Opportunities

Relevant Background

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the European Union, and the CARICOM Secretariat will be hosting the Caribbean Investment Forum (CIF) in Montego Bay, Jamaica in July 2025.

The hosting of the Forum will serve to:

• Generate investment into priority sectors in the Caribbean
• Build partnerships with key business entities, that can be sustained over time
• Promote the Caribbean as a place for investment
• Showcase opportunities/areas for investment
• Showcase successful investment in the Caribbean
• Engage potential investors and financing institutions regarding their interest and requirements for investing in the opportunities
• Pitch specific ventures to specific investors
• Increase the Caribbean’s insertion into the global business community through the creation of links with journals, newsletters, key influencers and networks
• Work towards attaining the sustainable development goals focused on no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, decent work and economic growth, life on land and partnerships

The focus for this event will be placed on presenting bankable investment opportunities in priority sectors which will include sustainable agriculture, green economy transition and the digitalization of business.

To support the effective implementation of this event an experienced marketing and communications agency is required to support the production of the Caribbean Investment Forum – Jamaica.

Objective

The overall objective of the Consultancy is to promote the Caribbean Investment Forum by raising the profile of the event in the international market through effective marketing and public relations.

SCOPE OF WORK

Lead the development and implementation of an integrated communications plan that includes but is not limited to the following:

• Develop the creative look for CIF2025 using existing styling.
• Design and develop promotional materials e.g. social media content (e-flyers, web banners, digital graphics), sponsorship deck, info sheets, project documents etc., sourcing imagery as needed
• Develop a monthly content calendar that include dissemination of 3 pieces of content per week including, social media copy, starting April 21,2025.
• Develop and implement an email marketing plan.
• Communications activities such as writing media releases and articles for circulation and placement with international and local news outlets, investment industry media outlets or niche groups that may have an interest in the Caribbean Investment Forum.
• Prepare media invites to both local and regional media and work towards confirming their coverage/attendance at the event.
• Secure guest appearances with relevant media outlets leading up to the event.
• Develop artwork for event signage and materials e.g., physical and digital banners as necessary for the venue and in market advertising; event agenda and the event app.
• Produce the official 2025 CIF promotional video.

Required Documentation

The Applicant must submit a technical and detailed financial proposal together with the completed Applicant Declaration Form to Deidre Brathwaite dbrathwaite[at]carib-export.com and copied to Shari Pollard spollard[at]carib-export.com no later than 5:00 pm AST on April 4, 2025.

Download the Terms of Reference below.

This has been Extended to 4 April 2025

Summary

The Finance Officer – EU-LAC Programmes is responsible for providing financial, administrative, and operational support for the effective delivery of the EU-LAC Social Accelerator and the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator. This position plays a critical role in ensuring that the financial management, accounting processes, and administrative procedures for both programmes are executed in compliance with Caribbean Export’s internal policies and the requirements of the relevant programme donors.

The Finance Officer will support the day-to-day financial operations of both programmes, including budget monitoring, financial reporting, procurement support, and expenditure tracking, ensuring alignment with approved work plans and donor guidelines. The role will also assist with the preparation of financial reports, support audit processes, and maintain accurate financial records.

Working closely with the technical team, operations staff, and external stakeholders, the Finance Officer will contribute to the smooth financial and administrative management of Caribbean Export’s programmes, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability in all financial transactions.

Responsibilities/Deliverables:

Financial Management and Reporting

• Provide financial administration for the EU-LAC Social Accelerator, EU-LAC Digital Accelerator, and other programmes implemented by Caribbean Export, ensuring compliance with donor regulations and the Agency’s internal financial procedures.
• Monitor programme budgets, track expenditure, and provide regular financial updates to programme managers and relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in the preparation of accurate and timely financial reports for internal use, consortium partners, and donors.
• Maintain comprehensive financial records for both programmes, ensuring documentation is complete, up to date, and ready for audit.
• Support the preparation of periodic expenditure reports to track progress in the implementation rate and available budget lines.
• Draft budget forecasts and financial projections to facilitate effective programme implementation.
• Process payments, including disbursements to beneficiaries, suppliers, and service providers, ensuring all transactions are properly documented and recorded.
• Support account reconciliation processes and manage accounts payable and receivable linked to programme activities.

