E-Commerce Capacity Building Consultant for MSMEs

Result of ServiceThe consultancy service will result in a multilingual, hands-on training program and toolkit that empowers MSMEs to effectively launch and grow their e-commerce presence using AI tools. Through structured modules, practical resources, and personalized coaching, participants will gain the skills to manage online stores, create optimized content, automate marketing, and expand into international markets—all aligned with ESCWA’s standards for quality and impact. Work LocationRemotely Expected duration7 Months Duties and ResponsibilitiesBackground The project \"Enhancing MSMEs E-Commerce Capacity and Internationalization in the Arab Region\" aims to strengthen micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Arab countries experiencing conflict, financial instability, or undergoing transitional phases. It focuses on strengthening the foundational capacities, such as skills, systems, and networks, which enable MSMEs to grow, adapt, and access regional and global markets. By building digital capabilities and improving access to e-commerce infrastructure, the project supports MSMEs in launching and sustaining online sales, entering new markets, and increasing their competitiveness. The project fosters a more supportive business environment through improved digital policies, strengthened e-commerce infrastructure, trade facilitation, and targeted capacity-building. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), it supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and regional priorities for inclusive growth and innovation. Ultimately, the project aims to empower MSMEs with the tools, knowledge, and networks needed to thrive in the digital economy and contribute to job creation and economic resilience in the region. The consultant will be responsible for the timely and accurate execution of assigned tasks, ensuring full compliance with ESCWA’s policies, procedures, and quality standards. Duties and Responsibilities The responsibilities of the consultant will include: Deliverable 1: Develop a comprehensive training curriculum on e-commerce and AI tools for small businesses, to be delivered in Arabic, English, and French. The curriculum should cover the following key areas: 1.Module 01: E-Commerce Setup and Platform Fluency • Deep dives into content management systems (CMS) and marketplaces, including: oWordPress, Shopify, Amazon, Etsy, and others oAccount setup, product listing, store management, payment integration, and shipping options oPractical walkthroughs of platform features, with beginner-friendly demonstrations 2.Module 02: International Market Entry • Localization strategies: translation, multi-currency setup, and culturally adapted content • Cross-border logistics and regulatory compliance • Online sales techniques and content development for international audiences 3.Module 03: AI & Digital Tools for Content Creation • Writing product descriptions using tools like Copy.ai and Jasper • Creating SEO-optimized meta tags and landing pages • Designing visuals for banners, promotions, and social media using tools such as Canva and Crello • Developing email and marketing templates using AI-powered platforms • Leveraging data analytics tools for content performance tracking and decision-making • Demonstrating 2–3 beginner-friendly AI tools per content type, with training on prompt writing, reviewing, and refining outputs 4.Module 05: Content Execution & Automation • Developing and managing content calendars • Scheduling social media content • Automating email marketing workflows and content distribution • Demonstrating automation tools and scheduling platforms with hands-on examples 5.Module 06: E-Commerce Growth Strategy • Platform-specific optimization techniques, including: oKeyword research oListing optimization oPricing strategies • Techniques to enhance visibility and increase sales across international marketplaces Deliverable 2: Develop an e-commerce & AI toolkit The consultant will prepare a practical toolkit to complement the training curriculum, enabling MSMEs to independently apply what they’ve learned. The toolkit should include: • A curated list of recommended digital tools, organized by content category (e.g., writing, SEO, visual design, automation) • Concise one-page usage guides or checklists for each tool (e.g., How to generate a product description in Copy.ai) • Practical, ready-to-use content templates for common e-commerce applications, including: oProduct descriptions oSEO meta tags oSocial media posts oEmail campaigns Deliverable 3: Deliver training and coaching for MSMEs • Deliver the 12-hour virtual cohort training at least twice for participants of the E-Commerce Acceleration Programme 2025, incorporating live instruction, tool demonstrations, interactive presentations, and Q&A session. • Provide real-time group feedback and personalized coaching sessions. • Deliver stand-alone training sessions to the target countries of the BRI project, as required, either online or in person. Qualifications/special skillsA bachelor’s degree in E-commerce, Business Administration, Digital Marketing, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related area is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. A minimum of 8 years of professional work experience in developing and delivering training programmes on e-commerce, digital transformation, or AI tools for small businesses, is required. Proven experience in designing practical training curricula and toolkits, with the ability to simplify digital tools for MSME audiences, is required. Hands-on experience in e-commerce operations or managing an online business, with practical understanding of marketplace platforms, digital tools, and customer engagement, is required. Demonstrated ability to conduct live virtual trainings and coaching sessions, including hands-on demonstrations, interactive exercises, and feedback facilitation, is desirable. Familiarity with AI-powered content generation tools, e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, WordPress, Amazon), and automation tools is desirable. LanguagesEnglish and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas. 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.