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Associate Programme Officer (A4A), DSIT/GIVC (Temporary) - Job Opportunity at United Nations

Geneva, Switzerland
Temporary
Entry-level
Posted: May 28, 2025
On-site
USD 45,000 - 65,000 per year based on UN salary scales for P-2 level positions in Geneva, with additional allowances and benefits typically increasing total compensation to USD 55,000 - 75,000 annually

Benefits

Comprehensive United Nations benefits package including health insurance, pension plan, and staff development opportunities providing exceptional security and career advancement potential
Attractive flexible work arrangements promoting optimal work-life balance and personal development
International career development opportunities within the UN system offering global mobility and diverse experiences
Professional development support including training workshops and continuous learning opportunities
Multicultural work environment fostering global perspectives and international networking
Special Post Allowance eligibility for internal candidates enhancing compensation competitiveness

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic client engagement initiatives to develop, implement and evaluate high-impact programmes and projects that drive sustainable development outcomes in agricultural value chains
Execute comprehensive programme monitoring and analysis functions, identifying critical issues and implementing corrective measures that ensure project success and stakeholder satisfaction
Conduct strategic research and data analysis on programme operations, collecting and presenting statistical insights that inform policy decisions and drive organizational effectiveness
Provide substantive policy coordination support including trend analysis, evaluation activities, and research studies that shape international trade development strategies
Deliver specialized consulting services through workshop facilitation and interactive sessions, developing actionable plans that enable clients to successfully manage organizational change
Create high-impact written outputs including analytical reports, policy papers, and presentations that influence international development discourse and decision-making
Orchestrate substantive support for international conferences and meetings, managing logistics, participant engagement, and content development that advances organizational objectives
Lead outreach and capacity building initiatives through training workshops and seminars, delivering presentations that build stakeholder capabilities and expand organizational reach
Execute field missions providing technical expertise, data collection, and on-ground support that ensures successful project implementation in developing countries
Manage budget and funding activities including programme preparation, progress reporting, and financial oversight that ensures efficient resource utilization and donor compliance

Requirements

Education

Advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in international trade, business administration, management, economics or a related field. A first-level university degree in combination with 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the Master's degree.

Experience

Applicants to positions at this level who have an advanced university degree in a relevant field of study do not need to have professional work experience. For applicants who have a first level university degree, two additional years of qualifying work experience is required. Experience in a multi-cultural and global context in relation to trade development is desirable. Experience in agricultural value chain development projects is desirable.

Required Skills

Knowledge of business working and communications practices, and business structures found in anglophone and francophone developing countries Knowledge of the agribusiness sector in developing countries and market dynamics in the main food & agricultural global markets Knowledge of how to organize and monitor field implementation partners for management or project resources, execution of project activities, communications, reporting and visibility/communications Professionalism and professional competence with mastery of subject matter Client orientation with ability to establish and maintain productive partnerships Commitment to continuous learning and professional development Vision and strategic thinking capabilities Fluency in both English and French
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Industry Trends

The international development sector is experiencing unprecedented focus on sustainable agriculture and climate-resilient food systems, driven by global climate commitments and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Organizations are increasingly investing in value chain development programs that integrate digital technologies with traditional agricultural practices, creating new opportunities for professionals who understand both sectors. The emphasis on "building back better" post-COVID has accelerated funding for programs that strengthen MSME competitiveness in developing countries, particularly in Africa where this role is focused. There is growing recognition of the critical role that inclusive business models play in achieving sustainable development outcomes. The Alliances for Action (A4A) methodology represents a cutting-edge approach to engaging smallholder farmers and MSMEs, reflecting the sector's shift toward participatory partnership models. This trend is driving demand for professionals who can design and implement collaborative frameworks that balance commercial viability with social impact. Digital transformation in agriculture is revolutionizing how development organizations approach value chain strengthening. The integration of digital technologies with traditional agribusiness sectors, as seen in this role's focus on digitalization in the cashew nut sector, represents a significant growth area. Organizations are seeking professionals who can navigate both agricultural expertise and digital innovation to create scalable solutions for farmer and MSME competitiveness.

Role Significance

Typically works within a specialized technical team of 5-8 professionals, collaborating closely with Technical Advisers and reporting to the Head of Inclusive Agribusiness and Trade. The role involves extensive interaction with external partners, field implementation teams, and international stakeholders across multiple countries.
This is an entry-to-mid level professional role within the UN system, positioned as a specialist contributor with significant autonomy in programme implementation. While working under supervision, the role carries substantial responsibility for client relationships, policy analysis, and field operations. The position offers meaningful impact on international development outcomes while building expertise in a specialized area of sustainable agriculture and inclusive business development.

