JOB DESCRIPTION

Result of Service

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES / RESULT OF SERVICE Output 1 to be completed by [31 January 2026]

• Inception report with work plan and methodology.
• ESS gap analysis report with findings and recommendations. Output 2 to be completed by [31 March 2026]
• Present the first draft ESS Policy and Management System
• Integrate the feedback from relevant ITC colleagues Output 3 to be completed by [15 April 2026]
• Finalize the ESS policies and operational tools
• Conduct staff training/orientation materials

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

1 January to 15 April 2026 (approx. 30 days)

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development. This position is located within Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section, Trade and Environment Programme, that provides trade intelligence and technical assistance to strengthen the climate competitiveness of MSMEs through a portfolio of environment-related tools and approaches. Objective ITC is seeking to engage with climate funds to support its commitment to catalyse sustainable development, advance climate resilience, and contribute to global efforts in mitigating climate change. The primary objective is to leverage the opportunities provided by climate finance to enable ITC to enhance its capacity to address climate challenges, drive innovation in sustainable business practices, and foster a paradigm shift towards climate-resilient and low-carbon trade. Strategic engagement with climate funds reflects ITC”s dedication to playing a proactive role in the global climate action agenda, fostering environmental stewardship, and leveraging trade to promote inclusive and sustainable development on a local and global scale. As part of its institutional strengthening and readiness for potential accreditation to the Green Climate Fund (GCF), ITC is seeking an International Consultant to provide expert to develop comprehensive Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) and related management systems.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Trade for Sustainable Development Programme and the overall guidance of the Director of the Division on Sustainable and Inclusive Trade. The Consultant will have the following duties and responsibilities.

• Review and assess ITC’s existing policies, procedures, and practices related to environment, social inclusion, and gender.
• Conduct a gap analysis comparing ITC’s current frameworks with GCF’s ESS Standards, Gender Policy, and related requirements as well as other GCF accredited international organizations, such as UNDP, UNIDO, FAO, etc.
• Develop an Environmental and Social Safeguards Policy and Management System, including procedures for screening, assessment, monitoring, and reporting, in line with the Model Approach to Environmental and Social Standards in UN Programming. Also develop implementation tools such as, necessary templates, checklists, guidance notes. This must
• Conduct orientation or training for key staff on adoption of new safeguards system. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform 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. 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.

Qualifications/special skills

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) in environmental studies, social sciences, development studies, or related field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience with in environmental and social safeguards, preferably with GCF, GEF, World Bank, or other international organizations Experience working in the areas of trade and/or business-related technical assistance is highly desirable. Skills:

• Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the development of online surveys.
• Analytical and strategic mindset.
• Ability to work independently and to solve problems.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines.
• Excellent communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent communication, diplomatic, presentation skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Languages

Full professional fluency in English is required.

Additional Information

Not available.

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.