Market Systems Development Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that aims to promote social justice and fair labor practices. Established in 1919, the ILO has a mission to promote rights at work, encourage decent employment opportunities, enhance social protection, and strengthen dialogue on work-related issues. The organization operates in over 180 countries and has a diverse workforce dedicated to improving labor standards and working conditions globally. The ILO values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming applications from all qualified candidates, including women and individuals with disabilities.

Job Overview:
The Market Systems Development Specialist will play a crucial role in the Trade for Jobs Uganda initiative, a collaborative project between the ILO and the International Trade Centre (ITC) aimed at leveraging trade to create decent job opportunities and income generation for impoverished communities in Uganda. This position involves designing and implementing technical interventions in the dairy and tourism sectors, focusing on enhancing trade and supporting micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). The specialist will work closely with various stakeholders, including public and private sector actors, to address systemic constraints and promote sustainable economic growth. The role requires a strong understanding of market systems development and the ability to engage effectively with diverse partners to achieve project objectives. The specialist will also contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of project outcomes, ensuring that gender perspectives and economic empowerment are integrated into all activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Market Systems Development Specialist will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Supporting the design of market systems development interventions based on assessments in the dairy and tourism sectors.
• Coordinating the planning, implementation, and monitoring of interventions in collaboration with private and public sector partners.
• Engaging with national and local stakeholders to foster partnerships and facilitate project activities.
• Developing and analyzing business models and scale-up strategies for interventions.
• Assisting in the development and operationalization of the monitoring and results measurement system.
• Supporting the knowledge and communications officer in creating communication products and facilitating field visits.
• Preparing reports and presentations to inform stakeholders about project progress and results.
• Serving as a technical resource on market systems development and business model viability.
• Organizing workshops and training sessions, adapting ILO training materials to local contexts. 1
• Ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment are central to all project activities. 1
• Engaging in personal upskilling and training related to market systems development and trade promotion. 1
• Performing any other duties as assigned by the team leader and deputy team leader.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in business administration, economics, international development, or a related field. Additionally, candidates should have a strong understanding of market systems development and experience in business model development. Excellent research and analytical skills are essential, along with the ability to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges. Candidates should demonstrate political awareness and an understanding of socio-economic factors relevant to the project. Strong drafting skills and the ability to work effectively in a team are also required, along with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires a first-level university degree (bachelor’s or equivalent) in a relevant field such as business administration, economics, international development, or a related technical area. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of market systems and trade dynamics, which are critical to the success of the Trade for Jobs Uganda initiative.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of three years of relevant work experience in the private, public, or development sectors. Experience in market systems development, private sector development programs, or trade-related initiatives, particularly in export promotion, will be considered a distinct advantage. This experience is crucial for effectively designing and implementing interventions that address systemic constraints in the dairy and tourism sectors.

Languages:
A strong command of English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the local context or the stakeholders involved in the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for one year, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The role is contingent upon the award of funding, and the recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria. The entry-level salary for this position is 194,017,000 Ugandan Shillings per year. The ILO emphasizes diversity and encourages applications from qualified female candidates and individuals with disabilities. The organization does not charge any fees during the recruitment process and values transparency and integrity in its hiring practices.