Agribusiness Finance and Investment Consultant

Result of ServiceOutput 1: Report on the segmented agribusinesses, companies and cooperatives, according to their financial and investment readiness. Output 2: Submit a Word document including a detailed Country Action Plan for each Tier and entity, outlining steps and recommendations to improve investment readiness, including timelines, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs). Output 4: Capacity building outline for tier 1 and 2 companies on coaching and individualized support for creating high-quality investment material. Output 3: At least one report on the tier 3 companies group training, including feedback and recommendations. Output 5: Provide at least 3 business plans and pitching material developed for Tier 1 and 2 companies, matching with capital providers engaged requirements. Output 6: Brief report on facilitating capital providers engagements, and meetings with companies. Work LocationHome-based in one of the ACP (African, Caribbean, and Pacific) countries Expected duration01.05.25 - 31.07.25 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all interventions in the region, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within the Division for Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) is responsible for sector-wide transformation, improving market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards, and market systems. The section utilizes the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodologies to implement projects in its Inclusive and Sustainable Agribusiness value chains areas of work. The A4A is a participatory partnership model that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of MSMES, smallholder farmers and value chain actors while ensuring respect of environmental, economic, and social requirements. A4A seeks to develop responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade by aligning investment and coordination across the full ecosystem of VC actors and by building competitiveness especially in agribusiness. The establishment of partnerships and networks is an essential underlying element of the A4A approach as it contributes to mobilise collaboration, expertise and investment into the alliances along with sustainability of the approach over time. As part of the A4A approach, the Agribusiness Investment Promotion Strategy offers a comprehensive solution to bridge the financing gap for agribusinesses through a structured three-phased approach. A4A facilitates connections between investment-ready companies and capital providers. This includes segmenting MSMEs into three tiers based on their readiness for capital and finance, ensuring strategic, tailored support that enables targeted assistance effectively. and investments being strategic to tailored support effectively and enabling targeted assistance. Through tailored tools, resources, and capacity-building initiatives, the program empowers agribusinesses to thrive in competitive markets, unlocking their full potential while creating shared value across the agricultural value chain. The African Caribbean Pacific Business Friendly Programme The “Support to Business Friendly and Inclusive National and Regional Policies and Strengthening Productive Capabilities and Value Chains (ACP BF)” Programme complements the European Union’s support for private sector development in ACP countries. With a significant focus on the development of agriculture and agri-business value chains, the Programme is designed to achieve two key outcomes: (1) adopting and implementing business-friendly, inclusive, and responsible national policies and legal frameworks and (2) strengthening productive, processing, promoting, and marketing capabilities and value chains. Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through Alliances The European Union (EU) funded project “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through Alliances” aims to support agri-MSMEs, cooperatives and producers (smallholder farmers and fishers) to become more competitive and resilient through value addition, diversification, and new market development at the regional level. The project is aligned with various EU and CARICOM strategies, including the CARICOM strategy related to “Regional Food Production and Productivity Towards a Sustainable Import Replacement Programme targeting a 25% reduction in the regional food bill by 2025, and recently extended to 2030, highlighting continued commitment to achieving regional food security. This assignment aims to bridge the investment gap faced by agribusinesses through the combination of: (i) targeted capacity building to enhance their investment readiness capabilities - supporting them to attract, securing and effectively utilize capital, and (ii) strategic mapping and engagement with capital providers, fostering long-term partnership and facilitate matchmaking between investors and agribusinesses. The ultimate goal is to empower agribusinesses to scale sustainably, thrive, and contribute to the transformation of global food systems while impacting communities’ livelihoods. Under the direct supervision of the Associate Program Officer (OLAC), the overall guidance of the Head of Inclusive Agribusiness Systems (GIVC), and in collaboration with the Finance and Investment Expert and local consultants working on the