Procurement and Administrative Support

• Assist in the procurement of goods and services for programme activities, ensuring full compliance with procurement guidelines.
• Monitor contracts with suppliers, consultants, and service providers to ensure proper financial administration and timely payments.
• Provide administrative support for travel arrangements, meeting logistics, and event coordination related to programme delivery and tasks in the Agency’s Subregional Office.
• Ensure proper archiving and management of financial and contractual documentation in line with Caribbean Export’s policies and donor processes.

Audit and Compliance

• Prepare supporting documentation for internal and external audits of both programmes.
• Assist in responding to audit queries and the implementation of any audit recommendations.
• Ensure that financial procedures and controls comply with donor requirements, internal policies, and recognised best practices.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with the technical teams of both programmes to align financial management with programme activities and timelines.
• Provide financial guidance to programme staff, partners, and grantees to ensure understanding of financial procedures and donor compliance requirements.
• Contribute to the preparation of reports and presentations concerning the financial performance of the programmes.

Other Duties

• Provide support to other finance and operational functions of the Agency as required.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned by the Manager – Operations and the Deputy Executive Director.

Education/Experience:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field.
• A professional accounting qualification (such as ACCA, CPA, CMA) is highly desirable or active progress towards certification.

Experience:

• Minimum of three (3) years’ experience in financial management, accounting, or a related field, preferably within donor-funded projects.
• Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded projects with multi-stakeholder involvement, and management of EU funded projects.
• Experience working with financial and ERP software for reporting and office management.
• Experience working in office management operations as well as financial support.
• Working knowledge of results-based management (RBM) principles and their application to financial monitoring and reporting.

This position is open to all suitably qualified CARIFORUM nationals. Applicants must be legally authorized to live and work in the Dominican Republic. The Agency will not provide visa sponsorship or cover relocation expenses.

The selected candidate will be required to work in the Sub-Regional Office from Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Submission

To apply, please download the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation:

• Updated CV
• Cover Letter outlining suitability for the Role

Interested applicants should submit documents to hr@carib-export.com by Friday, April 04, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

This has been Extended to 4 April 2025

Summary

The Technical Officer – EU-LAC Social and Digital Innovation is responsible for supporting the implementation of social and digital innovation programmes that promote cross-regional partnerships between the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean (EU-LAC), as well as other relevant initiatives under Caribbean Export’s portfolio. The role focuses on advancing social innovation, digital transformation, and inclusive economic development in the Caribbean. The Officer plays a critical operational role in ensuring the timely and effective delivery of EU-LAC programmes in which Caribbean Export is an implementing partner, with responsibilities covering the coordination of national-level interventions, management of regional activities, and support to project stakeholders.

Under the EU-LAC Social Accelerator, the Officer is responsible for driving the implementation of Caribbean Export’s work plan, including establishing Social Innovation Labs, coordinating capacity-building activities, and facilitating access to finance for social enterprises. Simultaneously, the Officer supports the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator by fostering partnerships between corporates and startups, building and maintaining a pipeline of participants, designing and delivering innovation challenges, and strengthening engagement with the Caribbean startup ecosystem to encourage collaborative, technology-driven solutions.

Working closely with internal teams and external partners, the Officer oversees the day-to-day execution of activities across both programmes, ensuring the effective delivery of training, technical assistance, and investment facilitation. The Officer contributes to the development of strategies and roadmaps that enable sustainable partnerships between corporates, entrepreneurs, and social innovators, while also supporting knowledge sharing, reporting, and monitoring processes to ensure compliance with Caribbean Export’s obligations and donor requirements.

In delivering these responsibilities, the Technical Officer works in collaboration with the Deputy Executive Director and the Manager – Technical Programmes to support Caribbean Export’s strategic objectives in the areas of innovation, sustainability, private sector development, and regional cooperation, with a particular focus on enhancing the competitiveness and resilience of Caribbean MSMEs through social and digital transformation.

