National Consultant – Dried Fruits Sector (Sughd region) for project: C178-TAJ Trade Promotion East (TPE): Balkan States and Central Asia

Result of ServiceOutput 1: The company monitoring indicators/ data for the selected dried fruits SMEs companies from the Sughd region updated (data for 2023), by 20 May 2024. Output 2: Mobilized participants and assisted with the organization of workshops, webinars, and roundtables conducted as per the project work plan (at least 3); reports submitted, including the program, actual list of participants, and event evaluation by participants, March - June 2024. Output 3: Study tour to Uzbekistan organized, report prepared and submitted, including recommendations and evaluation by participants; follow-up on the results after the visit conducted, by 30 September 2024. Output 4: At least ten project partner companies selected, prepared, and visited/participated in the \"SIAL Paris” exhibition, in France. Report on trade fair participation, activity/progress report prepared and submitted to ITC, by 10 November 2024. Output 5: At least six project partner companies selected and prepared for participation in the \"Gulfood” exhibition, in Dubai, UAE, by 15 October 2024. Output 6: Final activity report with recommendations prepared and submitted to ITC, by 20 December 2024. Work LocationHome-Based in Tajikistan, with possibility of local and international travel Expected durationas soon as possible – 20.12.2024 (55 workdays) Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint development agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, which enables small businesses to improve exports in developing and transition countries by providing, with partners, sustainable and inclusive trade development solutions to the private sector, trade support institutions and policymakers. The Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OEECA) is responsible for developing, monitoring, coordinating, and implementing ITC’s activities and projects in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. The project is structured around three outcomes formulated as follows: Outcome 1: Improved competitiveness and sustainability of SMEs in the agribusiness sector; Outcome 2: Improved BSOs performance in the agribusiness sector; and Outcome 3: Enhanced regional/sectoral exchange and collaboration between sector actors. In Tajikistan, the project seeks the services of a National Consultant for the Sughd region of Tajikistan to update the company monitoring indicators/baseline data for the project partner companies in collaboration with the International Association of Producers and Exporters Agricultural Products of Tajikistan (MAPEST), prepare selected partner SMEs for participation in the international trade fairs and a study tour, and mobilize SMEs in Sughd region for participation at different project events. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the overall guidance of the Programme Coordinator, Office for Eastern Europe, and Central Asia (OEECA), and under the direct supervision of the National Project Manager, the National consultant for the Sughd region of Tajikistan will carry out the following tasks: 1. Update company monitoring indicators/baseline data for 16 partner SMEs in the agribusiness sector from the Sughd region (data for 2023) as per the structure provided by ITC. • Collect and summarise company-specific data and information (at least 16 companies) 2. Provide assistance in organizing workshops and training as per the project work plan: mobilize stakeholders and resource people for seminars, training, and other meetings to be organized by the project (at least 3), assist the ITC field office in organizing logistics, report on the event including evaluation by participants. 3. Advise project partner companies on preparing for participation and organize the study tour to Uzbekistan in collaboration with the ITC project office in Uzbekistan, in August or September 2024: • Select and prepare companies for participation in the study tour; • Develop a study tour programme and agree it with Uzbek counterparts in advance; • Assist in organizing the logistics, including transportation and hotel accommodation for participants; • Conduct a pre-visit orientation meeting with participating companies; • Accompany the delegation during the visit and assist companies during meetings and negotiations, whenever necessary; • Prepare a study tour report including results, recommendations and evaluations by participants (within 15 days after event). 4. Advise project partner companies (min. 10) on preparing for participation in/ visit the International Trade Fair \"SIAL Paris\", France, October 2024: • Select and prepare companies for trade fair participation and visit; • Agree with the fair organizers about location of Tajik booth, its size, equipment; • Guide the companies on the design and content of their promotional materials (b-cards, flyers, banners), review the companies' draft promotional materials and make any relevant changes and amendments, if needed; • Develop a trade fair visit programme, including recommendations on the trade fair events and exhibits of other producers; • Conduct a pre-fair meeting with participating companies to ensure the readiness of participating companies (promo materials); to explain the booth scheme and location of each company, booth design and decoration, available equipment, mission schedule, etc. • Accompany Tajik delegation during the fair and ensure that all the logistics is organized on time, companies fill in logbooks, as well as assist companies during meetings and negotiations, whenever necessary; • Prepare a mission report including results, evaluations by participants, recommendations etc. (within 20 days after event). 5. Advise project partner companies (min. 6) on preparing for participation in/ visit the International Food Exhibition \"Gulfood\", Dubai, UAE, February 2025: • Select and prepare companies for trade fair participation and visit; • Agree with the fair organizers about location of Tajik booth, its size, equipment; • Agree with the selected contractor on the design of Tajik booth and provide relevant inputs as necessary; • Guide the companies on the design and content of their promotional materials (b-cards, flyers, banners), review the companies' draft promotional materials and make any relevant changes and amendments, if needed. 6. Provide inputs for quarterly and annual project reports for Tajikistan. 7. Final reports on work completed, including recommendations. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to 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 skillsUndergraduate degree (BA/BSC or other). University diploma or certificate in economics, business administration, food technology or equivalent. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 5 years experience as a business consultant and coach in the fields of IT and digital technologies, marketing and export promotion, implementation of international standards. Experience organizing and coordinating trainings and information sessions in the Agricultural industry or related fields. Good understanding of agricultural production and processing of agricultural products. Experience working with international organizations. Good communication and writing skills as well ability to analyze and synthesize findings. Ability to develop and conduct trainings. Working with minimum supervision, competence and integrity. Availability, commitment and flexibility LanguagesAdvanced Russian and Tajik. Intermediate English. 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.