Background

The UNDP Asia Pacific Regional Initiative on Trade, Economic Governance and Human Development (Asia Trade Initiative) was conceived in 2000 in the aftermath of the collapse of the 3rd WTO Ministerial Conference in Seattle, which was unable to launch a new round of trade negotiations in the face of new initiatives by developing countries.

The first phase of the initiative (2002-2004) was mandated with the task of providing the substantive linkages between trade and human development, through comprehensive national and regional studies across Asia. The second phase (2005-2007) was oriented towards supporting achievement of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). It focused on poverty reduction goals through programme support, policy advice, training and knowledge products to develop the capacity of governments and national partners to:

• mainstream trade policies in national development strategies;
• overcome within-the-border constraints; and 
• negotiate, interpret, and comply with trade agreements.

The third and current phase of the APTII will seek to foster regional trade and investment regimes that are consistent with human development goals and supportive of achievement of the MDGs. A central challenge facing policymakers in the region is to facilitate patterns of inclusive regional integration that enable them to address specific development priorities and goals, particularly with reference to the development needs of least developed countries (LDCs), landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) and small island developing states (SIDS). The focus therefore, will be on:

• enhancing trade competitiveness and capacity development to formulate employment- and gender-responsive trade policies; and
• capacity strengthening to implement pro-poor regional integration strategies, including through key regional processes and/or mechanisms.

The Programme Specialist – Gender and Trade will be working under the supervision of Trade Regional Coordinator & will coordinate work with the Trade team as well as practice/sub-practice teams in Colombo Regional Centres.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead research and implement programme activities outlined in the project document from a gender perspective;
• Research and author policy papers and policy briefs on the gender and trade including the impact of the expiry of the quota systems on textiles and clothing;
• Monitor trends and outcomes in international negotiations, identify policy and gender implications of proposals and outcomes, and disseminate the findings to country offices and partners;
• Provide policy advisory services at the request of the UNDP Country Offices;
• Organize workshops and training fora and participate in the review and publication process of the project outputs;
• Serve as Resource Person in technical consultations and conferences;
• Establish and develop partnerships with UN agencies, research institutions, government departments, the private sector, civil society organizations and other institutions;
• Support dialogue between women’s organizations and governments, regional and global intergovernmental bodies, on gender equality and trade policy issues.

Competencies

Corporate Competencies:

• Demonstrates integrity by modeling the UN’s values and ethical standards
• Promotes the vision, mission, and strategic goals of UNDP
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability

Functional Competencies:

      Knowledge Management and Learning

• Promotes knowledge management in UNDP and a learning environment in the office through leadership and personal example
• Actively works towards continuing personal learning and development in one or more Practice Areas, acts on learning plan and applies newly acquired skills

      Development and Operational Effectiveness

• Ability to lead strategic planning, results-based management and reporting
• Ability to lead formulation, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of development programmes and projects, mobilize resources
• Ability to formulate and manage budgets, manage contributions and investments, manage transactions, conduct financial analysis, reporting and cost-recovery
• Ability to implement new systems and affect staff behavioral/ attitudinal change

      Management and Leadership

• Builds strong relationships with clients, focuses on impact and result for the client and responds positively to feedback
• Consistently approaches work with energy and a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrates good oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities

Required Skills and Experience

• Master's degree in development, with specialization in international economics
• Minimum 7 years experience working on issues relevant to developing countries in Asia-Pacific
• Excellent writing skills, as well as strong analytical aptitude, communication and presentation skills
• Well published, competent and knowledgeable on development issues, especially trade and human development concepts and methodologies
• Prior project managerial experience an advantage
• Good interpersonal skills; wide travel, and understanding of Asia-Pacific culture and customs an advantage
• Ability to function at both policy advisory and project implementation levels
• Computer and internet literate
• Strong written and spoken English; additional Asian languages an asset