Responsibilities/Deliverables:

Programme Implementation and Coordination

• Drive the operational delivery of Caribbean Export’s responsibilities within the EU-LAC Social Accelerator work plan, ensuring timely and effective implementation of assigned activities.
• Coordinate the development and implementation of Social Innovation Labs in assigned Caribbean countries.
• Support the design, delivery, and monitoring of national social innovation strategies and action plans.
• Oversee the mapping of social innovation ecosystems and identify key stakeholders, opportunities, and gaps.
• Manage the organization of project events, including hackathons, acceleration programmes, capacity-building workshops, and investment forums.
• Facilitate the integration of digital tools and platforms to support programme delivery and beneficiary engagement.
• Ensure compliance with project timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate partnerships between Caribbean corporates and startups to co-create innovative digital solutions addressing specific corporate needs.
• Collaborate with corporate partners to design, structure, and launch innovation challenges, focused on solving operational, sustainability, and digital transformation challenges through startup-led solutions.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with startup ecosystems across the Caribbean, including incubators, accelerators, and entrepreneur networks, to identify high-potential startups for participation in innovation challenges.
• Identify opportunities to align corporate innovation needs with emerging startups capable of delivering digital solutions.
• Strengthen linkages between the objectives of the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator and the EU-LAC Social Accelerator, particularly by fostering collaborations that support socially impactful digital innovations.
• Provide technical support to participating startups and corporates to advance partnerships from ideation to implementation.

Technical Support and Capacity Building

• Provide technical assistance to MSMEs, startups, and business support organizations (BSOs) on digital transformation and social innovation practices.
• Implement tools to assess facilitate the participation of private sector and civil society stakeholders in the Agency’s interventions.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, guidelines, training materials, and policy recommendations to strengthen social and digital innovation ecosystems.
• Support mentoring programmes and provide guidance to enterprises participating in the Accelerators.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Support the collection and analysis of data to monitor programme outcomes and impact.
• Prepare regular technical reports and updates for internal and external stakeholders, including donors and consortium partners.
• Contribute to the application of results-based management (RBM) practices across programme activities.

Resource Mobilization

• Assist in the development of proposals and identification of funding opportunities for future social and digital innovation initiatives.
• Collaborate with consortium partners and internal teams to support the sustainability of social innovation and digital innovation ecosystems beyond the life of the programmes.

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in social sciences, innovation and entrepreneurship, international development, economics, business administration, or a related field.

A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field may be considered in lieu of a master’s degree, depending on the breadth and depth of the candidate’s professional experience.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years’ experience in social innovation, digital transformation, private sector development, or a related area.
• Demonstrated experience supporting donor-funded projects with multi-stakeholder involvement.
• Experience working with CARIFORUM states and knowledge of the regional development context is an asset.
• Experience working with MSMEs, startups, and business support organizations in the Caribbean.
• Project management certification is considered an asset.
  • Strong understanding and working knowledge of the regional and international donor environment, including funding mechanisms supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and private sector development.

This position is open to all suitably qualified CARIFORUM nationals. Applicants must be legally authorized to live and work in the Dominican Republic. The Agency will not provide visa sponsorship or cover relocation expenses.

The selected candidate will be required to work in the Sub-Regional Office from Monday to Friday 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Submission

To apply, please download the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation:

• Updated CV
• Cover Letter outlining suitability for the Role

Interested applicants should submit documents to hr@carib-export.com by Friday, April 4, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

UPDATE: NEW DEADLINE TO SUBMIT AN ONLINE EXPRESION OF INTEREST FORM IS APRIL 04, 2025.

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), with support from the European Union, extends an invitation to CARICOM-based agro-processing/agro-industrial companies to apply for a chance to exhibit at the upcoming Agroalimentaria 2025 trade show. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place from May 28-31, 2025, at the Dominican Fiesta Hotel & Convention Center in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.

