JOB AND TASK DESCRIPTION Job Title: Adviser Trade Competitiveness X 2 Division: Grade: Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division F Reports To: Adviser and Head of Trade Section General information The Trade and Debt Advisory Services Division (TDA) is a major development co-operation instrument of the Commonwealth Secretariat, supporting the development efforts of member countries through technical assistance and capacity building. A significant part of the Division s work is of a consultancy and advisory nature, delivered through a combination of in-house and external expertise. The Division has two sections: the Trade Competitiveness Section and the Debt Management Section. The Trade Section (TS) of the Division provides technical assistance to improve the export competitiveness of member countries through capacity building in trade promotion and facilitation, often in collaboration with other international agencies. In delivering assistance, the section focuses on front-end activities such as export and sectoral strategy development, and on market development broadly defined. It also assists member countries in complying with international rules and standards. Job summary The Adviser assists, within the given framework, in the design, development and management of technical assistance projects, focusing on one or more of the following areas: (i) export and sectoral strategy development; (ii) market development; and (iii) trade facilitation. The officer will provide consultancy services to member states and advise the Secretariat divisions in the above areas, besides managing a portfolio of projects. Task description The post-holder: Provides in-house consultancy service to member governments, and advice to other Secretariat divisions, on trade-related technical assistance especially in support of effective participation of relatively weaker economies in various regional trade initiatives; Works with the Head of Section and other Advisers to provide professional input in developing appropriate projects for delivering technical assistance to member countries;
Works with and provides advice to governments and regional organisations to formulate negotiating positions; better appreciate the potential implications for Commonwealth members arising from likely regional trade deals; and promote effective national and regional strategies, and international support mechanisms in helping achieve members the fundamental objectives of regional cooperation; Prepares preliminary concept papers and project assessments. Implements and manages a portfolio of approved trade-related technical assistance projects under TDA s agreed programmes and priorities within the given guidelines; Maintains and provides up-to-date information on programme implementation and results, in keeping with results based management (RBM) methods of reporting; Assists in selection of external experts and consulting firms for providing identified inputs on technical assistance projects, and monitors and evaluates the work of such experts and consulting firms; Analyses, vets and edits technical reports on projects prior to their finalisation and prepares project completion reports; Prepares Project Design Documents (PDD s) for their portfolio of work, ensuring that they are compliant and aligned to the strategic objectives of the Secretariat, as defined in the strategic plan; Develops new partnerships with international organisations in the areas of mutual interest to exert greater impact and, explore and secure additional funding to further expand develop the work programme on regional trade; Advises on the best use of the Section s financial and human resources within their portfolio of work, for maximum impact of technical assistance in member countries; Represents the Section/Division at internal meetings and the Secretariat at international conferences/seminars and workshops, including deputizing for the Head of Section from time to time; Supports the Section Head in preparing for work plans, finalising publication projects, developing policy and advocacy documents and, reporting results; Monitors, analyses, and reports on major country-based and regional trade initiatives involving Commonwealth members and track progress on various negotiating issues with a view to offering technical inputs in the interest of Commonwealth developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable ones; Develops, manages, documents and disseminates the Commonwealth s analytical trade policy work on country-based and regional trade issues; Prepares and, or as required, contributes to the preparation and delivery of written reports, papers and briefings and make oral presentations; and prepare and contribute to the speeches and briefs for senior management; and respond to ad-hoc enquiries as appropriate; Performs any other duties as may be required from time to time by the Head of Section or the Director; Adheres to the Gender Equality values of the Commonwealth as enshrined in the Charter and Secretariat s Gender Equality Policy; and
Performs any other duties that may be required from time to time. Personal specification Education: Desirable: Experience: Desirable: First degree in Economics, Law, Business Management or Commerce, and a post graduate qualification in either international trade, international economics, international law, or other related discipline. An MBA or professional qualification in marketing would be an advantage. At least seven years experience in one or more of the areas of export and sectoral strategy development; market development; and trade facilitation, acquired partly in developing countries. Experience in appraising and managing technical assistance projects. Experience in dealing with governments at a senior level and of working within an international milieu.
Competencies: Respect for Diversity Works effectively with people from all backgrounds Treats all people with dignity and respect. Treats men and women equally Shows respect and understanding of diverse points of view and demonstrates understanding in daily work and decision making Examine own biases and behaviours to avoid stereotypical responses and does not discriminate against any individual or group Encourages others to evaluate systems, processes & behaviour to ensure respect for diversity is demonstrated Working with Others Manages conflict and works towards mutual solutions Identifies organisations with which to partner for specific solutions Encourages others and provides them with the autonomy to pursue relationships Uses personal influence to establish compromise and agreement when faced with conflict Demonstrates balance between directness and diplomacy in negotiations Uses influence to persuade partners and third parties toward Commonwealth Secretariat aims Encourages and supports others in demonstrating cultural awareness when working with others Managing Resources Manages programme and cross team activities against specific objectives/results Manages available resources in order to meet objectives e.g. by effective and efficient use of budget inter alia Identifies the best method and resources when high level course of action has been identified Analyses available resources and what activity they will enable Takes responsibility for multi team/programme activities Manages diverse motivations of a range of groups in large scale programmes Decision Making Determines what can be realistically achieved when deciding on strategic solutions Is proactive and responsive in making decisions on complex, technical issues based on appropriate information Considers the relevant justifications for a particular course of action
Takes context into consideration when making decisions Makes effective decisions when acting on behalf of a senior colleague, seeking advice where appropriate Bases actions and approaches on the root cause of an issue, rather than the symptoms Accountability Takes ownership of assigned tasks, honours deadlines Ensures timely delivery of outputs within defined cost and quality standard parameters Takes responsibility for own shortcomings and compliances Supports subordinates, provides oversight and takes responsibility for all delegated assignments Leadership & Development Reinforces vision throughout organisation e.g. by acting accordingly inter alia Identifies and develops leadership skills in others Empowers others to take control of their own development and progression Offers sound guidance and direction on complex and critical issues Maximises the potential of others e.g. by creating suitable opportunities for development inter alia