ITC-IP-11-2024 Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit Intern

Internship Opening No.
: ITC/IP/11/2024
Date: 07 March 2024
The International Trade Centre is looking for a/an:
Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit Intern (2 positions)

Division/Section: Division of Enterprise Competitiveness and Institutions, Sector and
Enterprise Competitiveness Section (DEC/SEC)
Type of internship: Regular
Duty Station: HQ (Geneva, Switzerland)
Duration of assignment*: 3 months, starting 1 May 2024, with possibility of extension up to a
maximum of six months
Application period: 8 March 2024 – 22 March 2024
*The general rule is that internships are full-time. In case of part-time work authorised by OCPM, the hiring manager is
responsible to ensure that work schedule and duration are adjusted as per the OCPM approval.
Terms of Reference
BACKGROUND:
The International Trade Centre (ITC) assists developing and transition economy countries to take
advantage of expanding trade opportunities in an increasingly complex global environment. ITC
supports Trade Impact for Good, promoting sustainable and inclusive development goals through
trade.
The Fibres Textiles and Clothing (FTC) team, under multiple programs promotes textile and clothing
exports from Eastern Europe as well as from North Africa, Madagascar, Sri-Lanka, and is looking to
operates in South America. By enhancing the export competitiveness of the sector, our different
programs and projects aims at fostering good trade and subsequently increasing employment while
reducing poverty.
The ‘smiley-curve’ for value addition in the global apparel value chain provides the basis for the
Programme’s theory of change. It provides a succinct overview of where and with which service
offerings companies can capture value from and add value to their operations. It also shows
opportunities for closer collaboration at the regional level, to address the missing links in the value
chain. The figure below shows that the most important value-adding stages are the intangible
services at the pre-production (left side of the ‘smiley-curve’) and post-production (right side of the
‘smiley-curve’) stages.
Over the years, assembling clothing has become a commodity. Consequently, the ‘smiley-curve’ has
become increasingly steeper, reflecting a declining share of value addition in assembly tasks. Hence,
performing only simple cut and sew operations is not a desirable and sustainable position for many
companies. While productivity, lean processes and social and environmental compliance on the
factory floor are necessary to consolidate the existing client base and to lay the foundation for starting
to move up the value chain, they are not sufficient to grow and to achieve the employment targets
envisaged by the respective governments. In fact, relying only on temporary cost advantages would
be dangerous. Thus, companies must move beyond production, and provide additional services,
while diversifying their client portfolios.
Applying these insights, Fibres Textiles and Clothing team and more specifically under GTEX and
MENATEX programs, are funded by the Governments from Sweden and Switzerland. Helping
companies in developing countries to build the capacity to fulfil critical functions along the value
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 2
chain, to meet identified market requirements. Taking over additional functions, companies will be
able to move from simple cut and sew operations toward a full package offering and, in some cases,
to developing their own products. Value addition through service provision starts with production
processes, by introducing lean manufacturing techniques and ensuring companies’ social and
environmental performance. Pre-production, the FTC team builds the skills to start sourcing the
fabrics and trims they require in new sourcing destinations and provides product development and
design training.
Post-production, it focusses on creating marketing and branding know-how, and creates linkages to
new clients in diversified markets. Moving up the right side of the ‘smiley-curve’ requires in-depth
market and consumer knowledge, a known brand name in the targeted consumer segment, and
physical or virtual sales outlets in target markets.
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the overall guidance of the Associate Programme Officer of FTC, the selected candidate
will:
• Familiarize him/herself with the projects / programs and the activities.

• Conduct research on market trends, industry best practices, and technological advancements
in the textile and clothing sector (more specifically in South America).
• Assist in the preparation of project proposals, reports, and presentations.
• Support the organization and coordination of workshops, seminars, and training sessions for
stakeholders.
• Assist in assessment, data collection, analysis, and reporting related to project development
and implementation.
• Collaborate with team members to ensure the smooth execution of project activities.
REQUIREMENTS
Education: either:
a) Be enrolled in the final academic year of the first university degree programme (minimum
Bachelor’s level or equivalent); or
b) Be enrolled in a graduate school programme (second university degree or equivalent, or higher); or
c) Have graduated with a university degree (as defined above) and, if selected, must commence the
internship within one year of graduation.
In one of the following fields or similar: Economics, International Development, Business
Administration, or related fields.
Languages and Skills:

Fluency in written and spoken English is required.
Knowledge of Spanish, French and/or Arabic is desirable.
Good research and analytical skills

Ability to undertake independent research and analysis, including in categorizing and organizing data.
Good communication skills.
Understanding of constraints of developing countries for assimilating and using new solutions.
Good report drafting and writing skills.
Strong internet research skills and MS Office (Word, Excel, and Power Point).
Interest and experience in working in multicultural environment.
Good knowledge of either T&C trade, CSR, trade policy issues or knowledge of South America
countries and of MENA region.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE CENTRE Page 3
LEARNING ELEMENTS:
• Gain meaningful work experience in the area of trade-related technical assistance aimed
to expand academic, professional and personal learning.
• Gain experience in the work of ITC and deepen knowledge and understanding of ITC’s
goals, mission and their concrete implementation.
• Gain knowledge on the fibres to clothing value chain and international trade.
EXPECTATIONS:
On completion of the assignment, the intern is expected to:

• Demonstrate knowledge on the fibres to clothing value chain.
• Understand M&E processes are implemented by the team and contribute to the impact
evaluation of the programme.
• Contribute to the data visualization and survey presentation results.
• Work collaboratively with team members and stakeholders to achieve organizational goals.
• Demonstrate professionalism, attention to detail, and strong organizational skills in a
fast- paced work environment.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should email their CVs and Motivation Letter to [email protected] and
register on the Internship Roster:
https://hrapps.intracen.org/internsonline/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2finternsonline%2fdefau lt.aspx
ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all
qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or
prejudice of any kind.

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Internship Opening No.

Fibres, Textiles and Clothing Unit Intern (2 positions)

• Familiarize him/herself with the projects / programs and the activities.

Languages and Skills:

Good research and analytical skills

On completion of the assignment, the intern is expected to:

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