International Consultant, Senior Networking Advisor EU-EAC Partnerships for Trade and Investment

Result of ServiceThe consultant is expected to deliver the following outputs as described above: • Output 1: A matrix of selection criteria, list of at least twenty (20) relevant EU institutions for the EAC partners and 5 for DECI/IE, including basic profiles and proposed collaboration areas, and the schedule of the meetings confirmed. (by 30 August) • Output 2: Summary notes from each meeting including agenda, participants, areas of interest, and agreed follow-up actions (by 30 October) • Output 3: Webinar concept note, proposed speakers, agenda, event facilitation, and post-event summary report (by 30 October) • Output 4: Draft of collaboration proposal for each of the shortlisted institutions, highlighting mutual areas of interest and suggested next steps (by 30 November) Work LocationHome-based (with possible travel) Expected duration15.07.25 - 14.12.25 Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization based in Geneva. ITC’s mission is to enable small business export success in developing and transition- economy countries, by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive development solutions to the private sector, business and entrepreneurship support institutions and policymakers. ITC, in cooperation with the East African Community (EAC) Secretariat and EAC Partner States, is implementing the EU-financed Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP II). The Programme runs for the period of 2023-2027. The East African Community Investment Policy (2019-2024) gives direction for regional / joint Investment Promotion in acknowledgement that joint investment promotion initiatives leverage resources as well as portray the region as a consolidated market. Among the key objectives of the Investment Policy is to promote the development of the EAC’s high-priority sectors. An important focus of the MARKUP II Programme is on trade and investment promotion in the selected value chains by scaling up B2B initiative, facilitating value-chain investment and promotion of trade and investment with the EU. The programme covers activities in Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda through the provisions of partnerships with national, regional and international institutions. Among other objectives, MARKUP II aims at strengthening IPAs’ competitiveness by building their internal capacities to improve their investment attraction and management tools. As part of the programme, ITC needs to go through an identification and connection of potential EU Member States partner institutions and Markup II beneficiary institutions, facilitating linkages to existing fora, establishing relevant fora (physical and digital) as well as B2B activities. ITC seeks a consultant to identify relevant European institutions (including chambers, sector associations, research institutions, clusters, among others) and coordinate targeted engagement efforts aimed at fostering long-term collaboration between those EU-BSOs and the beneficiary IPAs and EAC IPA Network. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Consultant will work for ITC’s Institutions and Ecosystem Section, under the direct supervision of the Institutions and Ecosystems Programme Officer, and is expected to perform the following duties: Output 1: Mapping and filtering of potential European partners • Identify European institutions (BSOs, IPAs, sector associations, networks, etc.) with potential interest and relevance to collaborate with EAC IPAs with strategic partnership across the investment lifecycle (ie: investment promotion, talent development, productive linkages, sustainable development goals, innovation, impact measurement, startups, among others). • Facilitate initial connections between DECI/IE from ITC and selected key EU BSOs as an entry point for further engagement. • Develop and apply filtering criteria to shortlist institutions that align with MARKUP II’s strategic sectors and institutional needs. • Schedule of the confirmed meeting with relevant organisations. Output 2: Coordination of institutional meetings and initial engagement • Coordinate meetings between shortlisted European institutions and the EAC IPAs and EAC IPA Network. (One per beneficiary must be guaranteed: ADB-Burundi, KenInvest-Kenya, RDB-Rwanda, Ministry of Investment – South Sudan, TIC-Tanzania, ZIPA-Tanzania, UIA-Uganda, and the EAC Secretariat). • Liaise with focal points on both sides to prepare meeting agendas and ensure participation from appropriate institutional representatives. Output 3: Organisation of a strategic visibility webinar • Target and filter institutions and networks that may offer relevant intelligence and contacts for investment-oriented lead generation efforts by EAC IPAs under MARKUP II. • Coordinate a virtual session (webinar or forum) in collaboration with one selected European institution considered a multiplier or strategic partner. • Support the EAC IPAs in presenting their investment value propositions to the European institution’s network or private sector audience, with focus on MARKUP II priority sectors. Output 4: Drafting of collaboration proposals and engagement formats • Propose possible formats for long-term collaboration (e.g. knowledge sharing, joint promotion, joint investor missions). • Align proposed formats with each institution’s profile, interest, and capacity. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform the 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. Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in international business, economics, public policy, international relations, or a related field relevant to investment promotion and institutional cooperation. • At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in investment promotion, international business facilitation, or trade and economic cooperation. • Demonstrated experience supporting BSOs, IPAs, or public institutions in the development of partnerships or international alliances. • Familiarity with institutional ecosystems in both Europe and Africa, including business associations, development agencies, chambers of commerce, and trade ecosystem. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, particularly in cross-cultural settings. • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders. • Excellent organisational and coordination skills Desirable: • Prior experience working with EU-funded programmes or African regional initiatives. • Familiarity with migration, reintegration, or economic development programs. LanguagesProfessional fluency in English and French, both spoken and written. 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.