Key Projects

Implementation of value chain development initiatives in West African countries focusing on agricultural sector competitiveness and digital integration Design and execution of Alliances for Action programs that connect smallholder farmers with market opportunities and technical expertise Multi-country agricultural digitalization programs spanning Ethiopia, Ghana, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Benin, Mali, and Uganda Policy research and analysis projects that inform international trade development strategies and best practices Capacity building initiatives for MSMEs in agribusiness sectors with emphasis on sustainable and inclusive growth models

Success Factors

Deep understanding of agricultural value chains and market dynamics in developing countries, particularly in francophone and anglophone Africa, combined with practical experience in designing interventions that address real constraints faced by smallholder farmers and MSMEs Exceptional cross-cultural communication and relationship management skills, essential for building trust and facilitating collaboration among diverse stakeholders including government officials, private sector partners, farmers, and international development actors Strong analytical and research capabilities with the ability to synthesize complex information from multiple sources, identify emerging trends and issues, and translate findings into actionable recommendations that influence policy and program design Adaptability and resilience for working in challenging field environments across multiple countries, with the flexibility to adjust program approaches based on local contexts while maintaining overall strategic objectives Bilingual proficiency in English and French that enables effective communication and relationship building across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts in target countries

Market Demand

High demand driven by increased funding for sustainable agriculture and inclusive business development programs, particularly in Africa and other developing regions

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Agricultural value chain analysis and development expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the core technical foundation of the role, enabling the design of effective interventions that address real constraints in agricultural markets and improve farmer and MSME competitiveness Cross-cultural communication and stakeholder management skills are critical for success in this multicultural environment, as the role requires building trust and facilitating collaboration among diverse partners including government officials, private sector actors, farmers, and international development professionals Research and analytical capabilities are fundamental to the role's policy support functions, enabling the synthesis of complex information, identification of trends and issues, and translation of findings into actionable recommendations that influence program design and implementation Project management and monitoring skills are essential for overseeing program implementation across multiple countries, ensuring activities stay on track, budgets are managed effectively, and results are achieved within specified timeframes

Beneficial Skills

Digital agriculture and technology integration knowledge would significantly enhance effectiveness given the program's focus on digitalization in agricultural value chains, positioning the incumbent to contribute to innovative solutions that leverage technology for development impact French language proficiency beyond the required fluency would provide competitive advantage for deeper engagement in francophone countries and enhanced relationship building with local stakeholders Private sector engagement and partnership development skills would be valuable for implementing the Alliances for Action methodology effectively, as these approaches require strong collaboration between development actors and commercial partners Financial analysis and economic modeling capabilities would enhance the ability to assess program impacts, conduct cost-benefit analyses, and demonstrate results to donors and stakeholders

Unique Aspects

This role offers rare exposure to cutting-edge development methodologies, specifically the Alliances for Action approach, which represents innovative thinking in participatory development and inclusive business model design
The position uniquely combines agricultural expertise with digital transformation initiatives, positioning the incumbent at the forefront of agricultural technology integration in developing country contexts
Exceptional opportunity to work across multiple African countries simultaneously, building comprehensive regional expertise and cross-cultural competencies that are highly valued in international development careers
Direct involvement in the Netherlands Trust Fund V programme provides exposure to donor relations, program design, and results measurement in a significant multi-million dollar development initiative
The role's focus on both anglophone and francophone countries offers unique bilingual professional development and expanded career opportunities across diverse cultural and linguistic contexts

Career Growth

Typically 2-4 years to advance to next level within UN system, with opportunities for lateral movement to other agencies and potential for accelerated progression based on performance and specialized expertise development

Potential Next Roles

Programme Officer (P-3 level) with expanded portfolio management responsibilities and strategic oversight of multiple country programs Technical Adviser positions specializing in agricultural value chains, inclusive business development, or digital agriculture innovation Country Programme Manager roles overseeing comprehensive development portfolios in specific countries or regions Senior Policy Analyst positions focusing on international trade policy, agricultural development strategies, or sustainable business model design Leadership roles in international development organizations, multilateral institutions, or specialized agencies working on agricultural and economic development

Company Overview

United Nations

The United Nations International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition countries. As the focal point for trade-related technical cooperation within the UN system, ITC combines global reach with deep local expertise to help countries integrate into the global economy through trade development.

ITC holds a unique position as the world's premier organization focused on trade development for developing countries, with unparalleled access to both UN resources and WTO expertise. The organization's specialized mandate and technical expertise make it a leading authority on inclusive trade development, agricultural value chains, and MSME competitiveness enhancement.
This Geneva-based position provides access to the heart of international trade and development policy-making, while the role's focus on African countries offers extensive field experience and regional expertise development. The position bridges global policy frameworks with on-ground implementation across multiple countries, providing exceptional exposure to diverse development contexts.
UN organizational culture emphasizes collaboration, diversity, and commitment to sustainable development goals, with strong emphasis on professional development and international mobility. The temporary nature of this position reflects the project-based structure of development work while offering potential pathways to longer-term UN career opportunities.
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