Associate Programme Officer
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
Date: 10 December 2010
The International Trade Centre is looking for a:
Associate Programme Officer, Poverty Reduction
Post level: P-2
Vacancy Notice No.: ITC/PVN/18/2010
Division/Section: Division of Market Development (DMD) / Sector Competitiveness (SC)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Deadline for application: 09 January 2011 (midnight Geneva time)*
*Deadline extended to 15 February 2011 (midnight Geneva time) – applicants who have already applied need not reapply as their application is under consideration
Entry date: as soon as possible
Duration of appointment: Two years, renewable
THE ITC
The work of the International Trade Centre (ITC) is focused on delivering ‘Export Impact for Good’. We target the private sector, trade support institutions and the promotion of government policies which contribute to competitive trade and sustainable and inclusive development. We support developing and transition countries in seeking out and promoting export opportunities – leading to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. If you are a passionate and committed individual who wants to make a lasting difference, then ITC is the place to be.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit ITC’s website: www.intracen.org
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
The Sector Competitiveness (SC) section within the Division of Market Development and Analysis (DMD) aims to achieve sector-wide improvements to livelihoods of producer beneficiaries in developing countries by:
Enabling sector enterprises and trade support services to design market and value chain development strategies and support them in enhancing value captured;
Supporting sector stakeholders to organise the implementation of development strategies and market-led sector development projects, and provide technical assistance for their implementation;
Enabling sector trade support institutions to support enterprise trade development, for instance by strengthening export marketing, product and service delivery;
Enabling enterprises to match supply-side offers to customers’ requirements in destination markets and convert commercial opportunities into actual new business.
MAIN PURPOSE AND KEY RESULTS EXPECTED
The goal of this job function is to provide the poverty reduction programme of the ITC with technical expertise to apply the know-how developed by contemporary creative industries in multidisciplinary
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 2
design activities to processes and products (such as handicrafts, fashion, house ware, cultural/lifestyle products) traditionally associated with poverty alleviation programs, in order to improve their performance on the international, domestic and regional markets. This job function requires a solid understanding of the limitations related to working in the developing world with marginalised communities, both in urban slums and remote rural areas. It also requires being able to guide the design process of buyers interested in developing products starting from materials and capacities available in the context of the developing world. The incumbent must be knowledgeable on the challenges faced by the beneficiaries of the project, not only in terms of production, but also day-to-day survival as this must be communicated firstly to buyers and then, through them, to consumers.
The candidate will develop and implement technical assistance programmes; as well as provide technical knowledge to the organization and beneficiaries in developing countries. The results of the job will be measured in terms of the quality of technical expertise provided but also in terms of impact in increased exports, increased sales on domestic and regional markets, reduction of poverty, empowerment of women and environmental sustainability of processes launched.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Technical Adviser, Ethical Fashion and under the general guidance of the Chief, Sector Competitiveness, the incumbent will:
Asses the technical assistance needs of micro producers from poor and marginalised communities in developing countries;
Assist in putting in place processes of product development of ethical/lifestyle products in communities of micro-producers in developing countries;
Assist in coordinating the work of field staff, national consultants and the intermediaries involved in the project;
Provide samples and other elements along with feasibility assessments to international buyers of ethical goods;
Design sections of technical co-operation projects/sector development programmes in the area of poverty reduction;
Within the policy directives given by ITC management, assist in fund-raising activities for the implementation of these programmes;
Provide information and advice to clients, development partners and ITC with regard to core products and sector approaches;
Assist in managing product development processes that involve micro-producers and buyers in the international, domestic and regional markets;
Define a method of work to be adopted in all countries involved in the activities of the poverty reduction unit;
Create a data base of designs and materials available from communities of micro-producers in developing countries;
Assist the Head of the Poverty Reduction Programme in defining and implementing capacity building activities for intermediaries and national consultants on production and delivery of fashion goods;
Support the management of the poverty reduction programme and related projects;
Support sector strategy development (for informal sector and handicraft, fashion, cultural/lifestyle products) in developing countries;
Establish a results-based and performance culture in his/her programme and develop and maintain a collaborative approach within the team, other parts of ITC and ITC’s stakeholders;
Contribute to preparing programmes and projects of the unit;
Perfom other duties as required.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: This role requires a professional who has a general knowledge of the market of ethical trade and a proven capacity in managing product development processes related to fashion involving a complex network of manufacturers and intermediaries in developing countries. He/she will have a proven capacity for designing products using innovative and recycled materials and a solid understanding of consumer demands of ethical/lifestyle products in terms of quality and style. He/she will have the ability to identify clients’ needs and translate them into practical solutions at programme and project level.The successful candidate will possess an analytical ability and proven capability to write clear and concise project documents, reports and papers.The ability to work with communications teams and directly with the media on trade and poverty reduction issues is
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 3
essential. He/she will be a team player able to work within a team that jointly delivers technical assistance in poverty reduction programmes. He/she will have the aptitude to establish a results-based approach in his/her programmes and projects. The successful candidate will possess basic financial management competencies at programme and project level. He/she must be available for extensive travelling.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
EDUCATION: University degree in Product and Furniture design or in Multidisciplinary Design or a closely related field.
