Associate Programme Officer (Access to Finance), DECI/SEC

Support the development, implementation and evaluation of SME financing programs.

This opening expired 1 year ago. Do not try to apply for this job.

ITC - International Trade Centre

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Application deadline 1 year ago: Wednesday 23 Apr 2025 at 03:59 UTC

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Overview

Support the development, implementation and evaluation of SME financing programs.

You have:

  • A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field.
  • A minimum of two years of relevant experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.
  • Experience in supporting access to finance for SMEs or development finance is desirable.
  • Fluency in English and French (both oral and written) is required.
  • Experience working on SME financing challenges in Africa is desirable.
  • Experience working in international development is desirable.

Contract

This is a P-1 contract. This kind of contract is known as Professional and Director staff. It is normally internationally recruited only. It's a staff contract. It usually requires 1 years of experience, depending on education.

Salary

The salary for this job should be between 82,363 USD and 113,827 USD.

Salary for a P-1 contract in Geneva

The international rate of 44,593 USD, with an additional 84.7% (post adjustment) at this the location, applies. Please note that depending on the location, a higher post adjustment might still result in a lower purchasing power.

Please keep in mind that the salary displayed here is an estimation by UN Talent based on the location and the type of contract. It may vary depending on the organization. The recruiter should be able to inform you about the exact salary range. In case the job description contains another salary information, please refer to this one.

More about P-1 contracts and their salaries.

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Sector and Enterprise Competitiveness Section (SEC) within the Division of Enterprises and Institutions (DECI). SEC delivers market-driven solutions for SMEs' trade competitiveness by providing a full-service highly specialized portfolio of technical offerings focusing on international trade development. Its four pillars of delivery include: • Strategy: Enterprise diagnostic, strategy and export management development that help SMEs "design for export" • Operations: Quality, logistics, packaging services that help SMEs "produce to export" • Markets: Marketing, branding and e-solutions that help SMEs "connect to export" • Resources: Talent management, access to finance and technology and linking with resources within ITC to optimize the technical assistance portfolio to "enable exports". SEC leverages partnerships and networks to help scale-up and achieve broad-based outreach. This includes making better use of e-learning channels for delivery.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Senior Program Officer, Access to Financeand the overall guidance of the Chief, SEC, the Associate Programme Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Works with key clients to facilitate the development, implementation and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; assist with monitoring and analyzing specific aspects of programme/project development and implementation; reviews relevant documents and reports; identifies problems and issues to be addressed; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and tracks follow-up actions. • Provides substantive research on SME financing trends, policy, innovations, opportunities and challenges, etc., to include collecting, analyzing and presenting concepts in presentations and research papers. • Substantively contribute to proposals for new funding opportunities for access to finance interventions. • 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. • Participates in survey initiatives; assists with design of data collection tools; issues data collection tools, reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares preliminary conclusions. • Contributes to the preparation of various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, 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 and proposed participants, preparation of background documents and presentations, handling logistics, etc. • Participate in outreach activities; participates in the development and delivery 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. • Develops all project related communication material including press releases, web stories, impact stories etc as relates to assigned projects. • Coordinates activities related to procurement, budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports including monthly, quarterly and annual reporting), financial statements, etc.) and preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, • Performs other duties as required

Competencies

• Professionalism: Knowledge of financing instruments and models for SMEs. Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues/problems. Ability to assist with 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. • Creativity: Actively seeks to improve programmes or services; offers new and different options to solve problems or meet client needs; promotes and persuades others to consider new ideas; takes calculated risks on new and unusual ideas; thinks “outside the box”; takes an interest in new ideas and new ways of doing things; is not bound by current thinking or traditional approaches. • Commitment to Continuous Learning: Keeps abreast of new developments in own occupation/profession; actively seeks to develop oneself professionally and personally; contributes to the learning of colleagues and subordinates; shows willingness to learn from others; seeks feedback to learn and improve.

Education

A first-level university degree in business administration, management, economics or a related field. Note: An advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field may be accepted in lieu of the relevant professional work experience

Job - Specific Qualification

Not available.

Work Experience

A minimum of two years (an MA in a relevant subject may be considered in lieu of experience) of relevant experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required. Experience in supporting access to finance for SMEs or development finance is desirable Experience in working on SME financing challenges in Africa is desirable Experience working in international development is desirable

Languages

Fluency in English and French, (both oral and written) is required.

Assessment

Assessment will be undertaken through a comparative analysis of the applications. The assessment may also include a competency-based interview and/or other appropriate evaluation mechanisms.

Special Notice

The conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations. This is a temporary appointment for an initial 6 months and may be subject to extension. Applications from women and nationalities from developing and least developing countries are particularly encouraged. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind. ITC also offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and to allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to [email protected]. Given the nature of the temporary opportunity, priority consideration may be given to candidates already located at the duty station. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. ITC Internal staff on fixed-term, continuing or permanent appointment, if selected, may be entitled to Special Post Allowance as per Staff Rule 3.10. For information on salary and entitlements, please consult the International Civil Service Commission website: http://icsc.un.org

United Nations Considerations

In accordance with the United Nations Staff Regulations and Rules, the paramount consideration in the employment of the staff is the necessity of securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence, and integrity. Candidates will not be considered for employment with ITC if they have committed violations of international human rights law, violations of international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse, or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they have been involved in the commission of any of these acts. Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered for employment. Applicants are urged to carefully follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira. For more detailed guidance, applicants may refer to the Manual for the Applicant, which can be accessed by clicking on "Manuals" hyper-link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted based on the information submitted in the application according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances, and guidelines. Applicants must provide complete and accurate information pertaining to their personal profile and qualifications according to the instructions provided in Inspira to be considered for the current job opening. No amendment, addition, deletion, revision, or modification shall be made to applications that have been submitted. Candidates under serious consideration for selection will be subject to reference checks to verify the information provided in the application. Job openings advertised in Inspira will be removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.

No Fee

ITC does NOT charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with SME financing and how it relates to this position? The interviewer needs to understand your relevant experience and how it fits the role. Focus on specific projects or roles where you've worked on SME financing.
What strategies would you suggest for improving access to finance for SMEs? This question assesses your creativity and knowledge in finance strategies. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize tasks when managing multiple projects? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where you had to collect and analyze data for a project. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you handle feedback from clients or stakeholders? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What are the key financial challenges SMEs face today? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Give an example of a successful workshop you facilitated and what made it effective. Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How would you approach developing a proposal for funding opportunities? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 1 year ago - Updated 1 year ago - Source: careers.un.org

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