National Technical Expert - LICA-10

Result of Service

The goal of this job function is to support the management and implementation of project activities.

Work Location

Vientiane, Lao PDR

Expected duration

One year renewable

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of SMEs. ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. ITC Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. (website: www.intracen.org) ITC is currently seeking for a National Technical Expert for the new “Lao PDR Building Opportunities for Sustainable Trade” project (BOOST) implemented by ITC and funded by the European Union (EU). The BOOST project (Building Opportunities for Sustainable Trade) is one Component of the Lao PDR – EU Assistance for Private Sector & Trade (LEAP) programme. The overall objective (impact) of LEAP is to contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth in Lao PDR through private-sector led growth, while fostering EU-Lao PDR economic partnership. The specific objective (outcome) of BOOST is to increase trade between the EU and Lao PDR while attracting more EU investment, including a focus on aligning production and business practices with EU environmental and sustainability standards, promoting eco-friendly supply chains, and ensuring compliance with due diligence frameworks. The three expected outputs of BOOST are: Output 1: Strengthened public-private sector coordination to increase export and investment opportunities Output 2: Companies capacitated to meet EU and international standards and regulations for exports Output 3: Gaps to implement international trade regulations addressed (ASEAN and EU). The Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP) of ITC is responsible for the overall management of the project. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce is the main project counterpart. The project will also work with several key business-support organisations, such as the European Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Lao PDR and the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The position is located within the project office, set up within the premises of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce in Vientiane, Lao PDR. The function will involve travel within Lao PDR and possibly within the region or beyond. RESPONSIBILITIES Under the general guidance of the Chief of OAP and the Project Manager, in close consultation with the technical experts for Outputs 1 and 2 based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the direct supervision of the Project Team Leader based in Vientiane, the National Technical Expert will be responsible for the following duties: Capacity building and technical content: • Act as a technical expert for Outputs 1 and 2 – Business-Support Organisations (BSOs) and businesses; provide technical support to the roll-out of activities, including support to defining activity content with ITC technical experts, identifying and mobilizing partners and beneficiaries, organizing preparatory and follow-up meetings and consultations, presenting activity content, objectives and expected results to stakeholders, moderating technical meetings. • Closely follow-up with project beneficiaries; support coaching and hands-on training activities whether through indirect assistance (with other experts) or direct assistance; provide advisory support and guidance for capacity building under Outputs 1 and 2, ensuring needs-driven interventions, skills transfer and exchange of best practices; provide specialized technical inputs to the project team and national stakeholders. • Contribute to needs assessment for BSOs and businesses relevant to the project; provide inputs for capacity building and training material addressing the needs of BSOs and businesses. • Keep abreast of any development relevant to Outputs 1 and 2 in Lao PDR; ensure that project activities remain up to date and evidence based. • Coordinate closely with ITC HQ technical specialists to ensure consistency with ITC methodologies and alignment with relevant initiatives. Project Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting: • Provide support and input to concept notes when relevant; disseminate information about training programmes, workshops; contribute to the identification of participants/trainees with relevant expertise/needs to ensure maximum impact and coverage; ensure a constant communication with BSOs and businesses about project activities. • Prepare and distribute activity application surveys, events in the event tracking platform; feedback forms; monitoring questionnaires; impact surveys; contribute to the analysis of results, the integration of relevant feedback into upcoming activities and the implementation of mitigation and improvement measures when necessary. • Collect evidence of activity completion; classify pictures, data and proofs for filing and archiving purposes; draft activity reports following agreed templates. • Contribute to project progress reports; provide inputs and analysis linked to the involvement of BSOs and businesses in the project. Partner and Client Relationship Management and Project Outreach: • Serve as a focal point for communication and coordination with project partners at the technical level for Outputs 1 and 2, for the smooth implementation and delivery of project activities. • Keep detailed track of interactions with project partners and beneficiaries; maintain internal files with evidence / minutes of meetings and consultations. 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. COMPETENCIES: Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of private sector effective participation in trade. Knowledge of emerging issues relevant to the private sector, particularly sustainable value chains, inclusive trade in Lao PDR. Solid understanding of trade-related technical assistance environment and related initiatives, results-based management or coordination of development projects. 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. 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. 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.

Qualifications/special skills

An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) in Agribusiness or related studies is preferred, or in International Trade, Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field. A first-level degree (Bachelor’s degree or equivalent) in the specified fields of studies with two additional years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree. A minimum of five (5) years of experience in agribusiness related fields, work experience within an agribusiness will be advantageous, business management, result-based project/programme management monitoring or evaluation, administration or related area is required. Experience working in Lao PDR is required. Experience working with the private sector – with Business-Support Organisations or with companies – in Lao PDR is desirable. Experience in trade-related technical assistance is desirable. Experience of implementing European Union (EU) projects is desirable. Competencies: PROFESSIONALISM - COMMUNICATION - CLIENT ORIENTATION

Languages

Advanced knowledge of English is required. Knowledge of Lao is required.

Additional Information

For information on how to apply please click here. Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration. Applications received after the deadline will not be accepted. This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing nationals of Lao People's Democratic Republic.

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.