project, based in the Caribbean, the Consultant will: 1: MSME Assessment and Segmentation: Identify and evaluate MSMEs in the portfolio and segment them based on investment readiness criteria to tailor interventions effectively. • Conduct assessments of agribusinesses (MSMEs, cooperatives, etc.) identified as beneficiaries of the projects, focusing on operational, financial, and investment readiness. • Conduct climate and disaster risk profiling and resilience assessments as part of MSME evaluations. • Share insights on systemic investment barriers and enablers for MSMEs in the local and regional context. • Develop a detailed Action Plan for each entity based on Tier, outlining steps and recommendations to improve investment readiness, including timelines, deliverables, and key performance indicators (KPIs). 2: Investment Readiness Training and Support: Build capacity for MSMEs to improve their investment readiness through tailored training and coaching programs. • Design and deliver tier-specific training modules: o Tier 1 and Tier 2: Hands-on coaching, small group training and/or individualized support for creating high-quality business plans, pitch decks, financial projections, and investment materials. o Tier 3: Group-based training on foundational business and financial planning, basic market positioning, and general understanding of investment and investor expectations. • Facilitate the development of essential investment and investor materials, such as: o Business plans, elevator pitches, and professional pitch decks. o Investment brochures and profiles that communicate the opportunity effectively. • Conduct mock pitch sessions and feedback loops for Tier 1 and 2 entities to enhance presentation skills and refine investment understanding. • Broader financial literacy training and operational management skills enhancement, including cash flow management, cost control, risk mitigation, and tailored agribusiness financial management strategies addressing climate risks, seasonality, and price volatility. • Identify and share the network of capital providers for A4A’s landscape map. 3: Capital Raising and Investment Promotion Support: Enable MSMEs to access capital through matchmaking, investor forums, and direct engagements with capital providers. • Actively network with local, regional, and international capital providers to create potential investment/capital opportunities, including impact investors, development finance institutions (DFIs), banks, foundations, family offices, MFIs, venture capital, and private equity firms. • Support to entities in applying to call for project proposals, grant funding, etc. by drafting and supporting the application process. • Pre-vet and establish strategic relationships with key local, regional, and international investors to expedite investment processes and reduce potential delays in accessing capital for high-priority MSMEs. • Coordinate and support participation in investment forums and pitch events, ensuring high-quality presentations by MSMEs. • Provide hands-on for engagement process of investors interest and due diligence phases: o Support the preparation of data/deal rooms and documentation. o Facilitate investor queries and help MSMEs address capital provider concerns to move toward a successful deal closing. o Organize and host site visits for investors and capital providers. o Consider post-investment opportunities for A4A’s continued involvement to further de-risk and encourage investment. • Track outcomes of matchmaking efforts, and document impact. Provide continuous post-investment follow-up including regular progress checks, milestone monitoring, investor reporting assistance, compliance management, troubleshooting support, and documenting success stories for visibility and continuous improvement as needed. 4: Complementary responsibilities • Promote A4A’s investment promotion strategy and showcase aligned MSMEs, leveraging the consultants’ local networks. • Assist informal or semi-formal producer groups to formalize, strengthen governance structures, and transition to investment-ready entities. • Actively identify, engage, and provide tailored support to women and youth-led MSMEs, reporting clearly on gender and youth participation in the project.\" • Participate in Quarterly A4A Investment Consultant Roundtable Discussions to share insights and support the refinement of the A4A Investment Promotion Approach. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform 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. 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. Qualifications/special skillsAbility to work with minimum supervision, efficiency, competence and integrity and in harmony with people from different backgrounds. At least 5/6 years of experience working with businesses on investment strategies. Experience working with ITC or international organizations will be an asset. Experience working with ITC or international organizations will be an asset. Excellent understanding of financial and investment strategies; Strong knowledge and experience in finance and investment for agribusiness MSMEs Knowledge of agribusiness value chains Coaching and training skills LanguagesAdavance knowledge of English or Advance knowledge of French, with intermediate knowledge of English Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.