TOR: Creation of an Informational Website for the Haitian Bureau of Standardization (BHN)

Under objective two (2), Caribbean Export seeks to build awareness of quality standards and technical regulations among owners and operators of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in collaboration with the Haitian Bureau of Standardization (BHN).in Haiti and the Instituto Dominicano de la Calidad (INDOCAL) in the Dominican Republic. In this sense, a modern, easy-to-use and visually appealing website will be created to be used by the BHN as a tool for public awareness and communication on standards and quality, as well as on the harmonization work carried out, within the framework of the binational program, with the Instituto Dominicano de la Calidad, INDOCAL, partner of the BHN.

Objective:

In accordance with the general objective of strengthening quality infrastructure in Haiti and the Dominican Republic, BHN and INDOCAL are committed to strengthening their commitments to the private sector. In this sense, organizations seek to promote awareness of quality standards and norms, as well as improve communication between them. The Haitian Bureau of Standardization (BHN) does not have, to date, a website. It is therefore necessary, in order to meet the objectives previously expressed, that it acquires such an attractive tool, easy to use and innovative, to promote and share information on standards and quality with Haitian SMEs and other private sector actors in Haiti as well as those in the Dominican Republic. This website will allow the BHN to be more interactive with the various actors in terms of standards and quality, including within the framework of the binational program with INDOCAL.

The specific objectives of this site are (among others);

1. Improve the knowledge of owners and operators of SMEs on quality standards.

2. Promote awareness of the roles of the BHN and INDOCAL within the framework of the binational relationship; and

3. Raise public awareness of the impact of quality regulations on market access opportunities.

The main users of the site will be officials from BHN, INDOCAL.

The language of this consultancy is French, and all proposals must be submitted in French.

The deadline for submissions is October 28th, 2022, 5:00 pm (Haiti local time).

TOR: Technical Assistance for Strengthening Institutional Capacities for Compliance with International Regulations for the Export of Vegetables and Organic Products, Applicable to the European Union

Attending to Component 3 of this Program related to the institutional collaboration between the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MiPymes (MICM) of the Dominican Republic and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Haiti, Caribbean Export intends to strengthen the capacity of the Ministries responsible for related to commerce and industry. In this sense, the objective of this Technical Assistance is the design of a plan that allows the successful accreditation of the corresponding authorities of the country before the Dominican Accreditation Organization (ODAC).

Objective

The objective of this Technical Assistance is to strengthen the institutional capacities of the corresponding authorities of the Dominican Republic so that they become certifiers of organic production products for the export of vegetables and organic products to the European market. The consultant will work under the authority of Caribbean Export and MICM and must exercise all professionalism, diligence, and discretion in handling network information.

The language of this consultancy is Spanish and all proposals must be submitted in French and Spanish.

The specific objectives are among others:

  • A documentary investigation on the technical and administrative processes that must be assumed by the corresponding authorities for the compliance with European Union regulations for the export of vegetables and organic products.
  • A survey of the main needs required for the start of the process.
  •  Preparation of a roadmap with structures required for compliance with the international standard of the corresponding authority of the Dominican Republic, which subsequently acts as certifiers of national products that are exported to the European Union.
  •  A training to the personnel of the corresponding authority for the socialization of the applicable norm(s), for a better understanding of the scheme that is being proposed and its joint implementation with the regulation of the matter, approved by the Department of agriculture.

TdR: Asistencia Técnica para el Fortalecimiento de las Capacidades Institucionales para el Cumplimiento de los Reglamentos Internacionales para la Exportación de Hortalizas y Productos Ecológicos, Aplicables a la Unión Europea

Atendiendo al Componente 3 de este Programa relacionado con la colaboración institucional entre el Ministerio de Industria, Comercio y MiPymes (MICM) de la República Dominicana y el Ministerio de Comercio e Industria de Haití, Caribbean Export pretende fortalecer la capacidad de los Ministerios responsables de lo relacionado con el comercio y la industria. En este sentido, el objetivo de esta Asistencia Técnica es el diseño de un plan que permita la acreditación exitosa de las autoridades correspondientes del país ante la Organización Dominicana de Acreditación (ODAC).

Objetivo

El objetivo de esta Asistencia Técnica es fortalecer las capacidades institucionales de las autoridades correspondientes de la República Dominicana para que se conviertan en certificadoras de productos de producción orgánica para la exportación de hortalizas y productos orgánicos al mercado europeo. El consultor trabajará bajo la autoridad de Caribbean Export y del MICM y deberá ejercer toda la profesionalidad, diligencia y discreción en el manejo de la información de la red.

El idioma de esta consultoría es el español y todas las propuestas deben presentarse en francés y español.

