Programme Officer (Impact Assessment and Results Measurement), DMD/SPTI

Org. Setting and Reporting

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 agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. ITC is implementing the European Union funded Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value chain and Improving trade policy in Iraq (SAAVI) and “Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT): Towards Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq” projects in Iraq. About the “Strengthening the agriculture and agri-food value chain and improving trade policy in Iraq” project ITC is implementing the project “Strengthening the agriculture and agri-food value chain and improving trade policy in Iraq” between 2020 and 2025. This project, funded by the European Union, aims to contribute to inclusive growth and job creation in Iraq, particularly for youth. It seeks to enhance the trade competitiveness of Iraq’s agribusiness value chain, while improving the country’s trade policy framework. About the “Building Equitable and Inclusive Transformation (BEIT): Towards Decent Work and Affordable Housing in Iraq” project The European Union funded, BEIT project, jointly executed by ITC, UN-Habitat, and ILO aims to generate quality jobs by enhancing the housing and construction sector. Specifically, this EU-funded initiative targets economic growth through job creation and the development of affordable, sustainable housing in Iraq. The Programme Officer will play a critical role in ensuring that ITC projects in Iraq achieve their objectives and demonstrate impact through robust monitoring and evaluation processes.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of Senior Programme Officer responsible for strategic projects and general guidance of Chief, Research and Strategies for Exports (RSE), Division of Market Development (DMD), the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Participate in the development of comprehensive Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks for the SAAVI and BEIT projects, systematic and standardized methodologies, including indicators, data collection methodologies, and reporting schedules. • Manages and oversee data collection processes, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and ethical standards. • Establish and maintain quality assurance mechanisms for M&E data and reports submitted by implementing partners. • Analyzes data using M&E systems, quantitative and qualitative analysis methods to monitor and analyze programme/project development and 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. • Monitors and evaluates the effectiveness of impact assessment processes, making adjustments as necessary to improve accuracy and relevance. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. reports and presentations on findings, including visualizations and infographics to convey complex information clearly, etc. • Documents best practices, lessons learned, and success stories through impact analysis of monitoring findings and evaluation reports to inform future program design and implementation. • Provide technical guidance and support and capacity building to ITC staff and implementing partners on M&E methodologies, tools, and techniques. • Facilitates discussions of relevant impact assessment findings, challenges and recommendations for corrective measures with relevant ITC staff, management and partners to improve projects’ effectiveness. • Participates to the selection of, and monitor the work of Implementing Partners that are sub-contracted to conduct surveys and studies required for measuring the impact and monitoring and evaluating projects/programme/strategy • Facilitates communication and collaboration among implementing partners to ensure alignment with ITC’s M&E framework • Provides substantive support to meetings, including self-evaluation and external evaluation, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Participates in or lead field missions to collect data and verify information on the ground, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches related to impact assessment and monitoring and evaluation systems, for complex and large projects, preferably in conflict-affected situations; Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation in the context of market system development, trade in agri-business, and construction sector is highly desirable; Experience leading inter-agency and consortium monitoring and evaluation efforts, in alignment with donors’ guidelines; Previous experience in Iraq and familiarity with the context; Knowledge of trade-related technical assistance projects and programmes desirable. 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. • 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.

Education

Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in development, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of experience in impact assessment, monitoring and evaluation, results measurement is required. Experience within United Nations or international organizations is desirable. Experience in designing and implementing impact assessment frameworks and methodologies is desirable. Experience with trade-related technical assistance programs / market system development, particularly in agri-business and construction sectors is desirable. Experience coordinating M&E systems as part of a consortium, particularly EU-funded is desirable.

Languages

For the position(s) advertised, fluency in English is required; and knowledge of Arabic is an advantage. Knowledge of another official United Nations language is an advantage.

Assessment

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

Special Notice

The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a temporary appointment for an initial 11 months and may be subject to extension. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. ITC also offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to hrs-jobs@intracen.org. Given the nature of the temporary opportunity, priority consideration may be given to candidates already located at the duty station. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. ITC Internal staff on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, if selected, may be entitled to Special Post Allowance as per Staff Rule 3.10. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ITC if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on “Manuals” hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. 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 reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ITC does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.

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