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Head, Product Sector Development, Geneva (P-5)

JOB OPENING Date: 03 January 2014 The International Trade Centre is looking for a:
Head, Product Sector Development Post level: P-5 Division/Section: Division of Market Development (DMD) / Sector Competitiveness (SC) Duty Station: Geneva, Switzerland Job Opening No.: ITC/PVN/01/2014 Deadline for application: 02 February 2014 (midnight Geneva time) Entry date: as soon as possible Duration of appointment: one year, 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 Section (SC) consists of four teams: Product Sector Development, Services Sector Development, Trade and Environment and Poor Communities and Trade. The goal of this position is to provide leadership to the Product Sector Development team. As part of this position, the Head defines, coordinates and manages sector development programmes and projects in product sectors. These programmes and projects will be designed to integrate ITC technical assistance to achieve outcomes and impact along sector value chains. An understanding of the dynamics of global value chains will be critical to achieving successful integration of the services of ITC and other development actors for the benefit of project beneficiaries. SC focuses on an integrated approach to sector development. The Head, Product Sector Development applies this approach to product sectors. The need for holistic approaches to sector development is borne out from ITC experience with previous large sector programmes, beneficiary requests and donor demand. A number of new multi-year projects based on this approach have been started and more are in the pipeline. These demonstrate the need for SC to strengthen ITC's role as an orchestrator of market-led development integrating its own and external development partners' assistance to offer coherent, efficient and effective projects for measurable sector impact.
M AIN PURPOSE AND KEY RESULTS EXPECTED The outputs expected from this position are:
  • Development of private sector relationships to collaborate on product sector development programmes;
ITC job openings are available on http://www.intracen.org/about/itc-careers/current-job-openings/
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New development project funding won, new donor interest and implementing partner alliances demonstrated, for multi-year integrated sector development activities; Sharing with ITC colleagues the technical competence in multi-year integrated sector development project design and management in product sectors; Inputs into the design of projects in product sector development, fund mobilisation, development approaches, technical assistance and project management methodologies; Communication and positioning of ITC's approach to and experience in product sector development in a variety of media; For projects managed by the position, completion of ITC implementation responsibilities on time and according to budget and project work plans with clear, timely and satisfactory periodic progress reporting in line with the requirements of project agreements.
RESPONSIBILITIES Under the direct supervision of the Chief, SC the incumbent will:
  • Design, position and communicate a product sector development programme incorporating thematic development issues. Provide advice to the SC Chief and to ITC management on product sector development and integration into global value chains; Manage the definition, coordination and implementation of integrated multi-year product sector development projects bringing together the work of other ITC business lines and with external alliances; Contribute to the mobilisation of funding for new programmes and projects and coordinate product sector development project implementation activities in line with the strategic plan of SC; Build external relationships and strategic alliances with appropriate partners that support the goal of collaborative, integrated project delivery; Advise recipient region/country stakeholders including implementation counterparts, beneficiaries, policy and decision-makers on the design, coordination and management of projects; Raise awareness of risks and provide guidance on formulating mitigation strategies for attaining market, economic and social development objectives; Manage the external and internal human and financial resources assigned to work with this position, providing guidance and supervision, delegating responsibility within an agreed process and accountability framework; Manage resources effectively in line with ITC systems and UN financial rules & regulations. Supervise and follow-up on administrative actions for smooth programme delivery; Provide technical quality guidance for design of multi-year ITC projects focused on product sector development and linkages to global value chains to ensure optimum development impact. Advise on programme results-based performance indicators, appropriate monitoring systems and reporting frameworks based on experience with ITC donors; Prepare periodic reports and presentations for external media and events and internal bodies such as the SMC, WEDF and others. Represent ITC at external fora in relation to product sector development and related development themes. Seek technical inputs beyond ITC where required; Interact with other ITC Sections, sharing experiences and lessons learned during the course of project execution, particularly in relation to value chain development techniques and approaches; Support the Section Chief in the implementation of more efficient and effective processes, tools and methodologies to deliver high quality outputs providing support to the design of holistic value chain and country development projects at the sector level; Perform other duties as required.
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ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA EDUCATION: Advanced university degree in international economics, business administration or international trade or related field. Note: A combination of relevant academic qualifications and extensive relevant professional experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree .
WORK EXPERIENCE: A minimum of 10 years of progressive professional work experience in managing donor-funded projects in technical assistance related to economic growth and social development. Previous engagements in private sector management and business development. Design and delivery of development approaches successfully engaging beneficiaries and other stakeholders in product sector development. Track record in mobilising financial resources for development projects. Experience in negotiating programmes with senior governments officials, donors and policy makers. Experience of delivering successful multi-year export development programmes to developing and least developed countries at a regional, national and/or sector level. LANGUAGES: Advanced English. Knowledge of other UN official languages is an asset. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
  • Demonstrated ability to identify clients' needs and translate them into holistic solutions and projects for funding; Demonstrated understanding of major themes and concerns of development funders in project design and reporting requirements; Thorough technical understanding of one or more product sectors, including operations, business development, finance and risk; Proven skills in the design and implementation of methodologies for engagement of beneficiaries, and value chain development; Knowledge of the multi-lateral trading system, trade agreements and policies and their relationship to supply constraints; Working experience within developing countries including the issues faced by agri-food and other product sectors that form the bulk of ITC's workload. Experience of implementing projects in partnership with other agencies and successfully applying multi-agency solutions to development issues;
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 click here
CRITICAL JOB-SPECIFIC VALUES AND COMPETENCIES Core Competencies
  • Communication
  • Planning & Organizing Managerial Competencies
  • Vision
  • Leadership
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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-5 LEVEL Annual Salary (net of tax) US$ 80,734 at single rate US$ 86,904 with primary dependants Post Adjustment Plus 107.9% (January 2014 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/about/itc-careers/current-job-openings/ 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/about/itc-careers/current-job-openings/ 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 job openings 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.