Recognized as one of the most important food industry trade fairs in the Caribbean region, Agroalimentaria offers a unique platform for food, tobacco, and beverage firms to showcase their products to international buyers. The 9th edition of Agroalimentaria is organized by the Dominican Agroindustry Board (JAD) and the Dominican trade and investment promotion office, ProDominicana.

For more information about Agroalimentaria 2025, please visit: http://agroalimentaria.com.do/

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Caribbean Export Support for Selected Firms

Caribbean Export will provide selected firms with the following:

• Exhibition space within Caribbean Export’s Absolutely Caribbean Pavilion
• Event registration
• Booth design and décor
• Participation in all official event activities, including:
  • Conferences
  • Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings with local and international buyers/distributors
  • Caribbean Kitchen, a specially designed gastronomy event

Participants are responsible for their own travel expenses, including airfare, accommodation, meals, ground transportation, shipping of samples, and any other associated costs.

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Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for participation, firms must meet the following criteria:

• Be registered and operating in a CARICOM country
• Have been in operation for at least two years
• Demonstrate export potential or be an existing exporter
• Comply with relevant international standards, quality registration, and certification technical standards (e.g., HACCP, FSMA, ISO, etc.)
• Have the capacity to meet export orders generated through participation in the trade show

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The Application Process

Interested firms must submit an online Expression of Interest form no later than 4:00 p.m. AST (DR time) on April 04^th, 2025.

Complete Expression of Interest Form HERE

Applications will be reviewed by Caribbean Export´s selection committee. Successful participants will be notified no later than April 8^th, 2025.

Note: Submission of this form does not guarantee participation. Only fully completed applications will be considered and evaluated for suitability.

The information provided will be treated with strict confidentiality and will be used for selection review, B2B matchmaking, and Monitoring & Evaluation activities.

Download the full Expression of Interest below.

SUMMARY OF CONSULTANCY SERVICES REQUIRED

The Project and Administrative Assistant will provide consultancy services for the Technical Programmes Unit across all its technical programs. The Project and Administrative Assistant provides common project, administrative and logistical assistance to ensure consistency, quality service delivery, and enable effective project implementation. This also includes supporting all planning activities and assisting with the coordination of programme -related functions, and/or special events as appropriate. 

KEY SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED

The Project and Administrative Assistant:

Project/Programme Support

• Assists the Technical Programmes unit with project development, strategic planning, coordination and administrative support to meet its objectives and activities directed at national, regional and international markets.
• Works directly with selected BSO’s to facilitate the execution of the Agency’s interventions/activities.
• Support project leads in the coordination of internal and external events, training sessions and workshops.
• Provides support to the Grants team in the administration of the grant programmes. 
• Performs information gathering and basic research tasks for the purpose of analysis and the preparation of reports.
• Supports the Unit in its procurement processes by assisting with the shortlisting of candidates, channeling of communication effectively, and by supporting all logistics related to arranging interviews.

Administrative Support

• Assists with the preparation of documents and efficient processing in the Agency’s Management and Reporting processes.
• Prepares and maintains databases for corporate and project related activities and contracts.
• Ensures accurate physical and electronic filing of documents in accordance with Agency Policies.
• Supports the processes related to administrative and technical assistance payments.
• Manages and maintains the Unit-level correspondences – including drafting formal letters to public and private counterparts, arranging signatures, sending and confirming receipt.
• Support the implementation of internal controls used to mitigate risk and standardise outputs by ensuring the correct accounting of expenses, use of templates, and channelling of resources, and document submissions. This includes liaising with the Finance and Operations Unit to ensure compliance.
• Supports the design and logistics of missions – clearances, meetings and travel logistics and other arrangements.
• Supports the building of private sector awareness through the planning and coordination of educational activities such as workshops, seminars and targeted missions.
• Provides support to the onboarding of new members to the Unit including collaboration with the HR, Operations and Finance, and IT departments to arrange provisions.
• Assists with the preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual reports and departmental papers as required.
• Schedules and coordinates meetings, events, interviews, appointments, and/or other similar activities.

EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in any of the following areas: Economics, Business/Office Administration, Project Management, Marketing or other related field.
• A minimum of 2 years work experience in General Office Administration, Project Management/ Project Coordination or Accounting environment.
• Experience functioning at the regional/international level in any of the above fields would be an asset;
• Fluent in spoken and written English.  Ability to communicate in Spanish, French, or Dutch, would be an asset.
• This position is open to CARIFORUM nationals only.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

Interested parties are to submit their CV and Motivation Letter to Mr. Wayne Elliott, Manager – Technical Programmes, at technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com by Sunday 23rd March 2025 11:59 pm.

Download the full terms of reference.

• The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator invites business partnerships to apply to its 3rd Open Call. Partnerships should include a corporate wanting to solve a digital challenge and a startup or innovative SME offering to develop a solution to solve this challenge.

• For this 3rd open call, we are excited to introduce HealthTech as a new opportunity area, alongside CleanTech and Smart Production.

• EU-LAC partnerships must include at least one corporate and one startup from two of the following regions: the European Union, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

• Selected candidates will receive in-kind acceleration services valued at up to €30,000 (€40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved).

The EU-LAC Digital Accelerator supports cross-regional partnerships between Europe, Latin America, and the Caribbean in developing digital processes, products, and services. The partnership should include a corporate facing a challenge and a startup or innovative SME from a different region, and providing a digital solution.

The accelerator launches the 3rd Open Call for EU-LAC partnerships, now expanding its focus to include HealthTech, alongside Clean Technologies and Smart Production, as the main opportunity areas. However, corporate-startup partnerships from other sectors are also welcome to apply.

Selected candidates will receive in-kind acceleration services valued at up to €30,000 (€40,000 if a Caribbean partner is involved).

The services provided within the programme are detailed in a catalogue and are divided into the following categories:

• A customised acceleration roadmap
• The design and implementation of a proof-of-concept
• The validation of a business model
• The assessment of its investment and scaling readiness.

The accelerator’s experts will thus support these partnerships until they reach an investment-ready stage.

Open call: How to apply?

To qualify for the acceleration services, partnerships must include at least:

✔️One corporate.

✔️One startup or one innovative SME.

Both entities should be established in distinct eligible regions: the European Union, Latin America, or the Caribbean.

Besides, to demonstrate their commitment, the partners must have signed a formal partnership agreement.

Partnerships can submit their application form in 5 minutes via the open call page on the EU-LAC Digital Accelerator website. They will also find the “Guidelines for Applicants” document with all the necessary information.

Caribbean Export, with support from the European Union, extends an invitation to CARIFORUM-based nutraceutical producers to apply for a chance to exhibit at the upcoming Vitafoods Europe 2025 trade show. This premier event is scheduled to take place from 20-22 May at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via in Barcelona, Spain.

Vitafoods Europe is a premier annual event that unites the global nutraceutical community, encompassing the entire supply chain from ingredients and raw materials to finished products and services. Established in 1997, the event has grown significantly, with the 2023 edition welcoming 18,854 attendees and 1,060 exhibitors. The event attracts a diverse international audience and offers a platform to discover the latest innovations, build partnerships, and connect with industry leaders. For more information about Vitafoods Europe please visit https://www.vitafoods.eu.com/en/home.html.

Noting Europe’s vast market potential and the advantageous position provided by the CARIFORUM-EU
Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Caribbean Export is committed to supporting representatives
from CARIFORUM enterprises within the following niches to partake in this prestigious event:

Caribbean Export will support selected firms with the following:

• Training Programs: Caribbean Export will provide in-market support and orientation to successful applicants ahead of the Trade show. This will include a virtual program during March and April 2025, to assist firms in enhancing their EU market penetration or expansion strategy, benefits of the EU-EPA, market research, logistics and B2B and distributor networks. This will culminate with a 2-day in-person exercise in Barcelona, on 15 and 16 May, ahead of the showcase.
• Booth Provision: Participants will be provided with floor space for their booths at the trade show under the Absolutely Caribbean Pavilion.
• Booth Design and Construction: Design and construction of individual booths in line with the Absolutely Caribbean brand.
• Exhibitor Fee: Cover the cost of the exhibitor fee as a shared exhibitor, valued at Euro 3450 per firm.
• In Market Orientation Transport: transport for activities related to the in-market orientation and B2B support.

