B2B Matchmaking & Market Linkages for Jordanian Clothing SMEs in Saudi Arabia - National Consultant

Result of ServiceExpected Outputs and Timeline The consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs within a maximum of 25 working days over a period of 6 to 8 weeks, including pre-exhibition preparation, on-site support during the Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo 2025, and post-exhibition follow-up. 1. Output 1: SME Profiles and Initial Consultations (Due by end of Week 2) • Conduct one-on-one interviews with each of the 10 participating SMEs. • Analyze product lines, business objectives, and export readiness. • Deliverable: A short profile (1–2 pages) for each SME, including: o Product focus and capacity o Target markets and export history o Business objectives for participation in the exhibition o Identified gaps or needs to strengthen exhibition readiness 2. Output 2: Market Scan and Buyer Targeting List (Due by end of Week 3) • Conduct a market scan of potential Saudi buyers aligned with SME products (retailers, sourcing agents, distributors). • Engage relevant buyer contacts and assess initial interest. • Deliverable: A compiled buyer list (Excel or table format) including: o At least 3–5 potential buyers per SME o Contact details (company, name, email, phone) o Product match justification o Notes on buyer interest (if applicable) 3. Output 3: B2B Meeting Plan and Outreach Summary (Due by end of Week 4) • Coordinate initial outreach to potential buyers. • Plan structured B2B meeting schedules for each SME. • Deliverable: B2B engagement plan including: o Matchmaking schedule draft o List of confirmed or pending meetings o Summary of buyer responses and preferences o Recommendations to SMEs for meeting preparation 4. Output 4: On-Site B2B Facilitation at the Exhibition (During 25–28 September 2025) • Attend the Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo in Jeddah. • Support each SME in their B2B interactions, including translation if needed, negotiation tips, and professional presentation. • Deliverable: Short field summary report including: o Total number of B2B meetings facilitated per SME o Observations on buyer interest and SME performance o Immediate feedback or outcomes captured during the fair 5. Output 5: Post-Event Follow-Up and Final Report (Due within 3 weeks after the exhibition) • Conduct follow-up communication with both SMEs and buyers. • Capture progress on any deals, leads, or discussions. • Deliverable: A comprehensive final report (8–12 pages) including: o Summary of all activities and outputs o B2B outcomes per SME (e.g., leads generated, deals initiated) o Reflections on challenges, good practices, and market feedback o Recommendations for future trade fair preparation and market entry All outputs must be submitted in English and meet the quality standards required by ITC and the MENATEX Jordan Phase II project. Work LocationHome-based - Saudi Arabia Expected durationASAP to 20 Oct 2025 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe MENATEX Jordan Phase II project, funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), is implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in collaboration with the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI). The project aims to enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of the Jordanian textile and clothing (T&C) sector by supporting enterprises in accessing regional and international markets. Under Outcome 1 – Increased competitiveness of T&C enterprises through sustainable trade – and more specifically Output 1.3 – Enhanced capacity of SMEs to benefit from new and sustainable trade opportunities (export, domestic, sourcing, and financial) – the project supports the participation of 10 Jordanian SMEs in the Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo 2025, scheduled to take place from 25 to 28 September 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. To maximize the commercial benefits of this participation, ITC seeks to engage a consultant who will work closely with the selected SMEs before, during, and after the exhibition. The consultant will first conduct interviews and profiling sessions with each SME to understand their product offering, capacity, export experience, and objectives for attending the fair. The consultant will then provide tailored market intelligence and advice—particularly related to buyer expectations, pricing, presentation, and product positioning for the Saudi and broader Gulf markets. In parallel, the consultant will identify and engage potential Saudi buyers and business partners for each SME based on their product categories (e.g. men’s formal and casual wear, women’s and modest fashion, uniforms). The consultant is expected to conduct a field mission to Saudi Arabia—either during or adjacent to the fair—facilitating B2B meetings, representing the interests of Jordanian SMEs, and working to secure tangible connections with sourcing agents, distributors, retailers, or