Project Adviser (BOOST) LICA-11

Result of Service

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.

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 Project Adviser 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 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, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the direct supervision of the Project Team Leader based in Vientiane, the Project Adviser will be responsible for the following duties: Project Implementation, Monitoring, and Reporting: • Organize the project activities: training programmes, workshops, including identifying participants/trainees with relevant expertise/needs to ensure maximum impact and coverage; contribute to the design and quality assurance of project interventions including activity feedback forms. • Provide technical and logistical support to the roll-out of project activities to ensure a timely delivery; provide guidance for capacity building, ensure needs driven interventions, and the effective coordination of gender mainstreaming activities. • Maintain the project workplan and schedule; develop, review and finalize annual project workplans with ITC project team, technical experts and the project counterparts, for approval by project governance bodies; prepare agendas, minutes and activity trackers. • Provide on-the-ground support and technical guidance to partners and beneficiaries; coordinate communication among stakeholders • Advise on synergies between and across project activities, outputs and stakeholders; ensure that joint planning, information sharing and, where appropriate, joint activities are effectively organized. • Lead the result monitoring and analysis of project activities, prepare and provide updates on status and progress to ITC HQ, and as required to project stakeholders and partners; organize the data collection; collect, compile, and analyze data to support evidence-based reporting, lessons learned, evaluation, and learning; lead on initiatives to share lessons learned and best practices within the extended project team for improving performance and learning. • Participate in the development, review and improvement of project monitoring mechanisms, tools and templates to collect, record and track quantitative and qualitative data to feed into the project logical framework, progress reporting and communication materials. • Advise and guide project experts with adapting the monitoring tools vis-à-vis their respective project outputs and activities in alignment with the monitoring strategy and requirements. • Conduct regular quantitative and qualitative data collection on project activities using the developed monitoring tools (incl. questionnaires, evaluation forms, follow-up surveys, beneficiaries’ interviews, etc.), in liaison and coordination with project team members, beneficiaries and partners. • Support the project monitoring missions or evaluations, including project site visits and support to independent evaluation teams if required. • Based on project evidence, data and testimonies, prepare impact stories and other materials that showcase beneficiaries and partners’ engagement, as well as the sustainability of project results. • Contribute to the identification of risks to project implementation and the discussions on mitigation strategies; ensure that the mitigation measures are endorsed and implemented. • Consolidate result-based project progress reports; produce and submit regular reports to ITC HQ. 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 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. Support for Project Governance: • Contribute to the organization of meetings of project governance bodies, including Project Review Committee (PRC) meetings and other meetings as relevant (incl. planning the meetings with project partners, devising meeting contents, preparing agendas and notice of meetings, preparing and undertaking presentations). • Make the necessary follow-ups on the adoption/implementation of the recommendations/inputs provided by project governance bodies, in liaison with the project team in ITC HQ, including transposing agreed decisions in work plans. Copyright: The Consultant 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 prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. 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.

Qualifications/special skills

EDUCATION: An advanced university degree (Master’s or equivalent) 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. EXPERIENCE: A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in result-based project/programme management monitoring or evaluation, administration or related area is required. Experience in Lao PDR is required. Experience in trade-related technical assistance, business support or related field is required. Experience working with the Government of Lao PDR and especially the Ministry of Industry and Commerce is desirable. Experience of implementing European Union (EU) projects is desirable. COMPETENCIES Professionalism: In-depth knowledge of trade-related technical assistance, including projects fostering institutional and private sector effective participation in trade. Knowledge of emerging issues in trade, particularly trade policy and facilitation, digital trade, sustainable value chains, inclusive trade in Lao PDR and in ASEAN. 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. 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. 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.

Languages

Not available.

Additional Information

This vacancy is open to locally residing nationals of Lao People's Democratic Republic. 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.