Associate Programme Officer, DECI/IE

Org. Setting and Reporting

Within the International Trade Centre, the Institutions and Ecosystems Section of the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions provides solutions to Business Support Organizations in developing countries and economies in transition. High performing institutions act as multipliers for ITC projects. As delivery partners as well as beneficiaries they improve reach and scale of projects, and transfer knowledge and capacity to local actors for lasting impact. The Institutions and Ecosystems Programme delivers directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8 and SDG 16 and indirectly to SDGs 1, 2,4,5,9,10,12, and 17.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Programme Officer, Institutions and Ecosystems and the overall guidance of the Chief, Institutions and Ecosystems Section, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties:
• Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitors and analyzes specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and recommends corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions.
• Assists in performing consulting assignments, in collaboration with the client, by planning facilitating workshops, through other interactive sessions and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
• Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc.
• Assists in developing and supporting institutional networks, identifying and sharing good practice
• 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.
• Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops, seminars, etc.; participates in and makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in field missions, including provision of substantive and administrative support, data collection, etc.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• 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: the structural, managerial and operational features related to leadership and direction, resources and processes, products and services (in particular service digitalization) and result measurement of institutions; institutional, socio-economic and policy factors that affect the internationalisation of SMEs in developing countries; trade related technical assistance programme design, management and reporting; specific needs and requirements of women entrepreneurs/women owned businesses; 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 judgement 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.
• 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

A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A completed advanced level university degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field may be considered with 2 years of relevant professional experience.

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of four years of experience (two years with a Masters degree) in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience advising public and private sector economic actors in a diverse global context is desirable. Experience working with developing and transition economies is desirable. Experience in working with Business Support Organizations and their related ecosystems is desirable. Experience supporting women entrepreneurs and women-led enterprises is desirable. Experience in incorporating gender perspectives into the work of Business Support Organizations is desirable.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. French is desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult for details).

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

English

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

UN Level III

Language

Reading

Writing

Listening

Speaking

French

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

UN Level II

Assessment

Assessment will be undertaken through a comparative analysis of the applications. The assessment may also include a competency-based interview and/or other appropriate evaluation mechanisms.

Special Notice

The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a temporary appointment for an initial 6 months from around 01 December 2025 (parental leave cover) and may be subject to extension. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged. 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. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to hrs- Given the nature of the temporary opportunity, priority consideration may be given to candidates already located at the duty station. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. ITC Internal staff on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, if selected, may be entitled to Special Post Allowance as per Staff Rule 3.10. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: THE USE OF AI AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS IS PROHIBITED AND ITS USE MAY RESULT IN DISQUALIFICATION.

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.