large buyers. Through this short-term consultancy, MENATEX aims to ensure that SME participation goes beyond exhibition presence and results in well-targeted matchmaking, increased visibility, and sustainable market entry opportunities in the Saudi market. The activity is fully aligned with the project’s objectives of expanding trade linkages and enhancing the international outreach of Jordanian T&C enterprises. Description of Duties/Responsibilities: The consultant will work under the overall guidance of MENATEX Jordan Project manager and under the direct supervision and support of MENATEX Jordan Phase II Project Coordinator. The objective of this consultancy is to support 10 Jordanian SMEs participating in the Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo 2025 by improving their trade fair readiness, facilitating buyer engagement, and maximizing commercial outcomes during and after the event. The consultant will be responsible for undertaking the following tasks: 1. SME Profiling and Pre-Event Preparation: this task will include: • Conduct individual interviews with each of the 10 participating SMEs to understand their product lines, export readiness, marketing channels, capacity, and business objectives. • Prepare concise profiles for each SME to be used for B2B targeting and buyer communication. • Assess each company’s product-market fit for the Saudi and Gulf apparel markets and provide technical recommendations on product positioning, pricing approaches, and branding adjustments, where relevant. • Advise companies on pre-fair marketing preparation, including how to present product samples, catalogs, and business information to prospective buyers. 2. Market Scouting and Buyer Identification: this task will include: • Conduct a market scan of the Saudi textile and fashion retail ecosystem with a focus on identifying sourcing agents, distributors, retailers, and institutional buyers aligned with the SMEs’ product offerings (e.g., men’s wear, women’s wear, modest wear, uniforms). • Develop a shortlist of relevant buyers for each SME, including names, contact details, company background, and justification for relevance. • Engage in direct outreach to potential buyers, confirming interest and availability for meetings during the fair. 3. B2B Facilitation and On-Site Support: this task will include: • Attend the Saudi Fashion & Tex Expo 2025 in Jeddah and provide on-site facilitation for B2B meetings between Jordanian SMEs and identified Saudi buyers. • Ensure each SME benefits from at least 3 to 5 high-potential meetings during the fair. • Support SMEs in navigating the fair, presenting their value proposition, and following up with buyer queries. 4. Post-Fair Follow-Up and Reporting: this task will include: • Conduct structured follow-up with both SMEs and Saudi buyers within 3–4 weeks after the event. • Capture the status of business leads, emerging opportunities, and any signed deals or pending negotiations. • Prepare a final summary of the following: o Activities undertaken o Buyer profiles engaged o Results of B2B meetings o Lessons learned o Recommendations for future market engagement and trade fair participation Copyright: The Consultant must ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions regarding 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. 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 skillsThe consultant must demonstrate a strong background in export development, business matchmaking, and market access facilitation within the textile and clothing sector, particularly in the Middle East and Gulf markets. Education: • A university degree in business administration, marketing, international trade, economics, or a related field. • A postgraduate qualification is an asset but not mandatory when offset by strong relevant experience. Experience: • Minimum of 7 years of experience in export promotion, trade fair preparation, or B2B facilitation for SMEs. • Demonstrated experience in conducting B2B matchmaking in international or regional trade fairs (preferably in the T&C or fashion sector). • Prior engagement with Gulf markets, especially Saudi Arabia, including familiarity with buyer expectations, product preferences, and cultural business practices. • Experience working with SMEs in emerging markets, particularly in advisory, coaching, or trade development roles. Skills: • Strong understanding of trade fair dynamics, market-entry strategies, and business networking in the T&C sector. • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with SMEs and private sector buyers. • Proven analytical skills to assess product-market fit and provide strategic advice. • Ability and willingness to travel to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Languages• Fluency in Arabic and English (spoken and written) is required. • Strong reporting skills, with the ability to prepare concise and impactful technical documentation in 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.