Programme Management Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The position is located within the Automated System for Customs Data (ASYCUDA) Programme in the Division on Technology and Logistics (DTL) of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). The UNCTAD was established in 1964 and aims to promote the integration of developing countries into the global economy. The organization operates in over 190 countries and employs thousands of staff members dedicated to fostering sustainable development and economic growth through trade and investment.

Job Overview:
The Programme Management Officer will play a crucial role in providing guidance and technical assistance to various projects on a global scale. The incumbent will be responsible for developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programmes and projects, ensuring that they align with the objectives of the ASYCUDA Programme. This position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and analyzing programme/project development, identifying issues, and initiating corrective actions. The officer will also engage in consulting assignments, facilitating workshops, and assisting clients in managing change effectively. A significant part of the role involves researching and analyzing information related to environment, logistics, and trade, as well as coordinating policy development and generating survey initiatives. The officer will be expected to prepare written outputs, provide substantive backstopping to meetings and conferences, and lead field missions, all while ensuring effective communication and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Programme Management Officer include:

• Developing, implementing, and evaluating assigned programmes/projects, monitoring their progress, and analyzing outcomes.
• Conducting consulting assignments and facilitating workshops to assist clients in managing change.
• Researching and analyzing information related to customs, logistics, and trade standards.
• Coordinating policy development and preparing evaluations or research studies.
• Designing data collection tools and analyzing survey responses to identify trends.
• Preparing written outputs such as background papers, reports, and publications.
• Providing support for meetings and conferences, including document preparation and participant coordination.
• Leading field missions and guiding external consultants and government officials.
• Coordinating budget-related activities and preparing financial documents. 1
• Collecting and analyzing data to provide insights for decision-making and reporting. 1
• Performing other duties as required.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in complex project or programme management, administration, or a related area. Relevant experience in customs automation, data analytics, and Single Window systems is essential. Familiarity with international trade facilitation standards, such as the WCO Data Model and WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, is desirable. Experience in project management within customs, environment, logistics, and international trade digitalization is also preferred.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in business administration, management, economics, or a related field is required. Alternatively, a first-level university degree combined with an additional two years of qualifying experience may be accepted. Successful completion of degree and non-degree programs in data analytics, business analytics, or data science is considered an advantage.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in project or programme management, particularly in areas related to customs automation and data analytics. Candidates should have experience in managing large and complex projects, as well as familiarity with international trade processes and standards.

Languages:
English is the required working language for this position, with a proficiency level of UN Level III in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Additionally, knowledge of French, Arabic, Spanish, Russian, or Chinese (Mandarin) is desirable, with a minimum proficiency level of UN Level I in these languages.

Additional Notes:
This position is initially available for a period of seven months. If the selected candidate is a current staff member of the United Nations Secretariat, the selection will be treated as a temporary assignment. The appointment is subject to the availability of the post or funds, and the United Nations is committed to achieving gender balance and geographical diversity in its staff. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. The position may be limited to internal candidates, and applicants must adhere to the United Nations' standards of integrity and professional ethics.