National Consultant – MSMEs and Market Linkages

Result of ServiceOutput 1: Training need assessment and Training materials development (Completed by: 30 June 2024) 1.1. Training needs assessment for local businesses in Balochistan conducted and report shared. 1.2. Tailored business and entrepreneurship training manuals developed and shared. 1.3. Updated Digital entrepreneurship Training manual developed and shared. Output 2: Mobilization and delivery of the training (Completed by: 30 August 2024) 2.1. Digital Entrepreneurship Training for the first cohort of digital skills learners satisfactorily delivered. 2.2. Local Afghans business and host community mobilized to enroll for ITC’s business and entrepreneurship development training program. 2.3. 25 local MSMEs from Afghans refugees and host communities trained. Output 3: Market Linkage and Networking (Completed by: Ongoing until 30 November 2024) 3.1. Study tours to Karachi / Quetta for trainees completing online Freelancing training conducted. 3.2. 40 Women's business networking and strengthening established. 3.3. MSME Development Workshops conducted 3.4. 25 local businesses who completed training program provided with customized business development advisory support. Output 4: Monitoring and Reporting (Completed by: Ongoing until 30 November 2024) 4.1. Reporting data on digital entrepreneurship and business development activities collected, compiled and shared. 4.2. Lessons learned including gaps and feedback in business and digital entrepreneurship development documented and shared. Work LocationHome-Based in Balochistan, Pakistan, with possibility of local travel Expected duration03.06.2024 – 30.11.2024 (120 workdays) Duties and ResponsibilitiesBACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) created in 1964 is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN) with a unique mandate in the UN system to promote increased competitiveness of Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in developing, transition and least developed countries and assisting them to better use trade as a platform for growth, development, and employment creation. Its mission is to enhance inclusive and sustainable growth and development in developing countries, especially least developed countries, and countries with economies in transition through improving the international competitiveness of MSMEs, including through supporting vulnerable communities in economies in transition. ITC uses market-led approaches to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth in vulnerable forced displacement focusing on (international) trade, as an engine of income generation, job creation, and source of positive spillover effects. The Refugees Empowerment through Markets Initiative Programme (REMI) is the International Trade Centre’s response to support people affected by displacement. REMI is housed in the Section for Women, Youth and Vulnerable Communities (WVYC) of the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT). The approach deploys innovative ways to harness the productive potential of refugees and local communities in the displacement contexts to enhance shared growth through promoting the development of commercially valuable skills and supporting local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in creating value and employment in the host countries through increased national, regional and international business. In line with the new REMI roadmap, ITC continues to scale up its programme in the displacement spaces and will be launching a new project in Balochistan, Pakistan, focusing on creating digital entrepreneurship opportunities for refugees and host communities. To support the delivery of this new project, ITC seeks to recruit a MSMEs Development and Market Linkages Officer (Consultant) in Balochistan, Pakistan. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The Consultant will work under the overall supervision of the REMI Project Manager, in close collaboration with the National Coordinator, REMI Pakistan. The Consultant will carry out the following duties and responsibilities: • Conduct key training needs assessment for local businesses from Afghans refugees and host communities in Balochistan. • Develop tailored business and entrepreneurship training materials with focus on capacity development of local enterprises operated by Afghans refugees and host communities in Balochistan. • Review and adapt the existing ITC materials for digital entrepreneurship training for digital skills and online freelancing trainees. • Mobilize the broader business and host community to participate in the ITC’s business and entrepreneurship development program e.g. eCourse on “Introduction to Entrepreneurship”. • Deliver digital Entrepreneurship and business development training for micro-entrepreneurs in digital services and local MSMEs in other sectors/value chains targeted by the project. • Provide customized business and entrepreneurship advisory and mentorship services to micro-entrepreneurs to improve business competitiveness e.g., on business topics such as business plan development, client communications, business management and quality assurance, etc. • Organize and deliver market linkage to targeted MSMEs within and outside Balochistan to enhance their growth and connection to the business ecosystem. • Support the preparation and reporting on digital entrepreneurship and business development activities. • Explore potential for developing linkages across value chains to enhance market outreach and competitiveness. • Provide support to the partner in development of a comprehensive training curriculum and delivery plan (timetable for module delivery, learner’s assessment tools etc.) for delivery of digital skills training. • Develop and administer learning assessments and trainees' feedback tools to collect feedback and document lessons learned including contents gaps and best practices. • Undertake any other duties consistent with skills and experiences as directed by the supervisor. 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 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 skillsMaster degree in Economics, Commerce, Business Administration or any other relevant areas. At least 3-5 years of relevant experience in market systems development, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprise (MSME) development, market linkages, or related fields. Prior experience working with MSMEs, local businesses, and relevant stakeholders in project implementation and management. 2-4 years of progressive experience working on business development or entrepreneurship in a project particularly with the business community in a displacement context. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) and other relevant software for data analysis and reporting. Proven planning and facilitation acumen. Familiarity in developing, facilitating, and delivering trainings online and in person. Knowledge of digital entrepreneurship, e-commerce, and emerging market trends. Ability to work as a team player with a project with different partners involved. Ability to work independently, with flexibility and deliver results under time pressure. Strong attention to detail, analytical and reporting skills. LanguagesExcellent verbal and written communication in English is required. Proficiency in spoken in local languages is desired (i.e. Pashto and Persian). 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.