Total support by Caribbean Export is valued at over EURO 15,000 per firm.

The Application Process

The application process for firms interested in participating in the Vitafoods Europe trade show and in- market support is as follows:

• Complete and submit the online application form below:
  • Vitafoods Europe Application Form
• Submit a 3–5-minute video answering the following questions:
  • Provide a brief description of your company.
  • What is your motivation for attending the Trade show and in market support activity?
• What do you hope to achieve?

Please submit the video link to vitafoods2025@carib-export.com and copied to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com and ensure both email addresses have full access to the content.

Applications must be submitted by 23:59 AST Monday 17 February 2025.
Download the full Expression of Interest below.

Are you ready to take your impactful project to new heights? The Caribbean Investment Forum
is seeking groundbreaking initiatives that have the power to transform communities and create
lasting national or regional impact. If you have a bold vision requiring a capital investment of over
US$1 million, this is your opportunity to gain attention.
Join the Movement in Thriving Sectors

• Sustainable Agriculture: Revolutionise how we grow and consume food! We seek
  innovative projects championing eco-friendly practices, enhancing food security, and
  empowering local farmers with cutting-edge solutions. Whether through organic farming
  techniques or advanced irrigation systems, your project could pave the way for a more
  sustainable food supply chain.
• Green Economy Transition: Be a catalyst for change! Share your initiatives that support
  the transition to a greener economy by reducing carbon footprints, harnessing renewable
  energy, and fostering sustainable business practices. From developing green technologies
  to implementing community-based recycling programs, your efforts can drive significant
  environmental benefits and economic growth.
• Digitalisation of Business: Step into the future! We seek visionary projects that
  seamlessly integrate digital technologies into business operations, enhancing efficiency,
  enriching customer experiences, and fueling economic growth. From e-commerce
  platforms to digital marketing strategies, your project can empower local businesses to
  thrive in an increasingly digital world.

Why Seize This Opportunity?

• Innovators and entrepreneurs with projects requiring over US$1 million in capital
  investment.
• Teams ready to showcase their potential for national or regional impact.
• Visionaries passionate about sustainable development, economic advancement, and
  social change.
• Organisations, and established businesses with a clear mission and a track record of
  delivering results.
  
  *NB Only projects being implemented in CARIFORUM Member States are eligible.

How to Get Involved?

1. Download and complete the Expression of Interest form no later than March 15, 2025.
2. Please email your dynamic proposal and the following supporting documents by May
   30, 2025, at 4:30 pm AST.

Elements of the Full Proposal

• Project Proposal: A detailed description of your project, including objectives,
  strategies, target audience, and expected outcomes. Clearly outline how your project
  aligns with one or more specified sectors and its unique value.
• Budget Outline: A comprehensive budget detailing capital investment and fund
  allocation. Include details on how funds will be used, potential revenue streams or
  cost-saving measures.
• Three-Year Financial Projections: Provide detailed financial projections for the next
• three years. Include revenue forecasts, anticipated expenses, profit margins, and any
• assumptions made in your projections. This will help us understand your project’s
• financial viability and sustainability.
• Timeline: An estimated timeline for project implementation and key milestones.
  Highlight critical phases and deliverables to demonstrate your project’s roadmap to
  success.
• Team Profile: Brief bios of key team members, highlighting their expertise and roles
  in the project. Showcase your team’s unique skills and experiences that position you
  for success.
• Impact Assessment: A description of the national or regional impact that will be
  created, supported by metrics for measuring success and the potential social,
  economic, and environmental benefits of your project.
• Feasibility Study: A thorough feasibility study assessing the viability of your project.
  This should include market analysis, risk factors, potential challenges, and strategies
  for overcoming obstacles. Demonstrating the feasibility of your project is crucial for
  securing support.

