Programme Officer (Inclusive Agribusiness Systems), DSIT/GIVC

Org. Setting and Reporting

The ITC Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) leads ITC’s work on sustainable and inclusive value chains. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within DSIT is responsible for 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 utilizes the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodologies to implement projects in its Inclusive and Sustainable Agribusiness value chains areas of work. The A4A is a participatory partnership model that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of MSMES, smallholder farmers and value chain actors while ensuring respect of environmental, economic, and social requirements. Within DIST, the Inclusive Agribusiness Systems unit focuses on: • Facilitating more effective, sustainable, competitive and inclusive food and agribusiness systems for MSME & business growth and for socio-economic development through the facilitation of market systems approach; • Supporting family farmers; co-operatives; agri-entrepreneurs, agribusiness MSME’s and sector associations to add value to their products, increase incomes, diversify risks, and better compete in international; regional and local markets. • Fostering market led equitable productive and commercial alliances between value chain operators; lead firms, responsible investors, and public sector in order to help unlock inclusive growth and agribusiness competitiveness at scale • Increasing sector and ecosystem capabilities for efficient support services and productive investment instruments adapted for and available to, family farmers; MSMEs – especially women and young entrepreneurs. • Building productive capacities for trade and job creation in developing countries, particularly in LDCs and promoting value addition and rural development through agri-entrepreneurship • Building ITC’s network and partnerships with Inclusive Agribusiness and trade technical support institutions, private sector, national and supra-national institutions in order to provide advice and foster Alliances for Action that result in sustainable trade and enterprise development at scale;

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision the Programme Management Officer Inclusive Agribusiness Systems and the overall supervision of the Head, Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, and Chief of Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) the incumbent will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of market-led agribusiness value chain development programmes/projects using participatory market system approaches; • Monitors and analyzes inclusive agribusiness and trade 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. • Performs consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client and/or partners, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client and/or partners will use to manage and deliver change. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources including market, value chain, agribusiness and supply dynamics. • Assists in policy trade support institution and enterprise development around specific market and social development objectives agreed with stakeholders, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or other research activities and studies. Undertakes market system-based surveys and partner characterization initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. • Provides substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to personnel, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries and project implementation reports, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Assists in the preparation and implementation of methodologies for business, MSME and market development, including facilitation of green and inclusive value chains, value addition, producer and MSME competitiveness, product-market diversification and sustainability and resilience, • Performs other duties as required.

Competencies

• PROFESSIONALISM: 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. • 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. • 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.

Education

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field such as environmental management/economics or agribusiness is required. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in agribusiness and/or livestock and/or food and agriculture is desirable. Experience in Sustainable Value Chain and/or Market Systems development is desirable . Experience in supporting agribusiness producer organizations and MSMES and in promoting sustainable and competitive production and commercial alliances is desirable. Experience in promoting environmental, social, economic sustainability and ESG impact is desirable. Experience in evidence based participatory approaches that promote inclusive agribusiness systems and policy support frameworks for development is desirable. Experience in promoting inclusive Agri-Finance and Investment for Smallholder Farmer & Agri-MSMEs competitiveness is desirable.

Languages

For the position advertised, fluency in English (oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise which will 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 fixed term appointment for an initial period of one (1) year. 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. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged to apply. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected]. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. 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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