Consultant
Deliver training sessions on export strategy and business development for SMEs in Türkiye.
Overview
Deliver training sessions on export strategy and business development for SMEs in Türkiye.
You have:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics, International Trade, Business Administration, Marketing, or related fields.
- A Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics, Strategic Management, or Market Analysis is an asset.
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in Export strategy development, Target market selection and market research, Use of trade intelligence tools such as ITC Trade Map & Market Access Map & Export Potential Map, SME competitiveness, business development, or strategic planning.
- Proven experience supporting SMEs in Türkiye or similar markets to develop export readiness and access new markets.
- Fluency in Turkish and English is required.
- Ability to conduct hands-on exercises using real export tools and datasets.
Contract
This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.
Introduction
Established in 1951, IOM is a Related Organization of the United Nations, and as the leading UN agency in the field of migration, works closely with governmental, intergovernmental and non-governmental partners. IOM is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all. It does so by providing services and advice to governments and migrants.
IOM is committed to ensuring a workplace where all employees can thrive professionally, while working towards harnessing the full potential of migration. Read more about IOM's workplace culture at IOM workplace culture | International Organization for Migration
Project Context and Scope
Under Provision of Jobs and Socio-Economic Inclusion to Support Transition to Formal Employment in Türkiye Project, training sessions will be held to enhance the capacity of SME owners and their administrative personnel. Within the capacity-building component of the project, the consultant will deliver technical business development and export strategy training to strengthen SMEs’ capacity to access new markets, expand production, and sustain formal employment.
The consultant will contribute to the delivery of employer and employee-focused training activities designed to strengthen SMEs’ capacity in business development, export strategy, market analysis, and the use of trade intelligence tools. These trainings aim to enhance employers’ strategic planning abilities and competitiveness, supporting sustainable business growth and contributing to the creation and retention of formal employment.
Organizational Department / Unit to which the Consultant is contributing
The consultant will report to the IOM’s team of Provision of Jobs and Socio-Economic Inclusion to Support Transition to Formal Employment in Türkiye Project.
The consultant’s role is limited to the effective preparation and delivery of export- and business-development–related training sessions in line with IOM’s guidance and approved training materials.
The consultant will report directly to IOM and work in close collaboration with IOM’s designated focal point for the training activities. The consultant is expected to deliver the trainings physically in the provinces identified by IOM, in accordance with the agendas, methodologies, and instructions provided.
All training-related deliverables will require approval from IOM and relevant project partners, who may request revisions to ensure technical accuracy and alignment with project objectives.
IOM and project partners may provide background materials, and reference documents (when needed) for the consultant’s use. All information, documents, and data shared with the consultant are confidential and may not be used outside the scope of this consultancy or shared with third parties without prior written approval from IOM.
Qualifications
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Economics, International Trade, Business Administration, Marketing, or related fields.
A Master’s degree in International Trade, Economics, Strategic Management, or Market Analysis is an asset.
Additional training or certification in export development, trade intelligence tools, or market research methodologies is an advantage.
Experience
Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the following areas:
Export strategy development, Target market selection and market research, Use of trade intelligence tools such as ITC Trade Map & Market Access Map & Export Potential Map, SME competitiveness, business development, or strategic planning, Designing and delivering training for SMEs or business associations.
- Proven experience supporting SMEs in Türkiye or similar markets to develop export readiness and access new markets.
- Experience working with chambers of commerce/industry, export councils, business networks, or trade-related institutions is an asset.
- Previous collaboration with government institutions (MoLSS, SSI, İŞKUR, KOSGEB) is an asset.
- Experience in the United Nations System is an asset.
Skills
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret market and trade data.
- Ability to conduct hands-on exercises using real export tools and datasets.
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills tailored to SME audiences.
- Ability to translate complex trade concepts into practical guidance.
- Proficiency in developing export checklists, templates, and toolkits for SMEs.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to deliver trainings in field settings.
Languages
For this consultancy, fluency in Turkish and English is required.
Proficiency of language(s) required will be specifically evaluated during the selection process, which may include written and/or oral assessments.
Travel
The activity might require travel when necessary. The consultant must have no travel restrictions within Türkiye and be able to ensure flexibility in her/his schedule accordingly. The travel costs, accommodation costs (bed and breakfast) and living costs (terminal expenses, intra- city travel costs, lunch, dinner, etc.) of the missions to other provinces of Türkiye will be arranged and borne by IOM. IOM will arrange economy class round-trip flight tickets through its contracted Travel Agency.
As per UNDSS rules, the consultant is responsible for completing necessary online security training and submitting certificates and travel clearance prior to assignment-related travels.
Required Competencies
IOM’s competency framework can be found at this link. Competencies will be assessed during the selection process.
Values - all IOM staff members must abide by and demonstrate these five values:
- Inclusion and respect for diversity: Respects and promotes individual and cultural differences. Encourages diversity and inclusion.
- Integrity and transparency: Maintains high ethical standards and acts in a manner consistent with organizational principles/rules and standards of conduct.
- Professionalism: Demonstrates ability to work in a composed, competent and committed manner and exercises careful judgment in meeting day-to-day challenges.
- Courage: Demonstrates willingness to take a stand on issues of importance.
- Empathy: Shows compassion for others, makes people feel safe, respected and fairly treated.
Core Competencies – behavioural indicators
- Teamwork: Develops and promotes effective collaboration within and across units to achieve shared goals and optimize results.
