Org. Setting and ReportingThe Sector Competitiveness Unit (SEC) under the Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions (DECI) is responsible for developing and disseminating sector-level expertise for sustainable market-driven solutions. The SCOPE-Trade project aims at addressing three important trade-related pillars which drive economic connectivity in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and between ASEAN and the European Union (EU) i.e., trade policy environment, digital connectivity for businesses with a focus on micro, small and medium sized enterprises (MSMEs), sustainable and resilient value chains. The project will be implemented with the ASEAN Secretariat as well as ASEAN Sectoral Bodies and Working Groups. It is part of and addresses the trade and economic priorities of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (acronym SCOPE), which seeks to improve sustainable connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, and within ASEAN. The ITC READY Salone project aims to unlock economic opportunities for Sierra Leonean youth and youth-led businesses in the digital economy. Funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the ‘Sierra Leone: Empowering Youth through Digital Technologies’ project (referred to as the READY Salone project) is implemented by the International Trade Centre in close collaboration with the Government of Sierra Leone through the Youth Affairs (MoYA), Ministry of Communication, Technology and Innovation (MoCTI) and the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) from 2024 to 2028. The project will equip youth and youth-led startups with the skills and tools to seize economic opportunities in the digital economy. Youth aged 15 – 35, including young women as well as persons with disabilities, are key targets of READY Salone. ResponsibilitiesUnder the direct supervision of SEC Chief of Section and in close collaboration with READY Salone and ASEAN SCOPE Programme Officers, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Carries out basic research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources. • Provides substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions, including the review and analysis of emerging development issues and trends.. • 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. • 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. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to develop sources for data collection. 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. • 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. • 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. EducationAn advanced (Masters or equivalent) university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first level university degree in the above subjects in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be considered. Job - Specific QualificationNot available. Work ExperienceA minimum of two years (four years with a first level degree) of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat. For this job opening, English and French are required. 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).