Project Assistant, Kathmandu

## Project Assistant, Kathmandu - Organization:ITC - International Trade Centre UNCTAD-WTO - Office:ITC in Kathmandu, Nepal Result of Service:The goal of this position is to provide administrative, logistical, and programme support to ensure the efficient day-to-day functioning of the programme office and the effective implementation of project activities. Work Location:Kathmandu, Nepal Expected duration:One year, with possibility of extension Duties and Responsibilities:BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral organization fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization and competitiveness of small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable economic growth through trade and international business development. Through its projects and programmes, ITC contributes to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and advances the global Aid for Trade agenda. ITC is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland (www.intracen.org). ITC is seeking a Project Assistant for the Trade Facilitation Programme for South Asia, a four-year regional programme implemented by ITC and funded by the European Union. The programme covers Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka and aims to strengthen the capacity of institutions and businesses across South Asia to better understand, utilise and comply with requirements governing access to the European Union market. The overall objective of the programme is to leverage trade as a driver of sustainable development, poverty reduction and more inclusive socio-economic outcomes. Its specific objective is to enhance the readiness of South Asian institutions and SMEs to understand, utilise and comply with EU market-access requirements. The programme is structured around three key Outputs:Output 1: Strengthened capacity to interpret and effectively utilise EU preferential trading arrangements, including Everything But Arms (EBA), the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and GSP+.Output 2: Enhanced preparedness to comply with EU environmental sustainability-related trade legislation and requirements, including those linked to the European Green Deal.Output 3: Strengthened awareness and capacities to address EU legislation and standards related to corporate sustainability due diligence, labour rights and gender equality. Through these interventions, the programme will support public institutions, business support organisations and private-sector actors in priority sectors and value chains to strengthen regulatory readiness, improve market-access capabilities and respond to evolving EU sustainability and due-diligence requirements. It will also promote regional and country-level cooperation, contribute to business linkages and more sustainable and resilient value chains between South Asia and the European Union. The position is located within ITC’s Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP). The Project Assistant will be based in the programme office in Kathmandu, Nepal, and will provide administrative, logistical and programme support to the Regional Team Leader and the wider project team, ensuring the efficient day-to-day functioning of the programme office and implementation of project activities. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager of OAP, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the direct supervision of the Regional Team Leader, the Project Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties:Assists in the coordination of project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the project initiatives; monitors status of project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval.Compiles, summarizes, and presents basic information/data on specific project and related topics or issues.Reviews project documents, especially cost plans/budgets, for completeness and compliance with relevant rules and procedures prior to submission for final approval and signature; identifies inconsistencies; distributes project documents to relevant parties upon approval.Reviews budget revisions; verifies availability of funds; ensures necessary approval and entry in computerized budget system.Serves as focal point for administrative coordination of project implementation activities, involving extensive liaison with diverse organizational units to initiate requests, obtain necessary clearances, process and follow-up on administrative actions, e.g. travel arrangements, training/study tours, authorization of payments, disbursement of funds, procurement of equipment and services, etc.Compiles, summarizes and enters data on project delivery; drafts related status reports, identifying shortfalls in delivery, budget overruns, etc., and brings to the attention of management.Drafts correspondence on budget-related issues and prepares and updates periodic reports, briefing notes, graphic and statistical summaries, accounting spreadsheets, etc.Provides general office assistance; responds to complex information requests and inquiries; reviews, logs and routes incoming correspondence; sets up and maintains files/records; organizes meetings, workshops; handles routine administrative tasks, such as maintaining attendance records, assessing telephone billing, etc.Performs other duties as assigned. Copyright : The personnel has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. - Output 1: Strengthened capacity to interpret and effectively utilise EU preferential trading arrangements, including Everything But Arms (EBA), the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) and GSP+. - Output 2: Enhanced preparedness to comply with EU environmental sustainability-related trade legislation and requirements, including those linked to the European Green Deal. - Output 3: Strengthened awareness and capacities to address EU legislation and standards related to corporate sustainability due diligence, labour rights and gender equality. Through these interventions, the programme will support public institutions, business support organisations and private-sector actors in priority sectors and value chains to strengthen regulatory readiness, improve market-access capabilities and respond to evolving EU sustainability and due-diligence requirements. It will also promote regional and country-level cooperation, contribute to business linkages and more sustainable and resilient value chains between South Asia and the European Union. The position is located within ITC’s Office for Asia and the Pacific (OAP). The Project Assistant will be based in the programme office in Kathmandu, Nepal, and will provide administrative, logistical and programme support to the Regional Team Leader and the wider project team, ensuring the efficient day-to-day functioning of the programme office and implementation of project activities. RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager of OAP, based in Geneva, Switzerland, and the direct supervision of the Regional Team Leader, the Project Assistant will be responsible for performing the following duties: - Assists in the coordination of project planning and preparation work for, typically, a medium-size and complex component of the project initiatives; monitors status of project proposals and receipt of relevant documentation for review and approval. - Compiles, summarizes, a