Los objetivos específicos son, entre otros, los siguientes

  • Una investigación documental sobre los procesos técnicos y administrativos que deben asumir las autoridades correspondientes para el cumplimiento de la normativa de la Unión Europea para la exportación de hortalizas y productos ecológicos.
  • Un estudio de las principales necesidades requeridas para el inicio del proceso.
  • Elaboración de una hoja de ruta con las estructuras necesarias para el cumplimiento de la norma internacional de la autoridad correspondiente de la República Dominicana, que posteriormente actúa como certificadora de los productos nacionales que se exportan a la Unión Europea.
  • Una capacitación al personal de la autoridad correspondiente para la socialización de la(s) norma(s) aplicable(s), para una mejor comprensión del esquema que se propone y su implementación conjunta con la regulación de la materia, aprobada por el Departamento de agricultura.

PARTNER OPPORTUNITY: Call for Expressions of Interest for AHFS Assessment of Testing Laboratories


SANITARY AND PHYTOSANITARY MEASURES (SPS) PROJECT

Strengthening Agricultural Health and Food Safety Laboratories in CARIFORUM Countries for Improved Trade: BASELINE STUDY

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY
The Consultancy aims to: (i) determine tests required for the trade of agricultural commodities (plant and
animal products, fresh and processed) in local, regional and international markets and (ii) assess the
capability and capacity of national, and regional laboratories to provide these required tests.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE
₋ Advanced university degree (Masters or equivalent) in Natural Sciences, Applied Sciences, or any
other related field. A first level university degree with a relevant combination of professional training,
certification and experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced university degree.
₋ Work experience/knowledge in Inspection/ Laboratory Testing/ Certification; Total Quality
Management and Accreditation.
₋ Knowledge of regional and international trade requirements as it relates to the testing of agricultural
products.
₋ Excellent technical and report-writing skills.
₋ Work experience in the CARIFORUM region.
₋ Excellent English Language skills and good communication and facilitation skills.
₋ Knowledge of Spanish and/or French would be an asset.
₋ Computer literacy and ability to effectively use office technology equipment, IT tools.
₋ Knowledge and experience using e-platforms for implementing actions virtually e.g., meetings,
workshops.

Please see full Term-of-Reference Below.

TOR: Construction and Design Services for Exhibitor Booth- Salon du Chocolat Paris Trade Show 2022

Relevant background

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) has been entrusted by the Governments of the Dominican Republic, Haiti and the European Union, with the implementation of the “Trade and Private Sector Component” of the Haiti-Dominican Republic Binational Cooperation Programme under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) FED/2018/399-379. This component seeks to enhance the overall business and investment climate of Haiti and the Dominican Republic as well as the international perceptions and images of both countries.

The Programme has three (3) main objectives:

  1. The Promotion of a more balanced and formal trade between Haiti and the Dominican Republic;
  2. The quality of goods produced in both countries and the competitivity of enterprises is enhanced with special attention to three (3) value chains: Cocoa/Chocolate; Essential Oils/Cosmetics; and Handicraft/Fashion/Accessories/Jewelry; and
  3. The institutional cooperation, between the Ministries working in trade related issues and the Customs Administrations, as well as the public-private and private-private dialogue is reinforced.

Scope of Work

Specific Activities

Caribbean Export is seeking the services of a consultant/firm to:

  • Design and construct a booth to house eight (8) exhibitors under the Caribbean Export, EU and HT-DR Binational Programme brand within 46 sqm of floor space.
    • Space located at Pavillion 5.1 stand E2 (bare area with 2 open corner)
  • The design should reflect a cocoa/chocolate theme including corporate branding (logos) for each company participating in the booth.
  • The booth will showcase the Caribbean Export and HT-DR Binational Programme brand including the EU flag and should have:
    • A full design concept highlighting Haiti and the Dominican Republic
    • Branded walls and signage
    • Lighting fixtures to ensure the booth is fully lit (not including electricity costs)
    • Individual exhibition display units/stands for the eight (8) participating companies
    • At least two (2) meeting tables with chairs for firms to conduct meetings
    • Secure storage space including shelves for exhibitors to house their samples and promotional material
    • A small kitchen space featuring refrigerator and microwave.
    • TV screens with USB capabilities to run promotional videos and a sound system to play Caribbean music
  • Source material for the construction of the booth
  • Transportation of all material to and from the site
  • Disassemble and cleanup the space following the show

Attached to this TOR are the booth dimensions and location within the show floor along with the booth branding logos to display to guide concept designs.

Required Documentation

  • Technical proposal/concept design for delivery of services requested
  • Financial proposal to meet scope of works
  • Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14

MUST Submit required documentation by September 30th, 4:00 pm AST.

