Senior Project Manager (ASEAN), DCP/OAP

Position description

Org. Setting and Reporting

This position is located in the Office for Asia and The Pacific (OAP), Division of Country Programmes (DCP) at the International Trade Centre in Geneva. DCP/OAP is responsible for coordinating and managing the development and implementation of several multi-disciplinary trade-related technical assistance projects in the Asia-Pacific region. The focus of this job is to lead the implementation and monitoring of the new ‘EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package – Trade’ (SCOPE Trade).  

The overall objective (impact) of the 5-year project is to improve sustainable connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, and within ASEAN with a focus on trade, economic connectivity and sustainable value chains. The specific objective (outcome) of the project is to improve regulatory frameworks, dialogue and institutional capacities in key areas of trade and economic connectivity with a focus on resilient, socially, economically and environmentally sustainable value chains and on better conditions for trade and investment flows. The three outputs of the project are: 

• Output 1: Improved policies and regulatory environment for fair and sustainable market, trade and investment in ASEAN; 
• Output 2: Improved capacities of ASEAN for digital connectivity; 
• Output 3: Increased knowledge and capacities for ensuring environmental, economic and social value chain sustainability among ASEAN/ASEAN Member States institutions and the private sector. The ASEAN Secretariat (ASEC) is the main project counterpart. The project will also work with several ASEAN Working Groups and Sub-Committees. ITC is establishing a project office in Jakarta, Indonesia, within the premises of the ASEAN Secretariat.

Responsibilities

Under the direct supervision of the Chief, OAP the Senior Project Manager will be responsible for the following duties: 

• Takes the lead to develop, implement, coordinate assigned project, etc.; directs subordinates in project development, implementation, monitoring and assessment; directs review of relevant documents and reports; identifies priorities, problems and issues to be addressed and proposes corrective actions; liaises with relevant parties; identifies and initiates follow-up actions. 
• Ensures implementation of gender mainstreaming guidelines by assessing the implications for men and women of any planned action, including legislation, policies or programmes, in all areas and at all levels. 
• Directs research and project monitoring/evaluation and presents information gathered from diverse sources. 
• Coordinates policy development; reviews the assessments of issues and trends, preparation of evaluations or research activities and studies, 
• Undertakes survey initiatives; guides design of data collection instruments; reviews, analyzes and interprets responses, identifies problems/issues and prepares conclusions. 
• Supervises preparation of various written outputs, e.g. background papers, analysis, substantial sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, etc. 
• Directs substantive support to consultative and other meetings, conferences, etc., to include proposing agenda topics, identifying participants, preparation of documents and presentations, etc. 
• Manages outreach activities; designs and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc., makes presentations on assigned topics/activities. 
• Leads 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 ensures preparation of related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, project budget, etc.). 
• Serves as an effective spokesperson and establishes collaboration and partnerships with key officials at all levels inside and outside the organization. 
• Ensures effective utilization, supervision and development of staff; Guides, evaluates and mentors staff. 
• May perform other duties as required.

Competencies

Professionalism: Knowledge of the international trading system, regional economic and trade integration, and the trade-related technical assistance (TRTA) context in South-East Asia/ASEAN. Knowledge of result-based management principles for project design and implementation. Ability to identify key strategic issues, opportunities and risks. Knowledge of working with complex and multi-level partners and stakeholders at the government, institutional and private sector levels. Ability to generate and communicate broad and compelling organizational direction. Ability to communicate clearly links between the Organization’s strategy and the work unit’s goals. Demonstrated ability to provide innovative technical leadership by performing and/or overseeing the planning, development, and management of operation. Demonstrated ability to negotiate and apply good judgment. 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. 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.  

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.  

Leadership: Serves as a role model that other people want to follow: empowers others to translate vision into results; is proactive in developing strategies to accomplish objectives; establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually agreeable solutions; drives for change and improvements; does not accept the status quo; shows the courage to take unpopular stands. Provides leadership and takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work; demonstrates knowledge of strategies and commitment to the goal of gender balance in staffing.  

Judgement/Decision-making: Identifies the key issues in a complex situation, and comes to the heart of the problem quickly; gathers relevant information before making a decision; considers positive and negative impacts of decisions prior to making them; takes decisions with an eye to the impact on others and on the Organization; proposes a course of action or makes a recommendation based on all available information; checks assumptions against facts; determines the actions proposed will satisfy the expressed and underlying needs for the decision; makes tough decisions when necessary.

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 an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Job – Specific Qualification: Not available.

Work Experience

• A minimum of ten years (12 with a first level degree) of relevant experience in project management, administration or related area is required.  
• Experience working with the ASEAN region and countries is desirable  
• Experience managing Trade-Related Technical Assistance projects in Asia is desirable.  
• Experience in project design is desirable.  
• Experience in fundraising is desirable.  
• Experience in delivering EU projects is desirable.

Languages

• Fluency in English is required. Knowledge of another UN official language is an advantage.

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.
 

Application instructions

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