Note: A candidate possessing an advanced degree in Product and Furniture design or in Multidisciplinary Design or a closely related field may be accepted with a total of only two years of relevant professional experience.
WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of four years of progressively responsible postgraduate professional work experience in design with private enterprises, national government bodies or international organizations.
Experience in working directly with disadvantaged communities in Africa. Experience in design of lifestyle products. Experience in working in developing countries and in developing ethical trade. Experience in design, management and implementation of technical co-operation projects particularly focused on enhancement of the competitiveness of micro-producers of handicraft/garments/leather goods/ house ware/cultural products from marginalised communities in developing countries. Experience of working with private sector, trade support institutions and micro-producers in developing countries is a key and fundamental asset. Strong experience in project design and implementation of poverty reduction activities in the area of handicraft and fashion goods produced by micro-producers in developing countries. Practical experience in design business with reference to several different areas of design (consumer goods, furniture). Experience of development of ethical/lifestyle products in Africa. Experience in designing and implementing market-oriented poverty reduction projects for micro-entrepreneurs from marginalised communities in developing countries. Practical experience in working in marketing, export development, training in the sector/cluster area (in projects or the private sector).Experience in writing technical documents, proposals, and making presentations to large audiences.
Experience in working in market development with poor communities in developing countries an asset. Knowledge of import markets and buyers for above-mentioned production an asset. Experience in the supply chain and marketing of fashion goods and handicraft an asset. Experience in working with ethical fashion networks and fora in Europe an asset.
LANGUAGES: Advanced knowledge of English with a working knowledge of French or Spanish. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
General knowledge of the opportunities and constraints facing the development of the market of ethical fashion for producers and designers in developing countries. Knowledge of procedures of work in international organisations of the UN system. Exceptional multidisciplinary design skills with exhibitions and accolades as recognition of the high standard. Computer literate in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator,Word and Excel. General knowledge of technology and modern media at a high level. Knowledge of the socio-economic and environmental challenges of urban and rural realities in developing countries.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledgeable on the extreme environmental problems currently being faced and the ability to apply this knowledge into the design of projects and products.
ITC’S VALUES are: Vision, Integrity, Excellence, Pragmatism and Responsiveness.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 4
ITC’S CORE COMPETENCIES are: Integrity, Vision, Teamwork and Leadership, Excellence and Accountability, Client Commitment, Pragmatism and Communications. For further information on the ITC competency framework and the definition of each competency, please visit our website or click on the following link: ITC’s Competency Framework
CRITICAL JOB-SPECIFIC (PLEASE SELECT THE RELEVANT ONES AND DELETE THE REST)
Teamwork and Leadership
Pragmatism
Communications
Client Commitment
TERMS OF SERVICE
Appointments with ITC are service-limited to this organization. The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment.
INDICATIVE ANNUAL SALARY AT THE P-2 LEVEL
Annual Salary (net of tax)
US$ 46,037 at single rate
US$ 49,082 with primary dependants
Post Adjustment
Plus 89.1% (December 2010 rate) of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
For further information please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates are required to complete an on-line application. To apply, please visit the ITC website at http://www.intracen.org/jobs which provides all related instructions on how to complete the on-line personal history form (PHF). Candidates should also submit a motivation letter.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Information on the status of a vacancy can be obtained at: http://www.intracen.org/jobs.
A written test may be held for this position. Candidates must ensure that they are the sole author of the answers. Reference materials including candidate’s own work and material may be used if properly cited. Please be informed that software that detects plagiarism will be used to verify candidate’s answers.
Please note that candidates to this position may be considered for other ITC vacancies subject to meeting the relevant eligibility and competency requirements.
ITC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, nationality, religion or other social criteria. ITC is fully committed to the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for gender mainstreaming and applications from qualified women and men are equally welcome.
Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 5
Date: 10 December 2010
The International Trade Centre is looking for a:
Associate Programme Officer, Poverty Reduction
Post level: P-2
Vacancy Notice No.: ITC/PVN/18/2010
Division/Section: Division of Market Development (DMD) / Sector Competitiveness (SC)
Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland
Deadline for application: 09 January 2011 (midnight Geneva time)*
*Deadline extended to 15 February 2011 (midnight Geneva time) – applicants who have already applied need not reapply as their application is under consideration
Entry date: as soon as possible
Duration of appointment: Two years, renewable
THE ITC
The work of the International Trade Centre (ITC) is focused on delivering ‘Export Impact for Good’. We target the private sector, trade support institutions and the promotion of government policies which contribute to competitive trade and sustainable and inclusive development. We support developing and transition countries in seeking out and promoting export opportunities – leading to economic growth, job creation and poverty reduction. If you are a passionate and committed individual who wants to make a lasting difference, then ITC is the place to be.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit ITC’s website: www.intracen.org
ORGANIZATIONAL SETTING
The Sector Competitiveness (SC) section within the Division of Market Development and Analysis (DMD) aims to achieve sector-wide improvements to livelihoods of producer beneficiaries in developing countries by:
Enabling sector enterprises and trade support services to design market and value chain development strategies and support them in enhancing value captured;
Supporting sector stakeholders to organise the implementation of development strategies and market-led sector development projects, and provide technical assistance for their implementation;
Enabling sector trade support institutions to support enterprise trade development, for instance by strengthening export marketing, product and service delivery;
Enabling enterprises to match supply-side offers to customers’ requirements in destination markets and convert commercial opportunities into actual new business.
MAIN PURPOSE AND KEY RESULTS EXPECTED
The goal of this job function is to provide the poverty reduction programme of the ITC with technical expertise to apply the know-how developed by contemporary creative industries in multidisciplinary
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 2
design activities to processes and products (such as handicrafts, fashion, house ware, cultural/lifestyle products) traditionally associated with poverty alleviation programs, in order to improve their performance on the international, domestic and regional markets. This job function requires a solid understanding of the limitations related to working in the developing world with marginalised communities, both in urban slums and remote rural areas. It also requires being able to guide the design process of buyers interested in developing products starting from materials and capacities available in the context of the developing world. The incumbent must be knowledgeable on the challenges faced by the beneficiaries of the project, not only in terms of production, but also day-to-day survival as this must be communicated firstly to buyers and then, through them, to consumers.
The candidate will develop and implement technical assistance programmes; as well as provide technical knowledge to the organization and beneficiaries in developing countries. The results of the job will be measured in terms of the quality of technical expertise provided but also in terms of impact in increased exports, increased sales on domestic and regional markets, reduction of poverty, empowerment of women and environmental sustainability of processes launched.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direct supervision of the Chief, Technical Adviser, Ethical Fashion and under the general guidance of the Chief, Sector Competitiveness, the incumbent will:
Asses the technical assistance needs of micro producers from poor and marginalised communities in developing countries;
Assist in putting in place processes of product development of ethical/lifestyle products in communities of micro-producers in developing countries;
Assist in coordinating the work of field staff, national consultants and the intermediaries involved in the project;
Provide samples and other elements along with feasibility assessments to international buyers of ethical goods;
Design sections of technical co-operation projects/sector development programmes in the area of poverty reduction;
Within the policy directives given by ITC management, assist in fund-raising activities for the implementation of these programmes;
Provide information and advice to clients, development partners and ITC with regard to core products and sector approaches;
Assist in managing product development processes that involve micro-producers and buyers in the international, domestic and regional markets;
Define a method of work to be adopted in all countries involved in the activities of the poverty reduction unit;
Create a data base of designs and materials available from communities of micro-producers in developing countries;
Assist the Head of the Poverty Reduction Programme in defining and implementing capacity building activities for intermediaries and national consultants on production and delivery of fashion goods;
Support the management of the poverty reduction programme and related projects;
Support sector strategy development (for informal sector and handicraft, fashion, cultural/lifestyle products) in developing countries;
Establish a results-based and performance culture in his/her programme and develop and maintain a collaborative approach within the team, other parts of ITC and ITC’s stakeholders;
Contribute to preparing programmes and projects of the unit;
Perfom other duties as required.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE: This role requires a professional who has a general knowledge of the market of ethical trade and a proven capacity in managing product development processes related to fashion involving a complex network of manufacturers and intermediaries in developing countries. He/she will have a proven capacity for designing products using innovative and recycled materials and a solid understanding of consumer demands of ethical/lifestyle products in terms of quality and style. He/she will have the ability to identify clients’ needs and translate them into practical solutions at programme and project level.The successful candidate will possess an analytical ability and proven capability to write clear and concise project documents, reports and papers.The ability to work with communications teams and directly with the media on trade and poverty reduction issues is
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 3
essential. He/she will be a team player able to work within a team that jointly delivers technical assistance in poverty reduction programmes. He/she will have the aptitude to establish a results-based approach in his/her programmes and projects. The successful candidate will possess basic financial management competencies at programme and project level. He/she must be available for extensive travelling.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
EDUCATION: University degree in Product and Furniture design or in Multidisciplinary Design or a closely related field.
