JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to provide support in implementation of project activities.

Work Location

Astana, Kazakhstan

Expected duration

6 months, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint technical cooperation agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations. ITC has a unique mandate in the United Nations system to promote increased competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing, transition and least developed countries and assisting them to better use trade as a platform for growth, development and employment creation. ITC supports beneficiary countries to improve their business environment and facilitate better management of border operations, including through the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). ITC is implementing a 4-year technical assistance project Ready4Trade Central Asia: Fostering prosperity through the Trans- Caspian Transport Corridor, funded by the European Union. The Project aims to advance the European Union (EU)-Central Asia connectivity agenda through increasing the operational efficiency of the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor and internationalisation of Central Asian business. This will be achieved through simplifying cross-border formalities in Central Asia to attract trade and sustainable investment; improving regional coordination across Central Asian countries to foster trade and transport connectivity; and enhancing the competitiveness of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) to facilitate their access to regional and EU markets, including through leveraging the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The project is structured around three Outcomes:

• Outcome 1. Simplified cross-border formalities in Central Asia to attract trade and sustainable investment on strategic Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
• Outcome 2. Improved regional coordination across Central Asian countries to foster trade and transport connectivity along the strategic Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
• Outcome 3. Improved competitiveness of MSMEs to access regional and EU markets, including through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor. The first two outcomes of the project are geared towards improving transparency, predictability and efficiency of trade formalities, advancing digitalization and paperless trade, strengthening bilateral and/or regional frameworks for data exchange and interoperability and improved cross-border coordination to reduce administrative burdens on economic operators. Outcome 3 is aimed at improving competitiveness of MSMEs to access regional and EU markets, including through the expansion of the Cross-Border Trade Management Curriculum. In this context, ITC is recruiting a project officer to provide support in implementation of project activities. FUNCTIONS: Under the direct supervision of the Associate Programme Officer, the overall guidance of the Chief, Business-driven Trade and Investment Facilitation, ITC, Geneva, and in close cooperation with the National Project Manager and other consultants involved in the project, the Associate Trade Facilitation Project Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Works with the project management in ITC HQ to develop, update project work plans, monitors and ensures timely implementation of project activities according to the project document, work plan, identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging issues and trends, participation in evaluations or research activities and studies.
• Assist in providing trade-related technical advisory services related to the implementation of Outcome 1 and Outcome 2 e.g. participate to the development of trade digitization reforms, recommend procedural simplification measures, etc.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Provides administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc.
• Supports the activities of national consultants in the beneficiary country involved, among others, in the implementation of the project initiative.
• Contributes to outreach activities and communications for the project, e.g. through presentations at relevant key events in the country and regular dissemination of project results, through press releases, web-stories, success stories, presentations, etc.
• Participates in field missions of ITC experts and international consultants, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, provides assistance in follow up actions, etc
• Performs other duties as required Copyright: The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION: A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: An advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field may be accepted in lieu of relevant professional work experience. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in project/programme management, business administration or related area, preferably in the area of trade facilitation. Experience of working in international/donor organizations or national development agencies desirable. Experience in developing and implementing branding / marketing strategies desirable. Experience in delivering trade related services to SMEs desirable. COMPETENCIES: ITC’S VALUES are: Integrity, Professionalism, Respect for Diversity Professionalism: Proficiency in Microsoft office. 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 assist with 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. 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. 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.

Languages

Advanced knowledge of Russian and English is required.

Additional Information

This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This is a part-time 75% role. This vacancy is open for locally residing Kazakh nationals. Applicants must be authorized to work in the duty station where the position is located. Eligible applicants selected from outside the duty station are responsible for any expenses in connection with their relocation to the duty station.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.