Job: Chief, Office for Africa

Location: Geneva 
Deadline: Sunday, 03 November 2013 

Description

JOB OPENING

Date: 4 October 2013

The International Trade Centre is looking for a: Chief, Office for Africa

Post level: P-5

Job Opening No.: ITC/VN/24/2013

Division/Section: Division of Country

Deadline for application: 3 November 2013

Programmes/ Office for Africa (DCP/OA) (midnight Geneva time)

Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland

Entry date: as soon as possible

Duration of appointment: two years, renewable

THE ITC

The work of the International Trade Centre (ITC) is focused on delivering ‘Export Impact for Good'.We target the private sector, trade support institutions and the promotion of government policieswhich contribute to competitive trade and sustainable and inclusive development. We supportdeveloping and transition countries in seeking out and promoting export opportunities – leading toeconomic growth, job creation and poverty reduction.For further information and details of how to apply, please visit ITC's website: www.intracen.org

ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING

The Division of Country Programmes (DCP) is responsible for coherence and impact of ITC'sprogrammes at the country and regional levels. The five regional sections within ITC maintain closerelations to partners in ITC's programme countries to ensure a demand-led approach for all projects.The sections coordinate throughout the project cycle in the design, implementation and monitoring ofprojects.

MAIN PURPOSE AND KEY RESULTS EXPECTED

The purpose of this job function is to lead ITC's contribution to development of trade capacity inbeneficiary countries in Africa with a particular focus on activities which provide good pro-pooremployment and entrepreneurial opportunities. The Chief, Office for Africa will develop coherent andcoordinated project and programme responses to country and regional trade development needswithin the ambit of ITC's mandate; build effective relations with key counterparts in the private sectorin Africa and related institutions, national governments and regional organizations; enhancecollaboration with principal donors and other international partners; and feed related intelligence backto ITC to ensure quality programme development with a clear sustainable impact orientation. Theperformance of the Section will be measured in terms of its contribution to capacitating beneficiarycountries to increase exports and related employment growth and entrepreneurship on a sustainablebasis.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chief, Office for Africa (OA) will be directly supervised by the Director of the Division of CountryProgrammes, based on ITC's vision and related strategic objectives.

The position involves the following responsibilities:

ITC job openings are available on http://www.intracen.org/about/jobs/INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE

Strategic Programme and Project Development

• Develop a common vision, strategic objectives and support related planning for the programmesunder his/her leadership and management, in line with ITC's strategic plan.
• Translate opportunities and associated key challenges in relation to trade development in Africa -including deepening regional integration, overcoming barriers to trade, and ensuring sustainableintegration with international value chains - into actionable and bankable programme proposals.
• Oversee the management of ITC's projects and programmes in Africa; from identifying capacitybuilding needs and priorities, and producing related project proposals to developing newmethodologies for trade development interventions and related capacity building initiatives inbeneficiary countries.
• Ensure that ITC's programme activities in Africa achieve sustainable pro-poor developmentalimpact and associated shared wealth creation, employment growth and entrepreneurialopportunities.
• Apply a results-based management (RBM) approach towards programmes and projects,including a project cycle management methodology, performance indicators, measurable outputsand outcomes, and monitoring and evaluation measures.
• Lead selected programme funding initiatives for the region, elaborate a corresponding strategyand effectively coordinate efforts of country managers in resource mobilization..
• Ensure a pro-active role with donors and partners in the region with the objective to enlarge anddiversify the funding sources for the region. Ensure related effective financial resourcesmanagement and integrate financial concepts in decision-making.
• Identify, employ and communicate good programme and project management practices,including ensuring sustainable impact of project initiatives as well as efficient identification andhandling of associated project risks.
• Draft related documents as inputs to ITC's corporate documents (strategic plan, operational plan,and annual report) and related statements, thereby contributing to ITC's communication withstakeholders.

Collaboration and Representation

• Ensure good collaboration with project partners, external stakeholders and across ITC in relationto planning and implementation of trade development programmes in Africa.
• Collaborate extensively with private sector to ensure a market led approach and related linkages.
• Represent ITC at international fora on trade development and related technical assistance in theregion and assist in tailoring agendas addressing current and future trade challenges.

People Management

• Lead, manage and capacitate a diversified multi-cultural team.
• Effectively delegate responsibility and accountability to staff.
• Regularly discuss performance and provide feedback and coaching to staff.
• Perform other duties as required

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

EDUCATION:

Advanced University degree within a relevant field.Note: A candidate possessing a university degree in a relevant field may be accepted with a minimumof twelve years of relevant postgraduate professional experience.WORK EXPERIENCE A minimum of ten years of progressively responsible postgraduate professionalwork experience, ideally in a multi-cultural and global context. Hands-on experience in relation totrade related technical assistance (TRTA) and related programme development and managerialexperience. Substantial experience from working in Africa, preferably within TRTA. Minimum twoyears of this experience should be at a senior level.

LANGUAGES:

Advanced knowledge of English. Knowledge of French would be a distinct advantage.

Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Good understanding of trade development needs and challengesin Africa, the international trading system, and the TRTA environment. Good project managementmethodologies, processes, standards, and related good RBM practices. Good understanding ofsuccessful fundraising. Good collaborative skills to ensure integration, synergies and consistency ofhis/her activities with other parts of ITC. Good networking skills fostering establishment andmaintenance of relationships with decision makers in beneficiary countries including ministries, theprivate sector, heads of business associations and non-governmental organizations, senior officials inUN and other international organizations and donor agencies. Good analytical, communication andrepresentation skills. Proven track-record of resource mobilization.DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS: Insights into UN and WTO operations and related rules.Familiarity with ITC's business and services.

ITC'S VALUES are: Integrity, Professionalism, and Respect for Diversity

ITC'S CORE COMPETENCIES are: Communication, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing,Accountability, Creativity, Client Orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Technologicalawareness.ITC'S MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES are: Vision, Leadership, Empowering Others, ManagingPerformance, Building Trust, and Judgment/Decision making.For further information on competency based interview please click here

CRITICAL JOB-SPECIFIC VALUES AND COMPETENCIES FOR THIS POSITION

Core Competencies

• Communication
• Planning & Organizing
• Client Orientation
• Managerial Competencies
• Vision
• Leadership
• Empowering others
• Managing performance

TERMS OF SERVICE

Appointments with ITC are service-limited to this organization. The conditions of service are governedby the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment.

INDICATIVE ANNUAL SALARY AT THE P-5 LEVEL

Annual Salary (net of tax)US$ 80,734 at single rateUS$ 86,904 with primary dependantsPost AdjustmentPlus 104.9% (October 2013 rate) of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered asindicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currencyexchange rate fluctuations or inflation.For further information please consult the International Civil Service Commission website:http://icsc.un.org

HOW TO APPLY

Candidates are required to complete an on-line application. To apply, please visit the ITC website athttp://www.intracen.org/jobs which provides all related instructions on how to complete the on-linepersonal history form (PHF). Candidates should also submit a motivation letter.

INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTREADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received afterthe deadline will not be accepted. Information on the status of a vacancy can be obtained at:http://www.intracen.org/jobsA written test may be held for this position.

Candidates must ensure that they are the sole author ofthe answers.

Reference materials including candidate's own work and material may be used ifproperly cited. Please be informed that software that detects plagiarism will be used to verifycandidate's answers.Please note that candidates to this position may be considered for other ITC job openings subject tomeeting the relevant eligibility and competency requirements.

ITC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, nationality, religion or other social criteria. ITCis fully committed to the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly forgender mainstreaming and applications from qualified women and men are equally welcome.Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries areparticularly encouraged.

More Info and Application