National Project Coordinator, Ethical Fashion Initiative (LICA 10)

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to provide effective coordination of the EFI component of the the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP) in close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit.

Work Location

Maseru, Lesotho

Expected duration

One year, with possibility of extension

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition economy countries to take advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC supports Trade Impact for Good, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through trade. Within the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) and the Section for Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative (EFI) fosters sustainable and inclusive growth by building productive capacity in developing countries and connecting producers and designers to international markets. In Lesotho, ITC/EFI supports the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WaMCoP) led by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition. The project aims to increase the wool and mohair sub-sector’s climate resilience and market beneficiation, with a specific focus on the small producers and value chain enterprises. EFI leads interventions under the subcomponent 1.3 "Business development and cottage industry. The project will develop new areas of work on hand spinning, handloom weaving, hand knitting and other artisanal skills that can add value to the current wool and mohair sector in Lesotho. This will be achieved through tailored technical advice, training and building of market linkages. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of EFI’s Programme Officer and in close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit other members of the project team, the National Project Coordinator will be responsible for the following duties: • Participates in the development, coordination, implementation and evaluation of assigned project; monitors and analyzes project development and 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. • Performs consulting assignments, in close collaboration with the WaMCoP Project Coordination Unit, by planning facilitating workshops and other deliverables. • Researches, analyzes and presents information gathered from diverse sources. • Undertakes survey initiatives; designs data collection tools; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. • Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, terms of references, etc. • Provides 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; conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. • Identifies and coordinates with UN agencies, institutional partners, business support organizations and private sector entities relevant to the implement of the WaMCoP, component. • 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 (project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (workplan, budget, etc.). • Create and maintain the institutional relations and partnerships of the project in Lesotho and in the region • Performs other duties as required. 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 skills

EDUCATION: Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced university degree. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, administration or related area. Experience in coordinating technical assistance and business support programmes. Experience working with disadvantaged communities facing social and economic issues. Field experience with artisan communities is desirable. Experience working within the UN system is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Understanding of the national business support ecosystem. Knowledge of the craft environment and basic knowledge of the artisanal industry. Knowledge of social and economic issues affecting disadvantaged communities Knowledge and understanding wool and mohair subsector, fashion lifestyle sector and business support ecosystem. 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, coordinate diverse activities 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, coordinating different workstreams, 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. • 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. • Client Orientation: Considers all those to whom services are provided to be “clients” and seeks to see things from clients’ point of view; establishes and maintains productive partnerships with clients by gaining their trust and respect; identifies clients’ needs and matches them to appropriate solutions; monitors ongoing developments inside and outside the clients’ environment to keep informed and anticipate problems; keeps clients informed of progress or setbacks in projects; meets timeline for delivery of products or services to client.

Languages

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage. Knowledge of one or more local languages is an asset.

Additional Information

This vacancy is open for nationals of Lesotho. 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 Fee

THE 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.