E-Commerce Capacity Building Consultant for MSMEs

Contract

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Result of Service

The consultant will conduct interactive and engaging training sessions focused on creating optimized digital content for e-commerce websites for 200 MSMEs identified by ESCWA, and offer group coaching sessions to ensure effective application of the training. During the Arab SMEs Summit in Doha 2024, the consultant will conduct a ToT workshop using participatory methods to engage participants and facilitate peer learning, while collecting feedback to improve future trainings. Additionally, the consultant will work closely with the ESCWA Knowledge Management Team to design an online course on LMS for the Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program, focusing on e-commerce in Arabic, English and French. The course will include interactive elements such as quizzes, assignments and discussion forums, along with additional resources and reading materials to support learner engagement and understanding. Below are the main deliverables: Milestone 1: Training and Coaching for 200 MSMEs (80 hours) • Deliver Training Module 01 for 6 MSME groups: 4 in Arabic and 2 in English (12 hours) Topic: Digital Content for E-commerce Websites covering: - Company Info - Product Info - Policies & Procedures - Third-Party Providers Info - Engagement Content - Educational Content • Deliver Coaching 01 for 10 MSME groups: 6 in Arabic and 4 in English (20 hours) • Deliver Training Module 02 for 6 MSME groups: 4 in Arabic and 2 in English (12 hours) Topic: Product Photography covering: - Room Setup - Styling your Shots - Taking pictures with your Phone - Editing Process • Deliver Coaching 02 for 10 MSME groups: 6 in Arabic and 4 in English (20 hours) • Deliver Training Module 03 for 4 MSME groups: 2 in Arabic and 2 in English (8 hours) Topic: MSME Formalization - Benefits of Formalization - Incoporating a toolbox to assist MSMEs in navigating the formalization process, with links to other online resources for further information and assistance. • Deliver Training Module 04 for 4 MSME groups: 2 in Arabic and 2 in English (8 hours) Topic: Internationalization Strategy for MSMEs covering: - Benefits of Internationalization and Strategies for Entering Foreign Markets - Incoporating a toolbox to assess MSMEs’ readiness for internationalization, which can include links to other online resources for further guidance and support. Milestone 2: Train of Trainers (ToT) Workshop (8 hours) • Conduct the ToT workshop during the Arab SMEs Summit – Doha 2024 for 40 regional business enablers selected by ESCWA. • Submit a report that collects feedback and evaluates the quality and effectiveness of the workshop. Milestone 3: Online Course for the Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program (18 hours) • Ensure the course consists of seven comprehensive modules and available in 3 languages: - Module 01: Entrepreneurship & Business Strategies - Module 02: E-commerce Business Models & Dynamics - Module 03: Digital Content for E-commerce Websites - Module 04: Content Management Systems - Module 05: Digital Marketing & Website Optimization - Module 06: Toolbox for MSME Formalization - Module 07: Toolbox for MSME Internationalization • Incorporate interactive elements such as quizzes, assignments and discussion forums to enhance learner engagement and retention • Provide additional resources and reading materials to support learners’ understanding and application of course concepts.

Work Location

Remotely

Expected duration

7 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The project "Enhancing MSMEs Soft Infrastructure & Internationalization in the Arab Region" aims to strengthen micro-, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) in Arab countries facing security, financial or political transitions. By improving access, capabilities and sustainability, it seeks to create a supportive business environment through better regulatory frameworks and trade agreements, enabling MSMEs to participate in global markets. Aligned with the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the project promotes trade facilitation, investment, and international cooperation. Leveraging partnerships with ICC, ITC, UNCTAD and UNIDO, and building on ESCWA's previous successes, the project focuses on enhancing MSMEs' competitiveness and resilience, fostering economic growth and employment in the region. Duties and Responsibilities: The consultant will be responsible for ensuring the prompt and precise fulfillment of designated duties, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and adhere to ESCWA’s policies and procedures. The responsibilities of the consultant span over six months and include: Online Training and Coaching for MSMEs: • Conduct interactive and engaging training sessions focused on creating optimized digital content for e-commerce websites for 200 MSMEs identified by ESCWA. • Develop two toolboxes assessing MSMEs’ readiness for internationalization and formalization. • Offer group coaching sessions to ensure MSMEs can effectively apply the training to their businesses. Train of Trainers (ToT) Workshop: • Conduct the ToT workshop during the Arab SMEs Summit – Doha 2024. • Use interactive and participatory training methods to engage participants and facilitate peer learning. • Collect feedback and evaluate the effectiveness of the workshop to inform future trainings. Online Course for the Regional Entrepreneurship Training Program: • Work closely with ESCWA Knowledge Management Team to design an online course on a Learning Management System (LMS) for the Regional Entrepreneurship Training with a focus on e-commerce, formalization, and internationalization. • Ensure the content is available in three languages: Arabic, English and French.

Qualifications/special skills

A bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Technology, Business Administration, E-commerce or a related field is required. All candidates must submit a copy of the required educational degree or proof of work experience. Incomplete applications will not be considered. A minimum of 10 years of experience providing e-commerce services or working in an e-commerce business is required. Hands-on experience in managing and maintaining e-commerce websites is required. Developing optimized digital content for e-commerce websites (text; images; videos; VR experiences) is required. A subject matter expert in internationalization and formalization processes for MSMEs, with experience assisting businesses in expanding into global markets and navigating regulatory frameworks for formalization is required. Developing presentations and training materials and providing training to e-commerce businesses is required. Providing business coaching to e-commerce SMEs and identifying areas for improving performance is required.

Languages

English and French are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat; Arabic is a working language of ESCWA. For this position, fluency in Arabic and English is required. Knowledge of French is desirable. Note: “Fluency” equals a rating of ‘fluent’ in all four areas (speak, read, write, and understand) and “Knowledge of” equals a rating of ‘confident’ in two of the four areas.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE 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.