Value Chain Associate
JOB DETAIL
Background
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion are core principles at UNDP: we value diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate, we foster inclusion as a way of ensuring all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, and we ensure equity and fairness in all our actions. Taking a ‘leave no one behind’ approach to our diversity efforts means increasing representation of underserved populations. People who identify as belonging to marginalized or excluded populations are strongly encouraged to apply. Learn more about working at UNDP including our values and inspiring stories.
UNDP does not tolerate sexual exploitation and abuse, any kind of harassment, including sexual harassment, and discrimination. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks.
The overall objective of UNDP’s ‘Aid for Trade in Central Asia – phase V’ project is to support Central Asian countries in promoting inclusive and sustainable growth through promoting green value chains and increasing competitiveness with strong emphasis on building more resilient, secure and gender-responsive economic structures through economic diversification and adapting to the COVID-19 emerging trends.
The overall emphasis is on building ‘forward-looking’ productive capacities, enhancing efficiency and competitiveness of target ‘green’ value chains and niche products which will be identified in the agricultural, agro-industrial, but also in other employment-rich sectors, contributing to inclusive and sustainable human development through increased number of decent green jobs and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable communities, and with the emphasis on enhancing their resilience to domestic economic inefficiencies and external shocks, including COVID-related shocks.
The identification of green products and value chains is guided by ensuring better competitiveness through foresighting new and emerging markets and consumer trends. Only products which contribute to greening the economies and generate decent employment will be considered.
The project addresses the development challenge through the following three sub-components:
- At the regional level: Supporting regional cooperation, connectivity and integration into regional and global value chains.
- At the country levels: Supporting enabling environment for building economic resilience, and inclusive and sustainable growth. Supporting job creation and improving the efficiency, competitiveness and gender-responsiveness of target ‘green’ value chains.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project manager/Chief Technical Advisor in the Sustainable Development Cluster, the Value Chain Associate provides support and assistance to implementation of activities under the project’s Component 3 (Supporting job creation and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of value chains in green sectors) ensuring high quality of work, accurate, timely, and properly recorded/documented service delivery. The position requires a high level of initiative and learning motivation. The Value Chain Associate will undertake the following functions:
- Supports the Project Manager/CTA in implementation of the project’s activities under the Components 3 (Supporting job creation and improving the efficiency and competitiveness of value chains in green sectors).
- Contributes to preparation and monitor execution of the Project’s Annual Plan of Activities for Component 3, work plan, assist with analysis of emerging problems and propose adequate measures to ensure timely fulfilment of envisioned tasks.
- Contributes to developing concepts as well as ToRs towards implementation of activities planned under Component 3.
- Assists in organization of workshops, trainings, roundtables, conferences and coordination meetings with project beneficiaries and stakeholders.
- Assists in organizing policy dialogue with international and national partners, including implementing partners on green value chains and women’s economic empowerment (including women entrepreneurship) development issues and new initiatives.
- Assists with engaging and sensitizing all major stakeholders about Aid for Trade project activities while maintaining close relationships with relevant stakeholders, including international organizations.
- Familiarizes him/herself with the overall development and business context in the country, including the regional development priorities, local business environment, existing cooperation in the field of private sector development between government institutions, international agencies and business community as well as with the findings of the scoping missions.
- Supports with provision of inputs to analytical outputs of the project.
- Explores synergies between the Aid for Trade initiative and other relevant initiatives in the country, including work by the Government, private sector initiatives of multi-lateral and bilateral donors.
- Assists information sharing among all partners on trade, green value chains and women economic empowerment (including women entrepreneurship) related activities in the country, sharing best practices and lessons learned on projects implemented.
- Assist the project team in the development and contribute to the implementation of the monitoring plan; Supports with performing regular monitoring of implementation and progress of project.
- Assists analysis of the project impact and collection of data (including statistical data, results/ achievements, success stories and others for component 3) in close collaboration with the Monitoring officer
- Supports with compiling reports on project activities, including provision of narrative parts to quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports.
- Assists the Project Administrative and Finance Associate in procurement and contracting processes.
Institutional Arrangement
The Value Chain Associate will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager/CTA.
Competencies
Core competencies:
- Achieve Results: LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline.
- Think Innovatively: LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements.
- Learn Continuously: LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback.
- Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible.
- Act with Determination: LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident.
- Engage and Partner: LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships.
- Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination.
Cross Functional and Technical competencies:
- Business direction & strategy – Business Acumen
- Ability to understand and deal with a business situation in a manner that is likely to lead to a good outcome.
- Knowledge and understanding of the operational frameworks in the organization and ability to make good judgments and quick decisions within such frameworks.
- Business Management- Monitoring
- Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback on the consistency or discrepancy between planned and actual activities and program performance and results.
- Business Management- Operations Management
- Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organization’s business processes to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms.
- Business Management- Communication
- Ability to communicate in a clear, concise, and unambiguous manner both through written and verbal communication; to tailor messages and choose communication methods depending on the audience. Ability to manage communications internally and externally, through media, social media and other appropriate channels.
- Business Development – Knowledge Generation
- Ability to research and turn information into useful knowledge, relevant for content, or responsive to a stated need.
- Ethics- UN Policy knowledge – ethics
- Knowledge and understanding of the UN Staff Regulations and Rules and other policies relating to ethics and integrity.
- 2030 Agenda: Prosperity – Recovery Solution
- Women’s Economic Empowerment, including labor issues.
Required Skills and Experience
Education:
- Secondary education is required.
- Bachelor’s degree in economics, business administration, trade/commercial law, or related field will be given due consideration but is not a requirement.
Experience:
- Minimum 7 years (with Secondary education) or 4 years (with Bachelor’s degree) of professional relevant experience in the project administration and/or coordination, preferably in an international organization.
Languages:
- Fluency in Russian, English and Tajik language is required.
Required skills:
- Excellent computer skills, including full command of text and spreadsheet programmes and database.
Desired knowledge/skills:
- Specialized certification in Economics and/or Business Administration will be an asset.
- Knowledge and skills in project/programme monitoring will be an asset.
- Familiarity with UNDP project management procedures will be an asset.
- Experience in organizing exchange workshops and/or training activities at the national or international level will be an asset.
The following documents shall be required from the applicants:
- Personal CV or P11, indicating all past positions held and their main underlying functions, their durations (month/year), the qualifications, as well as the contact details (email and telephone number) of the Candidate, and at least three (3) the most recent professional references of previous supervisors. References may also include peers.
- A cover letter (maximum length: 1 page) indicating why the candidate considers him-/herself to be suitable for the position.
- Managers may ask (ad hoc) for any other materials relevant to pre-assessing the relevance of their experience, such as reports, presentations, publications, campaigns or other materials.
Disclaimer
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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