Background

The International Trade Centre – ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations. It is fully dedicated to the success of small and medium-sized enterprises, connecting markets, improving lives. In Iraq we build trade-led growth for inclusive prosperity. ITC is a fully resident agency, member of the UNCT with offices in Baghdad (UN compound), Erbil, Basra and Mosul.

The Senior National Advisor – Security and Government Liaison is a key member of the ITC Team in Iraq. S/he will play a pivotal role in coordinating, representing, and liaising with government partners, private sector stakeholders and other development partners. S/he will support management of ITC operations, ensuring adherence to security protocols, and providing technical advisory to field staff. Furthermore, s/he will manage safety and security measures, and undertake any other tasks to efficiently implement ITC operations in Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the ITC, Head of Country Programme in Iraq, the Senior National Advisor – Security and Government Liaison will be responsible for – inter alia – the following duties:

Coordination, representation and government liaison:

• Develop and maintain strong relationships and regular communication with relevant government ministries, departments, private sector institutions, UN agencies, and other development partners.
• Liaise with the relevant government departments, ministries, and private sector institutions to obtain support for project implementation.
• Secure government approvals and permits for program activities.
• Support reporting duties to government counterparts.
• Facilitate information exchange and collaboration between ITC and external partners, develop and maintain effective communication channels to keep all stakeholders informed.
• Support project teams in managing relationships with line ministries and relevant stakeholders.
• Represent ITC in external meetings and events.

Management support:

• Collaborate with the Operations Manager in Iraq to oversee the day-to-day operations of the program.
• Contribute to coordinating all ITC programs’ activities, ensuring alignment with strategic goals, log frame, and objectives
• Support program implementation and management from a security perspective and coordinate with relevant government and private sector stakeholders.

Field operations:

• Conduct regular field visits in coordination with project teams to monitor program implementation and identify challenges.
• Ensure all staff adhere to UNDSS security protocols and standards
• Provide technical security advisory and support to field staff.

Communication:

• Assist in identifying proper terminologies for communication releases and contribute to the development and implementation of the communication strategy for the program.
• Provide inputs for the preparation of clear and concise reports on program activities and achievements.

Safety and security:

• Act as the appointed security focal point to UNDSS.
• Represent ITC in Security Management Team and Security Cell meetings.
• Conduct security risks assessments in coordination with UNDSS
• Provide security briefings to the operations team in Iraq based on UNDSS reports.
• Coordinate with UNDSS to grant necessary approvals for road movements in Iraq.
• Monitor the security situation in the country and take appropriate mitigation measures.
• Act as a warden point to ensure necessary headcounts of staff are applied during emergency situations.
• Liaise with UNDSS Field Security focal points to ensure safe road movement beyond the safe operation radius.
• Undertake any other tasks agreed with the ITC HQ Project Manager, in support of efficient implementation of ITC operations in Iraq.

Competencies

ITC’S VALUES are: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity

ITC’S CORE COMPETENCIES are: Communication, Teamwork, Planning & Organizing, Accountability, Creativity, Client Orientation, Commitment to continuous learning, Technological awareness.

ITC’S MANAGERIAL COMPETENCIES are: Vision, Leadership, Empowering Others, Managing Performance, Building Trust, and Judgment/Decision making.

For further information on competency based interview please visit: www.intracen.org.

Competencies:

Professionalism: 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.

Client Orientation: Considers all “clients” and seeks their point of view Establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients. 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 clients

Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments. Delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards. Operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules. Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments. Takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

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 the audience. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master’s degree or equivalent) in economics, engineering, business administration, development studies or related field is required, or
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in combination with an additional 2 years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years (with masters degree) and 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of relevant experience in the field of technical assistance, trade development or private sector development, including experience in project management, administration or related field.

Required knowledge and skills:

• Very good understanding of trade and private sector development in Iraq
• Very good understanding of public and private trade support institutions in Iraq and their mandates as well as of private sector needs and expectations in Iraq
• Very good result-based management skills
• Excellent drafting and communication skills

Desirable knowledge and skills:

• Previous experience in security operations management is desirable
• Knowledge of the UN system and procedures or experience of EU-related projects would be an asset
• Extensive experience in working with government and/or private sector counterparts

Language Requirements:

• Advanced English with excellent written and oral communication skills is essential
• Fluency in Arabic is required