Regional Project Coordinator – Guyana

BACKGROUND:
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization supporting the internationalization of MSMEs. Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development.

The GreenToCompete Hubs provide integrated solutions to MSMEs in the implementation of green business practices. Hosted by local institutions, the GTC Hubs act as one-stop shops for MSMEs to build green business strategies to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets for
sustainable products. The GTC Hub offers technical assistance and coaching services for MSMEs in relation to compliance with voluntary sustainability standards, climate resilience, resource efficiency and circular production, positioning sustainable products in the international market, accessing green finance and markets.

In the Caribbean, the GTC Hubs is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and is implemented in Barbados, Guyana and Saint Lucia. ITC is hiring Regional Project Coordinator based in Guyana to contribute to the coordination of project activities implemented in the region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the ITC Project Manager for the GTC Hub Caribbean and the Caribbean Export Advisor and will coordinate the following local Hub activities in Barbados as part of the GTC Caribbean Hub.

Skills:

  • Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the development of online surveys
  • Analytical and strategic mindset
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and to solve problems
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Excellent communications skills, both oral and written
  • Excellent communication, diplomatic, presentation skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Education:
Advanced degree in economics, international trade, international relations, environmental studies, business administration, geography, corporate sustainability, or related field.

Work experience:
At least five years of relevant professional experience with international organizations or technical assistance providers. Experience in working in the areas of technical assistance supporting MSMEs to transition to a green economy or other work related to promoting a green economy would be an asset. Knowledge and experience in climate change topics/projects is desirable.

Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency or advanced level of Spanish and/or French is a plus

Regional Project Coordinator – Barbados

BACKGROUND:
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization supporting the internationalization of MSMEs. Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development.

The GreenToCompete Hubs provide integrated solutions to MSMEs in the implementation of green business practices. Hosted by local institutions, the GTC Hubs act as one-stop shops for MSMEs to build green business strategies to strengthen their competitiveness in international markets for
sustainable products. The GTC Hub offers technical assistance and coaching services for MSMEs in relation to compliance with voluntary sustainability standards, climate resilience, resource efficiency and circular production, positioning sustainable products in the international market, accessing green finance and markets.

In the Caribbean, the GTC Hubs is hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) and is implemented in Barbados, Guyana and Saint Lucia. For the project, ITC is hiring a Regional Project Coordinator based in Barbados to contribute to the coordination of project activities implemented in the region.

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES
The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of the ITC Project Manager for the GTC Hub Caribbean and the Caribbean Export Advisor and will coordinate the following local Hub activities in Barbados as part of the GTC Caribbean Hub.

Skills:

  • Competent user of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and the development of online surveys
  • Analytical and strategic mindset
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and to solve problems
  • Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines
  • Excellent communications skills, both oral and written
  • Excellent communication, diplomatic, presentation skills and ability to maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity

Education:
Advanced degree in economics, international trade, international relations, environmental studies, business administration, geography, corporate sustainability, or related field.

Work experience:
At least five years of relevant professional experience with international organizations or technical assistance providers. Experience in working in the areas of technical assistance supporting MSMEs to transition to a green economy or other work related to promoting a green economy would be an
asset. Knowledge and experience in climate change topics/projects is desirable.

Language:
Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency or advanced level of Spanish and/or French is a plus

Facilitator Needed – Business of Music (Guyana)

New deadline: The deadline for submissions has been extended from 27th July 2022 to 2nd August 2022

Caribbean Export in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of Guyana is hosting a tailored Business of Music workshop for musicians, artistes and songwriters based in Guyana on the said training programme previously developed. This programme offers emerging and established music practitioners opportunities to enhance their technical capacity and understanding of how the modern music industry operates, towards increasing exports. The modular programme is delivered in four phases; self-taught virtual training; face-to-face or virtual workshops, coaching and mentorship and finally a music showcase to generate interest and support music distribution. 

Caribbean Export invites eligible individual consultants to submit proposals including qualifications and experience required to provide face-to-face workshops.

Required Documentation

Interested persons must submit the following documents to Allyson Francis at afrancis@carib-export.com copied to Marvin Baptiste at mbaptiste@carib-export.com by 4 pm AST on the 2nd August 2022.

  • Technical Proposal
  • Financial Proposal (inclusive of all costs – fees, travel, accommodation, etc.)

Consultancy: E-Commerce Strategy and Site Development Training/Coaching Services

This consultancy shall develop and deliver quality hands-on training and provide advisory services to firms in the development of E-commerce strategy, selection of appropriate online presence modalities, market access issues and requirements, marketing, customer engagement, and other related growth strategies.

