TRAINING ASSISTANT (Temporary Job Opening)

Org. Setting and ReportingThis position is located in the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) in Afghanistan. The incumbent reports to the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia. ResponsibilitiesUnder the supervision of the ASYCUDA Regional Coordinator for Europe and Central Asia, the Training Assistant may be responsible for the following duties: · Provides assistance in support of planning and implementation activities/processes for ASYCUDA, a large and highly complex component of the departmental programme/project initiatives. · Conduct trainings workshops for the micro, small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (MSMEs) on the topics of Generate Your Business Idea (GYBI), Start Your Business (SYB), Improve Your Business (IYB), International Commercial Terms (Incoterms), Export Management and International Transit by Road (TIR) and other modules in different provinces; · Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific programmes/project and related topics. · Assists in the coordination of programme/project planning and preparation; monitors status of programme/project proposals; takes necessary action to ensure project documents are completed and submitted to relevant parties for approval. · Assists in the monitoring and evaluation of programmes/projects; categorizes, updates, tracks and analyses data related to programmes/projects, e.g. accounting records, outputs, resources utilized, deviations/revisions, etc.; carries out periodic status reviews, identifies issues and initiates requisite follow-up actions; prepares revised budget estimates; reports on budget revisions, expenditures and obligations, verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system; initiates financial authorizations for expenditures. · Research and develop training materials, handouts and power point presentations in consultation with the thematic experts/resource persons for the mentioned training workshops; · Collaborates with programme/project managers on performance reporting; support the management in compiling lessons-learned, best practices, challenges, success stories etc. in field implementation and in updating policy, procedural and training manuals as required; liaises with relevant parties on the interpretation of the activities/services scheduled in the training plan and internal work plans; provides assistance on reporting requirements, guidelines, rules and procedures and ensures completeness and accuracy of data submitted. · Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of programme/project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with a diverse organisational units to initiate requests, prepare standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions and resolve issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organisation of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Drafts correspondence and communications related to all aspects of programme/project administration, including work plan and budgets, revisions and other related issues, as well as prepares unit contributions for a variety of periodic reports. • Provides guidance and training to new/junior staff. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material for training purposes. • Performs other duties as assigned. CompetenciesProfessionalism: Knowledge of internal policies, processes and procedures generally and in particular those related to programme/project administration, implementation and evaluation, technical cooperation, programming related to customs and international trade digitilization . Understanding of the functions and organization of the work unit and of the organizational structure and respective roles of related units.. Ability to identify and resolve a range of issues/problems and to work well with figures, undertake basic research and gather information from standard sources. Demonstrated ability to apply good judgment in the context of assignments given.. 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. 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 the 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. EducationHigh school diploma or equivalent is required. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum 7 years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area is required. The minimum years of relevant experience is reduced to five (5) years for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. 1 year or more of experience in data analytics or related area is desirable. Experience working in an automated customs environment is desirable. Experience in supporting United Nations or similar international organization technical cooperation programmes related to customs and international trade digitilization is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English is required. Dari and Pashto are desirable. The table below shows the minimum required level for each skill in these languages, according to the UN Language Framework (please consult https://languages.un.org for details).