Don’t miss this opportunity to lead innovation, sustainability, and societal impact. Please submit
your proposal today and join us in creating a brighter, more sustainable Caribbean future.

All communications and submissions should be sent (in English) to the CIF Projects Team, Attn: Ms. Tonya Cummins (cifprojects@carib-export.com), copied to technicalprogrammes@carib-export.com.

For more information about the Caribbean Investment Forum, please visit the event website at
www.caribbeaninvestmentforum.com

*CARIFORUM Member States include Antigua & Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica,
Dominican Republic, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent
& the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad & Tobago

Institution: Inter-American Development Bank
Country: IDB Caribbean Countries: Belize, Bahamas, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago
Project: The Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute
Sector: Private Firms and SME Development
Abstract: The consulting services aim to advance digital technology adoption among Caribbean MSMEs in sectors such as tourism, agro-processing, and manufacturing, by designing tailored digital adoption and innovation policies and strategies. This initiative, with an implementation period of six months, includes assessing digital maturity, identifying gaps in digital skills, and analyzing barriers to technology adoption. The consultancy will engage with Business Support Organizations, provide customized country recommendations, and develop a roadmap with specific action steps and performance indicators. Additionally, the consultancy will compile a database of regional digital service providers to support the establishment of a two-sided marketplace, further promoting digital transformation within the region.
Grant No.: ATN/OC-19079-RG
TC No.: RG-T3992
Deadline: 23rd November 2024

The Caribbean Export Development Agency has received financing from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), toward the cost of The Caribbean Digital Transformation Institute and intends to apply part of the proceeds for consulting services.

The consulting services (“the Services”) include conducting a comprehensive assessment of digital technology adoption needs for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the Caribbean, particularly in tourism, agro-processing, and manufacturing sectors. This involves analyzing digital maturity and identifying gaps in digital skills using tools like the Digital Check-up Tool, along with surveying barriers that hinder technology adoption. Additionally, the services encompass engaging with Business Support Organizations (BSOs) and local representatives to align with country-specific contexts, designing tailored policies and strategies to support digital integration, and developing an implementation roadmap with clear timelines, responsibilities, and performance indicators. The final deliverables include a detailed report with best practice recommendations and a dissemination plan, alongside a classified list of digital service providers in the region to support a digital marketplace framework. The implementation period for these services is six months.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency now invites eligible consulting firms (“Consultants”) to indicate their interest in providing the Services. Interested Consultants should provide information demonstrating that they have the required qualifications and relevant experience to perform the Services. Please view the terms of reference below.

The shortlist shall comprise five to eight firms with a wide geographical spread.

Consultants will be selected in accordance with the procedures set out in the Inter-American Development Bank: Policies for the Selection and Contracting of Consultants financed by the Inter-American Development Bank GN-2350-15 and is open to all eligible bidders as defined in the policies.

Consultants may associate with other firms in the form of a joint venture or a sub-consultancy to enhance their qualifications. For the purpose of establishing the short list, the nationality of a firm is that of the country in which it is legally incorporated or constituted and in the case of a Joint Venture, the nationality of the firm appointed to represent it.

A Consultant will be selected in accordance with the Selection Based on the Consultants’ Qualifications (CQS) method set out in the Consultant Policies.

Further information can be obtained at the address below during office hours 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Expressions of interest must be delivered in a written form to the address below (in person, or by mail, or by fax, or by e-mail) by 23rd November 2024.

Jonathan Seecharan
Attn: Innovation and Digital Business Officer
1st Floor Baobab Tower Highway 2 Warrens St. Michael
BB22026
Bridgetown
Barbados
Tel: +1(246) 436-0578
Fax: +1(246) 436-9999
E-mail: jseecharan@carib-export.com

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) is seeking consultancy services to update and digitize the ProNET training program. This initiative aims to enhance the capacity and competitiveness of private sector SMEs in the CARIFORUM region by aligning the training modules with current global trends and emerging business needs.

