The International Trade Centre (ITC) is recruiting three Associate Programme Officers (P-1) for the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access (ATCMA) programme, based in the Office for Africa at ITC Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. The fixed-term limited appointment starts for one year and may be extended, subject to funding, up to four years. You need a first level university degree, two years of project/programme management experience, and both English and French, and applications close on 18 November 2026. At Youth Works Hub, we reviewed the full job opening and laid out each part of it below.
Job Opening at a Glance
🆔 Job Opening ID: 287649
👥 Number of posts: 3
🎚️ Category and Level: P-1
📄 Recruitment Type: Position Specific, Fixed Term Limited
🏢 Department/Office: International Trade Centre, Division of Country Programmes (DCP), Office for Africa (OA)
📍 Duty station: ITC Headquarters, Geneva, Switzerland
About the International Trade Centre
ITC's mandate is "Transforming trade. Changing lives." By enabling trade-led economic development, especially in the Global South, ITC enables small businesses to reach their potential and strengthens ecosystems for long-term impact.
The Office for Africa and Its Role
The position is located in the Office for Africa (OA) of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP). DCP/OA coordinates and manages the development and implementation of several multidisciplinary trade-related technical assistance projects in the Africa region related to the ATCMA programme. The focus of the job is to support the development, implementation and monitoring of designated projects.
What Is the ATCMA Programme?
The Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme is a major initiative aimed at sustainably increasing intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the European Union (EU).
🇪🇺 It is funded by the EU.
🏭 It is implemented by ITC and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
⌛ It is a four-year programme.
🛒 It aims to improve market access for specific value chains and increase the export competitiveness of SMEs in these sectors.
🚧 It seeks to reduce trade barriers and enhance compliance with quality standards.
📈 It promotes added value and export diversification.
🙋 It prioritizes women- and youth-led businesses to promote economic inclusion and encourage sustainable business practices.
🗺️ Its subregional components are ECOWAS, COMES and ECCAS.
Reporting Lines
The Associate Programme Officers work under the direct supervision of Programme Managers and the overall guidance of the Chief, Office for Africa.
Research and Policy Support
🔍 Carry out basic research on selected aspects of ATCMA programmes, operations and other activities, including collecting, analyzing and presenting statistical data and other information gathered from diverse sources.
📑 Provide substantive support for policy coordination and evaluation functions.
✍️ Assist in preparing written outputs such as draft background papers, analytical notes, sections of reports and studies, and inputs to publications.
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Consulting Assignments and Meetings
🛠️ Assist in performing consulting assignments in collaboration with the client, by planning and facilitating workshops and other interactive sessions, and assisting in developing the action plan the client will use to manage the change.
🗓️ Provide administrative and substantive support to consultative and other meetings and conferences, including proposing agenda topics, identifying and proposing participants, preparing background documents and presentations, and handling logistics.
Outreach, Training and Field Missions
📣 Assist in outreach activities.
🎓 Participate in the development of training workshops and seminars.
🎤 Participate in and make presentations on assigned topics and activities.
✈️ Participate in field missions, including substantive and administrative support and data collection.
Budget and Reporting Duties
💶 Assist in coordinating activities related to budget funding: programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports and financial statements.
📊 Prepare related documents and reports such as pledging, work programme and programme budget.
➕ Perform other duties as required.
Competency: Professionalism
🧠 Knowledge and understanding of theories, concepts and approaches relevant to the sector, functional area or specialized field.
🧩 Ability to identify issues, analyze and participate in the resolution of issues and problems.
🗃️ Ability to develop sources for data collection.
🔬 Conceptual, analytical and evaluative skills to conduct independent research and analysis, including familiarity with research sources such as electronic sources on the internet, intranet and other databases.
⚖️ Ability to apply judgment in assignments, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
🏅 Pride in work and achievements, professional competence and mastery of subject matter, conscientiousness and efficiency in meeting commitments, observing deadlines and achieving results.
🎯 Motivation by professional rather than personal concerns, persistence when facing difficult problems and calm in stressful situations.
🟰 Responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal participation of women and men in all areas of work.
Competencies: Teamwork and Planning
🫱 Teamwork: works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals, values others' ideas and expertise, is willing to learn from others, places the team agenda before personal agenda, supports final group decisions and shares credit and responsibility for team results.
📅 Planning and organizing: develops clear goals consistent with agreed strategies, identifies priorities and adjusts them as required, allocates time and resources appropriately, foresees risks and allows for contingencies, monitors and adjusts plans, and uses time efficiently.
Education Required
A first level university degree in business administration, management, economics, environment studies, sustainable development or a related field. An advanced degree (Masters or equivalent) in these subjects may be accepted in lieu of the years of work experience requirement.
