

Special Notice

Extension of the appointment is subject to extension of the mandate and/or the availability of the funds.

Staff members are subject to the authority of the Secretary-General and to assignment by him or her. In this context, all staff are expected to move periodically to new functions in their careers in accordance with established rules and procedures.
An impeccable record for integrity and professional ethical standards is essential.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Secretariat of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The Director of the Division on International Trade on Goods and Services, and Commodities reports to the Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD.

Responsibilities

Within delegated authority and under the guidance of the Secretary-General (SG) and the Deputy Secretary-General (DSG) of UNCTAD, the Director will be responsible for the following.

•Directs and manages the Division on International Trade on Goods and Services, and Commodities.
•Contributes to the formulation of the department’s overall strategies and policies by participating in various committees, preparing documents on policy issues, and acting, as required, in an advisory capacity to the SG and DSG; contribute to the overall management of the Department’s activities and operations.
•Provides leadership to the development of innovative and/or change management programmes, including inter alia, through conducting trade policy analysis and developing policy proposals in the field of international trade, in consultation with the Secretary-General and the Deputy Secretary-General of UNCTAD.
•Provides strategic direction and implements the substantive work programme of the Division under his/her supervision, determining priorities, and allocating resources for the completion of outputs for research, technical cooperation and inter-governmental activities, and their timely delivery.
•Oversees the management of activities undertaken by the Division, ensuring that programmed activities are carried out in a timely fashion and co-ordinates work in the different areas both within the Division and UNCTAD , and with other organizations of the United Nations System, donors and agencies as appropriate.
•Co-ordinates and oversees the preparation of reports for presentation to intergovernmental bodies such as the General Assembly, Trade and Development Board and other United Nations decision and policy-making organs , as appropriate.
•Reports to the General Assembly, Trade and Development Board and to other United Nations bodies on budget/programme performance or on programmatic/substantive issues, as appropriate, particularly those presented in biannual and/or annual reports.
•Ensures that the outputs produced by the Division maintain high-quality standards; that reports are clear, objective and based on comprehensive data. Ensures that all outputs produced by the office/division under his/her supervision meet required standards before completion to ensure they comply with the relevant mandates.
•Undertakes or oversees the programmatic/administrative tasks necessary for the functioning of the Division, including preparation of budgets, assigning and monitoring of performance parameters and critical indicators, reporting on budget/programme performance, preparation of inputs for results-based budgeting, evaluation of staff performance , interviews of candidates for job openings and evaluation of candidates.
•Oversees the recruitment of staff for the Division, taking due account geographical and gender balance and other institutional values.
•Manages, guides, develops and trains staff under his/her supervision; foster teamwork and communication among staff in the Division and across organizational boundaries.
•Chairs meetings, seminars, etc., on substantive-related issues; represents the Organization at international, regional, inter-agency meetings, seminars and conference; provides programmatic/substantive expertise on an issue, or holds programmatic/substantive and organizational discussions with representatives of other institutions.
•Perform other related duties as requested by the senior management of the Organization.

Competencies

•Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of international trade issues and trade policy, including of trade negotiations and their implications to development and to the Organization's mandate. Thorough knowledge of international economic issues and their implications to development. Ability to relate and integrate political, social and economic developments and perspectives into the programme of work of the Division. Demonstrated ability to analyze, interpret and formulate trade and development -related issues, policies and strategies. Ability to communicate complex international trade issues, policies and strategies. Demonstrated capacity to establish strategic partnerships within and outside the organization to deliver on the programme of work. Ability to produce reports and papers on technical issues and to review and edit the work of others. Capacity to lead the continual improvement of work processes and ability to apply best management practices, including results based management, to obtain the optimum performance of the Division. Shows 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.

•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.

•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.

•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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent degree) in economics, public administration, political science or related area is required. A post-graduate degree (PhD or equivalent), in economics or related field is desirable. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Work Experience

Over fifteen years of progressively responsible professional experience at the national and international levels dealing with international trade and development. At least five years of experience managing complex programmes of work and large teams is required. At least five years of experience leading or coordinating analytical publications in the area of development is desirable. At least five years of experience leading or coordinating technical assistance projects in development-related areas is desirable. Experience in providing substantive support to intergovernmental meetings in development related areas is desirable.

Languages

For this post, fluency, both oral and written. in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will be followed by competency-based interview.

United Nations Considerations

According to article 101, paragraph 3, of the Charter of the United Nations, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity, including but not limited to, respect for international human rights and humanitarian law. Candidates may be subject to screening against these standards, including but not limited to, whether they have committed or are alleged to have committed criminal offences or violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law.

Due regard will be paid to the importance of recruiting the staff on as wide a geographical basis as possible. The United Nations places no restrictions on the eligibility of men and women to participate in any capacity and under conditions of equality in its principal and subsidiary organs. The United Nations Secretariat is a non-smoking environment.

Applicants are urged to follow carefully all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the At-a-Glance on "The Application Process" and the Instructional Manual for the Applicants, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the inspira account-holder homepage.

The screening and evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations including the Charter of the United Nations, resolutions of the General Assembly, the Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications, including but not limited to, their education, work experience, and language skills, according to the instructions provided on inspira. Applicants will be disqualified from consideration if they do not demonstrate in their application that they meet the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable internal legislations of the United Nations. Applicants are solely responsible for providing complete and accurate information at the time of application: 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 a reference-checking process to verify the information provided in the application.

Job openings advertised on the Careers Portal will be removed at midnight (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

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.