Strategic Planning & RBM Specialist

Palestine Trade Center (PalTrade) in partnership with UNDP and International Trade Center (ITC) are implementing an Export Development project in West Bank (2011-2015) which aims at supporting SMEs in Palestine to become more competitive exporters, to expand their workforce, including women and youth, contribute to the development of exports resulting in economic growth and improved standard of living of the Palestinian people.

PalTrade , with support of ITC is in the process of developing results based management system at PalTrade. Within this project, PalTrade seeks to hire a Strategic Planning
and RBM specialist with immediate availability for the following full time position for duration up to 24 months.

Position: Strategic Planning & RBM Specialist
Reports to: CEO PALTRADE 
Contract Type: Full time employee
Duty Station: PalTrade Ramallah
Expected Duration of Assignment:  24 months

Organizational Context:
Palestine Trade Center (PalTrade) in partnership with UNDP and International Trade Center (ITC)  are in implementing an Export Development project in West Bank (2011-2015) which aims at supporting SMEs in Palestine to become more competitive exporters, to have the capacity to expand their workforce, including women and youth, contribute to the development of exports resulting in economic growth and improved standard of living of the Palestinian people. In this partnership, PalTrade and the Palestinian private sector will receive targeted assistance to enhance the trade support services offered to the local business community in line with global best practice, in the fields of strategic organizational planning, trade policy and advocacy, trade information, trade development, and trade promotion.


PALTRADE, with support of ITC is in the process of developing a strategic planning function within the organization. The overall aim is to strengthen the CEO’s office in matters related to strategic positioning, organizational development and performance management or results based management. The creation of strategic planning function in PalTrade will contribute to the institutional capacity building of the organisation, in addition to becoming the resource centre for RBM reporting and monitoring. Also the ability of PALTRADE to update it’s strategic plan in the coming years will be greatly enhanced.
As indicated in the recommendations listed in the Institutional Assessment undertaken by ITC, it is expected that the Strategic Planning function will ensure:
Organizational coordination and compliance Development of a repository of good practice, including from other export development agencies to help move PALTRADE forward.
Overarching results based management framework ensuring monitoring and evaluation on both operational efficiency and measuring the impact of PALTRADE’s work in export development.
The Strategic Planning and RBM specialist will work closely with the PALTRADE CEO, departmental heads and an International RBM expert. He/she will be responsible for matters related to strategic planning and facilitating the creation and development of the RBM framework. It is expected that the RBM system is fully implemented at PalTrade by the end of 2012.

Under the guidance and direct supervision of the CEO PALTRADE, ITC Technical staff, International RBM expert, the Strategic Planning and RBM specialist will undertake the following tasks:

-Outputs / Key Results Expected

Summary of key functions:
1-Assist CEO PALTRADE in Strategic Planning and Institutional Development initiatives.
2-Provide support to International Results based management expert in development of RBM framework and related monitoring and  reporting processes at PALTRADE.
3-Assess existing monitoring and reporting systems at PALTRADE and make recommendations for improvement.
4-Map linkage between financial expenditures data collection and outputs/outcomes and corporate goals.
5-Responsible for leading organizational processes and act as the dedicated core organizational resource to support regular data collection, analysis and reporting for results.
6-Facilitate in organizing capacity building workshop, seminars and meetings on strategic planning and results based management.
7-Assist and monitor implementation of Strategic Plan and Operational Plan.
8-Prepare reports, presentations, publicity material and briefings for the media, guiding the delivery of key strategic messages on  PALTRADE initiatives for the wide range of stakeholders.
9-Inclusion of gender equality concerns, promotions of environmental sustainability policies, adopt human rights based approach
10-Any other related duties as requested.

Recruitment Qualifications:

Education:
-Master degree in economics, international business, development studies or any other related field. A special training on RBM or certification will be an asset.  
 
Experience:
Competency:
-5-7 years of relevant professional and technical experience working on trade and export capacity development/ building, programme/ project management, strategic planning and result based management
-Prior experience in linking strategic and operational management and processes, a definite advantage
-Understanding of the Middle East region and particularly of Palestine
-Good understanding of the development environment in Palestine
-Ability to work in an organized and systematic manner.
-Excellent Analytical Skills
-Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and interpersonal)
-Results oriented
 
Languages
   
-Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic
-Excellent drafting skills in English and Arabic

Computer Skills
-Excellent command of MS office package

Application:          

Candidates who possess all the above requirements are encouraged to submit their CVs a long with a cover letter at the following mail address:  [email protected]  no later than 4:00 pm on June 10, 2012. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.

PalTrade attempts to ensure that all applicants, males-females and all races have a fair opportunity in its hiring process, in competing for promotions, and equal access to training/professional development opportunities.