Objective: The consultancy aims to:

• Review and enhance the existing ProNET course modules.
• Strengthen private sector competitiveness by updating course content.
• Develop new training modules addressing innovation, business model development, e-commerce, and other emerging areas.
• Digitize the ProNET training program for the Caribbean Export’s eLearning platform, powered by Velsoft.

Requirements

This consultancy requires the following qualifications and experience:

• A post-graduate degree in International Trade, International Business, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing training curricula, including workshops, presentations, and training exercises.
• Demonstrated strengths and experience in developing the capacity of SMEs, preferably in the context of island nations.
• Prior work experience in the Caribbean region, especially with SMEs is required.
• Demonstrated experience in digitizing content, developing online learning modules, and utilizing digital platforms to enhance training delivery and engagement, including experience with virtual workshops, e-learning tools, and digital resource creation.
• Fluent in English, however ability to speak Spanish, French and/or Dutch would be an asset.

Submission

To apply, please download the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation, including;

• Technical proposal/concept design for the delivery of services.
• Financial proposal in Euro to meet the scope of works.
• Applicant Declaration Form.

Documentation should be submitted to pronet@carib-export.com  with a copy to Mrs. Natasha Edwin-Walcott at nwalcott@carib-export.com  no later than 4:30 pm AST on October 11, 2024.

With support from the Global Gateway Regional Private Sector Development Programme III (RPSDP), the Caribbean Export Development Agency is initiating efforts to enhance the market entry of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in CARIFORUM countries into the European Union (EU). The CARIFORUM-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), signed in 2008, aims to boost trade and investment between CARIFORUM states and the EU, but CARIFORUM’s exports to the EU have been marginal. This initiative aims to address the technical and regulatory challenges faced by SMEs in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) leads private sector development programmes across the Caribbean through innovative, targeted initiatives designed to increase Caribbean business growth, sustainability, and job creation.

The Capacity Building Programme on Standards and Certification for SMEs aims to enhance the global competitiveness of Caribbean SMEs by equipping them with the necessary certifications and technical knowledge required to access and succeed in the EU market.

Objective

The overall objective of this initiative is to enhance the global competitiveness of Caribbean SMEs by equipping them with the necessary certifications and technical knowledge required to access and succeed in the EU market. This objective is pursued through a collaborative effort between Caribbean Export, CROSQ, and National Standards Bureaus. The programme focuses on several key areas:

• Phase 1: Capacity Building Workshops: Design and deliver workshops to raise awareness among SMEs about the importance of international standards and certifications.
• Phase 2: Technical Assistance Program: Provide targeted technical assistance to SMEs, helping them achieve the necessary certifications and comply with EU market requirements. Create action plans addressing their specific challenges in obtaining certification.

Requirements

This consultancy requires the services of a key expert with the following qualifications and experience:

• A postgraduate degree in at least one of the following relevant fields of study: trade policy, engineering or natural sciences.
• At least five (7) years’ experience in the field of Quality infrastructure.
• Knowledge of relevant international standards including; ISO standards as well as voluntary sustainability standards.
• Demonstrated knowledge of EU market access requirements, including technical barriers to trade, labelling and packaging regulations/requirements for market access.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the CARIFORUM‐ EU Economic Partnership Agreement.
• Demonstrated experience working in the Caribbean and with CARIFORUM SMEs
• A minimum of five (5) years’ experience in delivering professional training to SMEs.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.
• Excellent technical and report‐writing skills.

Submission

To apply, please download the full Terms of Reference (TOR) and submit the required documentation, including:

• Technical Proposal/Concept Design
• Financial Proposal in EURO
• Applicant Declaration Form

Submit these documents to Ms. Mikaela Stoute, Export Development and Promotion Officer, at mstoute@carib-export.com , copied to Mrs. Natasha Edwin-Walcott, Manager (Ag), Competitiveness and Export Promotion, at nwalcott@carib-export.com.

The submission deadline is 4:00 pm AST on September 30, 2024.