- Delivering results: Produces and delivers quality results in a service-oriented and timely manner. Is action oriented and committed to achieving agreed outcomes.
- Managing and sharing knowledge: Continuously seeks to learn, share knowledge and innovate.
- Accountability: Takes ownership for achieving the Organization’s priorities and assumes responsibility for own actions and delegated work.
- Communication: Encourages and contributes to clear and open communication. Explains complex matters in an informative, inspiring and motivational way.
- This is a one-time contract. Subject to mutual agreement of both parties and project needs, the contract may be extended based on a new amendment.
Termination:
The agreement may be terminated by IOM at any time in cases of unsatisfactory service and/or when the agreed deliverables are not fulfilled in accordance with the terms and conditions outlined in this Terms of Reference. In the event of termination, only completed deliverables will be eligible for payment.
Notes
IOM covers Consultants against occupational accidents and illnesses under the Compensation Plan (CP), free of charge, for the duration of the consultancy. IOM does not provide evacuation or medical insurance for reasons related to non-occupational accidents and illnesses. Consultants are responsible for their own medical insurance for non-occupational accident or illness and will be required to provide written proof of such coverage before commencing work.
Any offer made to the candidate in relation to this vacancy notice is subject to funding confirmation.
Appointment will be subject to certification that the candidate is medically fit for appointment, accreditation, any residency or visa requirements, security clearances.
IOM has a zero-tolerance policy on conduct that is incompatible with the aims and objectives of the United Nations and IOM, including sexual exploitation and abuse, sexual harassment, abuse of authority and discrimination based on gender, nationality, age, race, sexual orientation, religious or ethnic background or disabilities.
IOM does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process (application, interview, processing, training or other fee). IOM does not request any information related to bank accounts.
IOM only accepts duly completed applications submitted through the IOM e-Recruitment system (for internal candidates link here). The online tool also allows candidates to track the status of their application.
No late applications will be accepted. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For further information and other job postings, you are welcome to visit our website: IOM Careers and Job Vacancies
Responsibilities
Tasks to be performed under this contract
Based in Türkiye, with travel to the provinces (e.g: İstanbul, Kayseri and Mersin) where the project’s training and awareness activities will be implemented, as requested by IOM. The consultant is expected to deliver the assigned sessions in the relevant provinces identified by IOM.
The consultant will act as a business development and export strategy specialist responsible for preparing and delivering training modules related to export readiness, target market analysis, trade intelligence tools (ITC), pricing models, and strategies for entering and sustaining presence in foreign markets.
The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:
Training Preparation & Delivery
- Prepare training materials and session contents in line with the project’s objectives and agendas provided by IOM and submit them to IOM for review and approval prior to delivery.
Prepare all necessary visual aids or supplementary materials that support the delivery of training modules such as:
- Fundamentals of Business Management
- Strategic Planning & Strategy Definition
- Export Strategy Development
- Target Market Selection
- Market Research Methodologies
- Trade Intelligence Tools (TradeMap, Market Access Map, Export Potential)
- Pricing based on target markets
- Identifying and managing distribution channels
- Other related modules
- Deliver the assigned sessions in accordance with the agenda provided by IOM, ensuring clarity, engagement, and adherence to allocated time slots.
Participant Engagement & Facilitation
- Moderate the sessions, facilitate discussions, group exercises, and Q&A sessions to enhance participant understanding.
- The consultant is expected to facilitate practical exercises using real-time trade data and guide SMEs in evaluating their export potential
Quality Assurance & Reporting
- Prepare pre- and post-session test questions that are aligned with the session content and ensure content validity.
- Conduct pre- and post-session assessments, if required by IOM, to measure learning outcomes and knowledge improvement.
- Document key observations from each session and submit activity reports in line with IOM’s reporting requirements.
- Ensure that all training content is delivered in compliance with Turkish labour law, social security legislation, and relevant international frameworks, including IOM’s IRIS Ethical Recruitment Standards and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), when applicable.
Professional Conduct
- Deliver trainings in selected provinces (e.g: İstanbul, Kayseri and Mersin) in line with IOM’s schedule.
- Maintain professional communication with IOM focal points and follow all guidance and instructions provided by the Project Team.
- Ensure that all tasks are completed within the agreed timelines and with the highest quality standards.
Performance indicators for the evaluation of results
Deliverables
Completion of three (3) full-day training activities, including preparation and implementation of pre- and post-training tests, and submission of the final report
Description
Successful delivery of three days of in-person training sessions in line with the approved agenda and project objectives, including the design, preparation, and administration of pre- and post-training tests to assess participants’ knowledge and learning outcomes, as well as the preparation and submission of a comprehensive final training report
Payment
Payment shall be made upon successful completion of the training activities and submission and approval of the final training report
Potential interview questions
| Can you provide an example of a successful training session you delivered related to export strategies? | This question assesses your experience in training delivery for SMEs. | Share a specific instance detailing the training objectives, your role, and the outcome. |
| How do you approach developing training materials for diverse SME audiences? | The interviewer wants to understand your strategies in catering to different learning needs. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Describe a time you used trade intelligence tools to benefit SMEs. What was the impact? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What strategies do you employ to engage participants during training sessions? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How would you evaluate the effectiveness of a training session? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| Can you discuss your experience collaborating with governmental institutions? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| How do you keep updated with changes in international trade regulations? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |
| What challenges have you faced while delivering training in field settings, and how did you overcome them? | Pro members can see the explanation. | Pro members can see the explanation. |