Technical Advisor, Export Competitiveness (LICA 9)

Result of ServiceThe goal of this job function is to support the development and implementation of programme activities aimed at enhancing export and SME competitiveness within the ECOWAS region. Work LocationAbuja, Nigeria Expected durationOne year, with possible extension Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND : The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors. It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. The umbrella programme is structured around two intervention levels: 1) the Continental Component and 2) Sub-regional Components in five RECs: COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC The current opening pertains to the ECOWAS sub-regional component of the ATCMA umbrella programme. The ATCMA ECOWAS programme is thematically structured into five components leading to 5 outputs as follows: In relation to Specific Objective 1:  Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced  Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards  Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated In relation to Specific Objective 2:  Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification  Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export While UNIDO is in charge of implementing output 1.2 and 2.1., ITC is responsible for the implementation of output 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2. To ensure an overall coherent umbrella ATCMA framework, coordination and complementarity between the Continental component and sub-regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the ATCMA ECOWAS Programme Officer (Market Access) in Abuja, the overall guidance of the Chief, Office for Africa and in close collaboration with the Programme Coordinator at ITC HQ, the Technical Advisor will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of the programme by providing technical inputs and expert guidance on export competitiveness, MSME competitiveness, and other related topics; monitors and analyzes programme implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Supports engagement with relevant stakeholders in the region, including national governments, the ECOWAS Commission, EU Delegation, and designated national Focal Points, contributing to technical inputs on trade and export competitiveness-related topics, to support ongoing regional initiatives. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Participates in survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, 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 participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. • Undertakes outreach activities; participates in the development of training workshops workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries, etc. • Coordinates activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.). • Collects and analyzes data to identify trends or patterns and provide insights through graphs, charts, tables and reports using data visualization methods to enable data-driven planning, decision-making, presentation and reporting. • Performs other duties as required. NOTE – The selected candidate must be available for duty travel for short periods 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 skillsEDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, international trade, international development or a related field. Note: A first-level university degree in combination with two years of experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of two (2) years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area. Experience in supporting SMEs and coordinating technical components of regional trade programmes, with a focus on export readiness, market linkages, value chain development, investment opportunities and other trade-related capacity building is desirable. Experience working with development partners in West Africa is desirable. Experience working with public/governmental and private sector institutions and officials in ECOWAS member states is desirable. Experience with programmes funded by the EU is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Extensive knowledge in enhancing export competitiveness and SME performance within the ECOWAS region. Solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by MSMEs in accessing regional and international markets. Familiarity with competitiveness diagnostics, value chain development, and export promotion tools. Knowledge of EU financial management rules is considered an asset. Familiarity with UN system management tools and processes. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to conduct 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management. • 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. • Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honours commitments; delivers outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable. LanguagesFluency in English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Additional InformationThis vacancy is open for nationals of ECOWAS Partner States. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. 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 FeeTHE 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.