National Consultant – Project Coordinator in China for the project "Enhancing business opportunities of SMEs of Lao PDR to China"

Contract

This is a Consultancy contract. More about Consultancy contracts.

Result of Service

Output 1. 1 interim report about preparation for trade fairs inter alia the China-ASEAN expo in September, including logistical details, companies selected and list of possible businesses to be contacted for business matchmaking events – by 31 July 2024. Output 2. 1 finalized list of business matchmaking events – by 31 August 2024. Output 3. Organization of the participation of 15 MSMEs and at least 45 business matchmaking meetings organized – by 30 September 2024. Output 4. Submission of 1 quarterly individual activity report - by 30 September 2024. Output 5. 1 activity report submitted about the trade fair participation – by 31 October 2024. Output 6. 1 input to capacity-building processes – by 30 November 2024. Output 7. Submission of 1 quarterly individual activity report - by 30 December 2024. Output 8. 1 input to analysis about cross-border trade – by 31 January 2025. Output 9. 1 policy interpretation dialogue organized – by 28 February 2025. Output 10. Submission of 1 quarterly individual activity report - by 31 March 2025. Output 11. 1 interim report about preparation for the China-South Asia expo in June, including logistical details, companies selected and list of possible businesses to be contacted for business matchmaking events – by 30 April 2025. Output 12. 1 finalized list of business matchmaking events – by 31 May 2025. Output 13. Organization of the participation of 15 MSMEs and at least 45 business matchmaking meetings organized – by 30 June 2025.

Work Location

Home-Based, with possibility of travel to China, Lao PDR and other locations

Expected duration

ASAP- until 30 June 2025

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND: The project "Enhancing business opportunities of SMEs of Lao PDR to China" was signed between UNDESA and ITC on 23 May 2024. It aims to contribute to inclusive and sustainable economic growth, mitigation of vulnerability and job creation in Lao PDR through enhancing Lao MSMEs’ export competitiveness in China. The project started on 1 June 2024 and will last until 31 May 2026. The project will raise awareness of exporters in Lao PDR about trade preferences, especially in the Chinese market, for greater use of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) framework. It aims at increasing business opportunities for exports of agricultural and light industrial products from Lao PDR to China. The expected outcomes are: 1. increased trade competitiveness for agriculture and light manufacturing products export from Lao PDR to China and 2. improved capacity of public and private stakeholders in Lao PDR for export promotion and facilitation. The project will work with the Trade and Handicraft Promotion Department (THPD) of the Ministry of Industry and Commerce (MoIC) as the institutional focal point. The project will also closely liaise with private sectors entities - companies, and with trade-support institutions such as the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Based on this background, the project is looking for a National Project Coordinator in China. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: The National Project Coordinator will work under the supervision of the Senior Programme Officer and Project Manager for this project; in close cooperation with the Programme Management Officer; and under the overall supervision of the Chief, Office for Asia and the Pacific. The Consultant will will be responsible for the following duties: • Organize the participation of Laotian SMEs to selected trade fairs in China: liaise with trade fairs organizers; lead the accompaniment process; organize business matchmaking activities with potentially interesting clients; organize field visits; draft sections of the activity reports; support the follow-up of trade deals in the aftermath of the fairs. • Act as focal point for the policy interpretation dialogue between Chinese relevant administration bodies and Laotian business institutions and companies; liaise with relevant institutions; contribute to designing the objectives and outcomes of the dialogue; organize the events. • Contribute to capacity-building activities of the project, by providing input on the preparation of awareness-raising materials on Chinese quality-related mandatory market requirements, border trade administration and cross-border e-commerce requirements. • Provide analytical sections for the study of export potential and existing bottlenecks of trade with China and the regional market. • Contribute to the development of e-commerce business opportunities: organize business visits in China; contribute to capacity-building processes for Laotian MSMEs about business opportunities in e-commerce in China. • Draft sections of progress reports related to trade fair participation and activities in China. • Ensure efficient communication and outreach at the national level, including representation of the project at country events as/if required. 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 skills

Undergraduate degree (BA/BSC or other). University degree in economics, business administration, marketing or related field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 7 years of work experience in trade-related technical cooperation, development projects or programmes, trade promotion for MSMEs in developing countries, including experience in organising matchmaking events and the participation of developing country enterprises in trade fairs and exhibitions with China. Good knowledge of international trade issues with particular reference to south-south trade and investment promotion with China. Familiarity with China’s import market. Proven capacity to organize participation of MSMEs in trade fairs. Computer literate.

Languages

Fluency in spoken and written in Chinese and English.

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.