Programme Assistant (LICA 7)

The goal of this job function is to provide support to ensure the effective and smooth implementation of project operations and activities.

Kakuma, Kenya

until 31 December 2026, with possibility of extension

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization based in Geneva. ITC’s mission is to enable small business export success in developing and transition economy countries, by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions and policymakers. ITC’s Refugees and Trade programme empowers refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees and host communities by unlocking opportunities for economic inclusion and self-reliance. Refugees and Trade bridges the gap between challenges and opportunities, enabling those affected by migration and displacement to contribute to local and global economies. The programme is housed in the Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) section within the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT). The ‘THRIVE’ In the context of this work, ITC partners with Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) to implement a project titled “Promoting sustainable socio-economic development and creating market-based livelihood opportunities for refugees and host communities” in Kenya during 2023-2027. The project’s goal is to enhance the employability and competitiveness of social MSMEs in refugee settings and host communities in Turkana. It specifically aims to improve the livelihood and self-reliance of refugees and host communities in the targeted region through the following objectives: Output 1.1: Technical skills of refugees and host communities are developed in selected value chains, Output 1.2: Social entrepreneurship, business development capacities and market access of project beneficiaries are strengthened. Output 1.3: Institutional capacity to promote inclusive economic opportunities for refugees and host communities is improved. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Head, Refugees & Trade and in close collaboration with the national project coordinator, the Programme Assistant will be responsible for the following duties: • Independently provides full range of programme/project management and implementation assistance at all phases of the programme/project cycle for the digital economy intervention of the project, seeking guidance only in exceptional circumstances. • Researches, compiles, analyses, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on wide range of project-related topics, highlighting noteworthy issues/trends for consideration by appropriate parties. • Reviews, appraises and revises, as necessary, all submissions for the digital sector intervention under the project, ensuring compliance with guidelines and programme/project objectives; identifies problems/issues, seek clarification from project team and partners, assess replies, and prepares a summary for the manager with suggestions for further action. • Works with partner agencies in arranging financing modalities; obtains requisite clearances; ensures establishment of proper monitoring systems through scheduled reporting, review meetings and missions. • Drafts and tracks component-related budget and forecast based on submissions; prepares monitoring checklists, and tracks follow-up actions required. • Prepares external communication on project-related activities; drafts inputs for a wide range of documents/reports, briefings/debriefings, correspondence, etc. • Serves as focal point for coordination, monitoring and expedition of implementation activities and participates in programme/project evaluation; monitor implementation at all stages to ensure work is proceeding according to established plans, including analysing implementation difficulties and initiating remedial action; liaises with diverse organizational units to initiate requests; prepares standard terms of reference against programme/project objectives, obtains necessary clearances, processes and follows-up on administrative actions and resolves issues related to project implementation, e.g. recruitment and appointment of personnel, travel arrangements, organization of and participation in training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc. • Provides secretariat services to committees, ad hoc tasks forces, etc.; drafts and circulates agenda notes to members/participants; assembles background documentation; drafts minutes of the meeting; monitors follow-up actions, etc. • May undertake mission/field work in support of above activities, e.g. specific administrative, operational/control tasks for programme/project activities. • Establishes internal databases; sets up, files, stores and manages data and information relevant to the scope of project activities. • Supervises office support staff, including distribution and review of work assignments, training, and inputs to performance evaluation. • Assists with the collection and analysis of data as well as preparation of data presentations and reports for information sharing, responding to queries, knowledge management, planning and decision making. • Assists with visualizations and updating information material such as web pages or brochures. • Performs other duties as assigned. 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.

EDUCATION: High school diploma or equivalent. EXPERIENCE Nine (9) years of experience in programme or project administration, technical cooperation or related area. The minimum years of relevant experience can be reduced to five (7) for candidates who possess a first-level university degree or higher. One year or more of experience supporting the digital economy in displacement-contexts is desirable. COMPETENCIES: • Professionalism: Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to particular sector, functional area or other specialized field. 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. • 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. • 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.

Fluency in English (both oral and written) is required. Knowledge of other UN languages is an advantage.

This contract will be administered on behalf of ITC by UNOPS. This vacancy is open for locally residing nationals of Kenya. 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.