Work Experience
🪜 A minimum of two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management is required.
🌐 Experience in SME competitiveness and international trade is desirable.
🤲 Experience working with a regional economic community (REC) is desirable.
Languages: English and French
English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat, and for this job opening both are required. The minimum level under the UN Language Framework is:
🇬🇧 English: UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
🇫🇷 French: UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Assessment
Evaluation of qualified candidates may include an assessment exercise, followed by a competency-based interview.
Contract Terms
📃 The appointment is limited to the International Trade Centre, and conditions of service are governed by the United Nations Staff Rules and Regulations.
🔁 It is a fixed-term appointment for an initial period of one year, granted as a fixed-term appointment limited ("FTA-limited") for project related needs only, which may be extended, subject to funding, up to four years.
🚪 At the completion of the project funding of the position, an external candidate holding an FTA-limited is separated upon expiration of appointment in line with staff rule 9.4.
🔀 ITC staff members who meet the definition of "internal candidate" in staff rule 4.10 and are selected are reassigned to the position without a lien to their parent position.
💼 For salary and entitlements, ITC refers candidates to the International Civil Service Commission website, listed in the Links section.
Diversity and Flexible Work
🫶 ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity, and considers all qualified persons of all genders equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
🏡 ITC offers attractive flexible work arrangements to help promote a healthy work/life balance and allow all staff members to express and develop their talents fully.
♿ If you are unable to complete the online application form due to a disability, ITC asks you to send an email to the address listed in the Links section.
🌏 Applications from women and nationals of developing and least developed countries are particularly encouraged.
📬 Applicants will be contacted only if they are under serious consideration.
AI Use Is Prohibited
ITC states that the use of AI at any stage of the recruitment process is prohibited and that its use may result in disqualification.
How to Apply on Inspira
🖱️ Follow all instructions available in the online recruitment platform, Inspira; for detailed guidance you can consult the Manual for the Applicant through the "Manuals" link on the upper right side of the Inspira account-holder homepage.
👤 Provide complete and accurate information on your personal profile and qualifications according to the Inspira instructions.
🔒 No amendment, addition, deletion, revision or modification can be made to applications once submitted.
🕚 Job openings advertised in Inspira are removed at 11:59 p.m. (New York time) on the deadline date.
United Nations Considerations
🛡️ The paramount consideration in employing staff is securing the highest standards of efficiency, competence and integrity.
🚫 Candidates will not be considered if they have committed violations of international human rights law or international humanitarian law, sexual exploitation, sexual abuse or sexual harassment, or if there are reasonable grounds to believe they were involved in such acts.
🚦 Candidates who have committed crimes other than minor traffic offences may not be considered.
📋 Applicants are evaluated on the information submitted, according to the evaluation criteria of the job opening and the applicable Staff Regulations and Rules, administrative issuances and guidelines.
🔎 Candidates under serious consideration are subject to reference checks to verify the information provided.
No Fee
ITC does not charge any fees or request money from candidates at any stage of the recruitment process, nor does it concern itself with bank account details of applicants. Requests of this nature allegedly made on behalf of ITC are fraudulent and should be disregarded.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many ITC Associate Programme Officer (ATCMA) posts are open?
There are three posts at P-1 level. All are in the Office for Africa, Division of Country Programmes, at ITC Headquarters in Geneva.
How long is the contract?
It is a fixed-term limited appointment for an initial period of one year. It may be extended, subject to funding, up to four years.
What is ATCMA?
ATCMA is the Africa Trade Competitiveness and Market Access Programme, an EU-funded four-year initiative implemented by ITC and UNIDO. It aims to increase intra-African trade and trade between Africa and the EU, with a priority on women- and youth-led businesses.
How much experience do I need?
You need at least two years of progressively responsible experience in project/programme management. A Masters or equivalent degree in a relevant subject may be accepted in lieu of the years of work experience.
Do I need French for this job?
Yes. Both English and French are required at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking.
Can I use AI tools when applying?
No. ITC states that the use of AI at any stage of the recruitment process is prohibited and may result in disqualification.
What does the selection process include?
Qualified candidates may be asked to complete an assessment exercise, followed by a competency-based interview. Only candidates under serious consideration are contacted.
Where can I find the salary?
The job opening refers candidates to the International Civil Service Commission website for information on salary and entitlements.
Deadline
⏳ 18 November 2026
Links
🔗 Apply via the UN Careers portal: https://careers.un.org/jobSearchDescription/287649?language=en
🗣️ UN Language Framework: https://languages.un.org
💵 Salary and entitlements (ICSC): https://icsc.un.org
📧 Accessibility support for the online application: hrs-jobs@intracen.org