Note: A candidate possessing an advanced degree in Product and Furniture design or in Multidisciplinary Design or a closely related field may be accepted with a total of only two years of relevant professional experience.
WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of four years of progressively responsible postgraduate professional work experience in design with private enterprises, national government bodies or international organizations.
Experience in working directly with disadvantaged communities in Africa. Experience in design of lifestyle products. Experience in working in developing countries and in developing ethical trade. Experience in design, management and implementation of technical co-operation projects particularly focused on enhancement of the competitiveness of micro-producers of handicraft/garments/leather goods/ house ware/cultural products from marginalised communities in developing countries. Experience of working with private sector, trade support institutions and micro-producers in developing countries is a key and fundamental asset. Strong experience in project design and implementation of poverty reduction activities in the area of handicraft and fashion goods produced by micro-producers in developing countries. Practical experience in design business with reference to several different areas of design (consumer goods, furniture). Experience of development of ethical/lifestyle products in Africa. Experience in designing and implementing market-oriented poverty reduction projects for micro-entrepreneurs from marginalised communities in developing countries. Practical experience in working in marketing, export development, training in the sector/cluster area (in projects or the private sector).Experience in writing technical documents, proposals, and making presentations to large audiences.
Experience in working in market development with poor communities in developing countries an asset. Knowledge of import markets and buyers for above-mentioned production an asset. Experience in the supply chain and marketing of fashion goods and handicraft an asset. Experience in working with ethical fashion networks and fora in Europe an asset.
LANGUAGES: Advanced knowledge of English with a working knowledge of French or Spanish. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE:
General knowledge of the opportunities and constraints facing the development of the market of ethical fashion for producers and designers in developing countries. Knowledge of procedures of work in international organisations of the UN system. Exceptional multidisciplinary design skills with exhibitions and accolades as recognition of the high standard. Computer literate in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator,Word and Excel. General knowledge of technology and modern media at a high level. Knowledge of the socio-economic and environmental challenges of urban and rural realities in developing countries.
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE:
Knowledgeable on the extreme environmental problems currently being faced and the ability to apply this knowledge into the design of projects and products.
ITC’S VALUES are: Vision, Integrity, Excellence, Pragmatism and Responsiveness.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 4
ITC’S CORE COMPETENCIES are: Integrity, Vision, Teamwork and Leadership, Excellence and Accountability, Client Commitment, Pragmatism and Communications. For further information on the ITC competency framework and the definition of each competency, please visit our website or click on the following link: ITC’s Competency Framework
CRITICAL JOB-SPECIFIC (PLEASE SELECT THE RELEVANT ONES AND DELETE THE REST)
Teamwork and Leadership
Pragmatism
Communications
Client Commitment
TERMS OF SERVICE
Appointments with ITC are service-limited to this organization. The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a fixed term appointment.
INDICATIVE ANNUAL SALARY AT THE P-2 LEVEL
Annual Salary (net of tax)
US$ 46,037 at single rate
US$ 49,082 with primary dependants
Post Adjustment
Plus 89.1% (December 2010 rate) of the above figure(s). This percentage is to be considered as indicative since variations may occur each month either upwards or downwards due to currency exchange rate fluctuations or inflation.
For further information please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org
HOW TO APPLY
Candidates are required to complete an on-line application. To apply, please visit the ITC website at http://www.intracen.org/jobs which provides all related instructions on how to complete the on-line personal history form (PHF). Candidates should also submit a motivation letter.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. Information on the status of a vacancy can be obtained at: http://www.intracen.org/jobs.
A written test may be held for this position. Candidates must ensure that they are the sole author of the answers. Reference materials including candidate’s own work and material may be used if properly cited. Please be informed that software that detects plagiarism will be used to verify candidate’s answers.
Please note that candidates to this position may be considered for other ITC vacancies subject to meeting the relevant eligibility and competency requirements.
ITC does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, nationality, religion or other social criteria. ITC is fully committed to the implementation of the resolutions of the United Nations General Assembly for gender mainstreaming and applications from qualified women and men are equally welcome.
Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 5
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