ECOWAS SME Competitiveness and Market Access Liaison Advisor (LICA 10) at United Nations

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND:

• The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme (ATCMA) Umbrella Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU). Funded by the EU and implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), this four-year program aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors.
• It also seeks to reduce trade barriers, enhance compliance with quality standards, and promote added value and export diversification. By prioritizing women- and youth-led businesses, ATCMA aims to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices. The umbrella programme is structured around two intervention levels: 1) the Continental Component and 2) Sub-regional Components in five RECs: COMESA, EAC, ECCAS, ECOWAS and SADC The current opening pertains to the ECOWAS sub-regional component of the ATCMA umbrella programme.
• The ATCMA ECOWAS programme is thematically structured into five components leading to 5 outputs as follows: In relation to

Specific Objective 1:

• Output 1.1: Market access barriers identified and reduced
• Output 1.2: Strengthened quality compliance and standards
• Output 1.3: Value-chain revision mechanism facilitated In relation to Specific Objective 2:
• Output 2.1: Enhanced value addition and diversification
• Output 2.2: Enhanced SME capacities and opportunities for business and export While UNIDO is in charge of implementing output 1.2 and 2.1., ITC is responsible for the implementation of output 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2.
• To ensure an overall coherent umbrella ATCMA framework, coordination and complementarity between the Continental component and sub-regional components will be ensured throughout the overall programme implementation. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the ECOWAS Commission Regional Programme Coordinator in Abuja, in coordination with the ITC Programme Officer (Market Access) in Abuja and the ITC Programme Coordinator in Geneva, in close collaboration with the ITC-UNIDO Project Management Unit in Abuja, the ECOWAS SME Competitiveness and Market Access Liaison Officer will be responsible for the following duties: • Support the alignment of activities related to ATCMA ECOWAS outputs 1.1, 1.3 and 2.2 ECOWAS regional policies and frameworks.
• Liaises with ECOWAS Member States, regional institutions, trade promotion organizations, business support organizations, private sector actors, and other key stakeholders to ensure inclusive and coordinated implementation.
• Ensures regular communication, coordination and information flow between the ECOWAS Commission, the ATCMA ECOWAS Project Management Unit in Abuja and the relevant ITC teams in Geneva.
• Supports organization of joint ECOWAS-ITC stakeholder consultation, coordination meetings and technical working groups in relation to ATCMA ECOWAS activities. • Contributes to activities aimed at identifying and addressing market access barriers within the ECOWAS region.
• Contributes to the operationalization and monitoring of a regional Value Chain Revision Mechanism.
• Supports initiatives that enhance export competitiveness and strengthen the capacities of BSOs and SMEs in the region. Carries out research on selected aspects of programmes, operations and other activities, relevant to trade competitiveness and market access including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
• Assists in policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends in the region and their implications for ECOWAS-ITC collaboration. • Performs 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.
• Prepares various written outputs, e.g. draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications that relate to the region.
• Compiles a final report at the end of each contractual period, covering the activities and the results of the assignment. • 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.
• Undertakes outreach activities; develops and conducts training workshops, seminars, etc.; makes presentations on assigned topics/activities.
• Participates in or lead field missions, including provision of guidance to external consultants, government officials and other parties and drafting mission summaries.
• Coordinates activities related to budget funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepares related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
• Performs other duties as required. NOTE – The selected candidate must be available for duty travel for short periods 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, sustainable development or a related field. Note: A first-level university degree in combination with qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.

EXPERIENCE:

• A minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management, administration or related area is required.
• Experience working with the ECOWAS Commission, ECOWAS specialized agencies, and other related regional institutions is required
• Experience working with EU-funded programmes is desirable.
• Experience implementing regional programmes in West Africa is desirable.

COMPETENCIES:

• Professionalism: Extensive knowledge of ECOWAS institutions, programmes and/or policies is required. Solid understanding of the challenges and opportunities in relation to trade competitiveness and market access in West Africa. Familiarity with UN system management tools and processes. 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. Able to analyze and interpret data in support of decision-making and convey resulting information to management.

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. 

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.