ITC Deputy Executive Director Job 2026: D-2 United Nations Leadership Opportunity in Geneva
Overview
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is recruiting a Deputy Executive Director at the D-2 level in Geneva, Switzerland, within the Economic, Social and Development job network. ITC works under the mandate Transforming trade. Changing lives. and helps developing and transition countries benefit from expanding trade and investment opportunities. The post is a fixed-term appointment, initially for one year, and ITC offers flexible work arrangements. The vacancy refers applicants to the International Civil Service Commission for salary and entitlements.
Who can apply
Applicants need an advanced university degree, such as a master's or equivalent, in economics, business administration, international relations, law or a related area, though a first-level degree with additional experience may be accepted. They need at least 15 years of experience in trade development in developing and transition countries, or 17 years with a first-level degree. They also need extensive experience leading multi-country or complex aid-for-trade programmes, such as those on global supply chains, market expansion, enterprise competitiveness, access to finance, export capacity and market access, plus experience with micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Experience leading diverse multidisciplinary teams, driving organizational change, high-level representation, advocacy, fundraising and public-private partnerships is required. Applications from women and from nationals of developing and least developed countries are particularly encouraged.
Requirements
English is required at UN Level III in reading, writing, listening and speaking. At least one further language is desirable, among Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Russian and Spanish, at UN Level II. Key competencies include professionalism, covering development economics, international trade systems, results-based management and project management, plus accountability, leadership, building trust and judgement and decision-making.
The Deputy Executive Director directs and manages the operationalization of ITC programmes, aligns human and financial resources with objectives, helps shape strategies and policies and advises the Executive Director. They lead Division Directors, oversee administrative and technical divisions, improve efficiencies, oversee the development of trade support services with attention to global MSME trends, oversee external audit activities, build partner relationships and coordinate reports for intergovernmental bodies. They represent ITC at international, regional and inter-agency meetings and manage and develop staff.
How to apply
Applications go through the United Nations Inspira platform with complete and accurate information. Qualified candidates may face an assessment exercise and a competency-based interview. Use of AI at any stage of recruitment is prohibited and may lead to disqualification.
Key dates
The vacancy was posted on 6 July 2026, and applications close on 31 October 2026.