Local Sales Advisor ( Eswatini)

Result of ServiceOutput 1: Market analysis report for each MSME's product category is submitted and validated, by 31 May 2025 Output 2: Results and recommendations from B2B Matchmaking event as well as participation in local market events are reported in a timely manner, by 30 June 2025 Output 3: Final report is submitted and validated with recommendations for ongoing marketing/sales improvements on the following, by 15 August 2025 • Strategy implementation and results (commercial outlets opportunities, markets secured with local retailers and hospitality actors, sales made by MSMEs etc) • Ongoing mentoring activities for MSMEs Work LocationHome-based (Eswatini) Expected durationASAP - 15.08.25 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 Eswatini Government identifies agriculture as one of the main drivers of growth and jobs as stipulated in the Eswatini National Development Strategy and Vision 2022 and developed the Economic Recovery Plan 2020 which identifies the private sector as an engine for economic growth. In collaboration with the Eswatini Government and through funding from the European Union, ITC is supporting the Eswatini Government to achieve its development objectives through the implementation of a Programme comprised of three interconnected projects, namely: “Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC & IC); Support to the implementation of the SADC-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Programme (ELVCDP)”. The programme aims to unlock the key constraints to competitiveness in Eswatini by improving the policy and regulatory framework for private sector development and through the development of selected value chains; and supports the enablement of a public-private platform for improving the country’s national competitiveness. With a major focus on the development of agriculture and agri-business value chains and crafts, the Eswatini 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 of and for targeted value chains. This assignment contributes to : “Support for Job Creation and the Investment Climate (JC & IC). The specific objectives of the project are the following: Specific Objective 1 (SO1): Competitiveness’ of the value chain actors assessed and capacity of support ecosystem analysed Specific Objective 2 (SO2): Public Private alliances convened in selected value chains resulting to improved jobs and growth Specific Objective 3 (SO3): Capacities of business support institutions and associations enhanced with improved and a more inclusive delivery of support services to MSMEs Specific Objective 4 (SO4): MSMEs, SEs and Producers association investment strategies developed The direct beneficiaries of the project are:  MSMEs  Social enterprises  Producer Associations-including cooperatives, farmers’ organisations and farmers/artisans groups  Smallholder farmers  Arts and crafts producers  Support institutions defined during the project's inception phase  Trade and Investment Support institutions (TISI)  Business support and training institutions  Professional associations  Farmers support institutions  Financial institutions ITC’s Division on Sustainable and Inclusive Trade/ Green and Inclusive Value Chain (DSIT/GIVC) is responsible for developing and disseminating sector level expertise for sustainable market driven solutions in ITC, including the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodology. A4A is a participatory partnership model that engages smallholder farmers and MSMEs to manage risk and facilitate networks that provide the required technical expertise and capacity building. They aim to increase competitiveness of value chain actors while ensuring compliance with environmental, economic, and social requirements through mapping of the key environmental, economic, and social risks affecting value chain operations in Eswatini. The objective of this assignment is to: i. Develop local sales opportunities for MSMEs in the food and creative industries sectors ii. Implement activities to link local MSMEs with local retailers and sourcing managers Description of Duties/Responsibilities The consultant will work under the overall supervision of the Eswatini Program Manager and in close coordination with the A4A Market Expert, the national MSME Sustainability Expert and the partner MSMEs to undertake the following duties: 1. Analyze the local market landscape and competitive environment for each MSME's products, of a group of at least 8 MSMEs. This includes providing a recommendation report to each MSME, including (but not limited to) the following areas: - Target customer segments - Unique value proposition - Pricing strategy - Distribution channels - Marketing mix and promotional tactics 2. Organize/contribute to the organization of one B2B matchmaking event, linking MSMEs with local retailers, and hospitality actors. This includes: - Creating a database of potential buyers and engaging them proactively - Secure buyer meetings for MSMEs and accompany them to facilitate introductions and strengthen pitches - Identify local market opportunities for MSMEs to comply in the future 3. Ongoing coaching of at least 8 MSMEs, including: - Implementation of local sales strategies - Identification of new potential sales outlets - Advise on simple marketing materials for the MSMEs - Follow up of leads and commercial relationship building 4. Coordinate the participation of MSMEs in local markets (for example, Ezulwini farmers market, Guba market, and others): - For MSMEs, supporting them in the following areas: 1. Selection of product and product development 2. Display and set up 3. Improvement of customer engagement 4. Brand awareness 5. Relationship building 5. Facilitate/organize local market activities planned by ITC in Eswatini: - Future Icons Programme - Capacity building workshops - Commercial outlets - Promoting adoption of food health and safety standards by Agrifood MSMEs 6. Track results and refine approaches as needed - Monitor results of the implementation of MSMEs recommendation report, participation in local markets and ongoing coaching of MSMEs - Propose new recommendations to ensure increase in MSMEs sales locally Qualifications/special skillsAdvanced University degree (Masters or equivalent) in business administration, communications, marketing, sales or a related field. A first-level University degree in business administration, communications, marketing, sales or a related field may be accepted with an additional two years of relevant experience over and above the minimum work experience required. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the University Degree. • Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience in sales and marketing • Experience working in communications (print or digital media) highly desirable • Documented Experience of successful face to face sales & marketing processes & relationship building • Experience in working with clients and partners from diverse backgrounds • Ability to design, develop, monitor and coordinate local sales strategies and take corrective actions; • Good understanding and direct knowledge of the creative industries and/or the agribusiness sectors in Eswatini • Ability to work and communicate confidently in English & Siswati – spoken & written • Good team working and interpersonal skills ● Capacity to travel in the country and network with stakeholders and partners; ● Excellent writing and communication skills with the ability to produce documents/ reports ● Good knowledge of Microsoft Office. ● Ability to work with minimum supervision, efficiency, competence, and integrity and in harmony with people from different backgrounds. LanguagesAdvance Knowledge of English required. Additional InformationCopyright 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. 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.