Specifically, this initiative will:

  • Train Caribbean firms and BSOs in E-Commerce
  • Increase the number of new Caribbean E-Commerce sites
  • Expand the number of Caribbean products being sold via E-Commerce
  • Increase export sales via E-Commerce
  • Expand the sale of Caribbean products into new markets
  • Equip the BSOs with E-Commerce coaching skills
  • Provide BSOs and firms with the key E-Commerce online tools needed
  • Develop an online repository of all the training sessions and information to assist firms via Caribbean Export´s e-learning platform.
  • Develop E-Commerce strategies for firms

It is expected through this intervention, participating businesses will be equipped to access new markets and increase sales through the competent and confident use of E-Commerce, and BSOs will be in a state of readiness to guide and support businesses in the adoption and competent use of E-Commerce strategies and tools in a sustainable manner.

We are therefore inviting eligible and competent individual consultants or firms to submit proposals to carry out training and coaching for the E-Commerce site development, E-Commerce strategy and growth component of the VEAP project. The consultant will develop and deliver appropriate and engaging learning experiences so businesses and BSOs can acquire and develop the knowledge and skills needed to develop an appropriate E-Commerce strategy, analyse and decide on the online site options, grow the business through target market intelligence, marketing and customer engagement and retention strategies among other related approaches.

Those interested are kindly asked to read the full terms of reference and submit a proposal outlining the methodology and curriculum. In addition, a financial proposal and Curriculum Vitae detailing work undertaken in E-Commerce are to be presented electronically to Phillip Jackson at: pjackson@carib-export.com copied to Damie Sinanan at DSinanan@carib-export.com.

The deadline for submissions is July 29, 2022, 4:30 pm EST.

To participate in any procurement undertaken by Caribbean Export, all applicants must complete and submit to the agency the Applicant Declaration Form. https://content.carib-export.com/download/197007/

Consultancy Services: eCommerce Operations Training/Coaching Services

Given the significant growth in global ecommerce, and the need for suppliers to bring products to the doorsteps of buyers, the Agency has sought to prioritize ecommerce as a means of increasing exports from and within the Caribbean. Ecommerce in the Caribbean is faced with several challenges including lack of knowledge and know-how of available and appropriate options and business models and their management implications and financial implications, availability and security of online payments, cost and availability of freight, warehousing, and fulfilment of orders, among others.

In response to these challenges, Caribbean Export is Implementing the Virtual E-Commerce Accelerator Programme (VEAP) targeting BSOs and export-ready businesses in 15 CARIFORUM Member Countries as we seek to strengthen the ecommerce capacity and capability of Caribbean businesses and BSOs through hands on training and coaching in the areas of ecommerce development strategy and ecommerce operations. The Programme will target at least 30 BSOs (2 per country) and 150 businesses (5 businesses attached to each BSO) in a single cohort.

A critical element of the accelerator programme is, in addition to the practical approach to the training and coaching content, firms and BSO would be provided with access to the online tools that they can use to immediately implement lessons and skills learnt to start and or grow online businesses. This is expected to increase the chances of success and impact for businesses, as well as the long-term sustainability and replicability of the initiative by BSOs.

Specifically, this initiative will:

  • Train Caribbean firms and BSOs in ecommerce
  • Increase the number of new Caribbean ecommerce sites
  • Expand the number of Caribbean products being sold via ecommerce
  • Increase export sales via ecommerce
  • Expand the sale of Caribbean products into new markets
  • Equip the BSOs with ecommerce coaching skills
  • Provide BSOs and firms with the key ecommerce online tools needed
  • Develop an online repository of all the training sessions and information to assist firms via Caribbean Export´s e-learning platform.
  • Develop ecommerce strategies for firms

Caribbean Export is seeking the professional services of a consultant/firm whose primary goal will be to develop and deliver extended hands-on training session to selected CARIFORUM BSO representatives or coaches and a training programme for Caribbean firms seeking to establish and develop ecommerce presence or increase exports from their existing platforms.

Those interested are kindly asked to review the full terms of reference and submit a proposal outlining the methodology and curriculum. In addition a financial proposal and Curriculum Vitae detailing work undertaken in ecommerce are to be presented electronically to Phillip Jackson at: pjackson@carib-export.com copied to Damie Sinanan at DSinanan@carib-export.com.

To participate in any procurement undertaken by Caribbean Export, all applicants must complete and submit to the agency the Applicant Declaration Form. https://content.carib-export.com/download/197007/

The deadline for submissions is July 29, 2022, 4:30 pm EST.

Consultancy- Energy Management Workshops (ISO 50001)

Given the structural impediments within the electricity system, volatility in international energy markets and the increasing importance of ESG to penetrating international markets, Caribbean Export has identified capacity building at the firm level as an appropriate pathway for the reduction of the private sector’s energy costs while increasing competitiveness. The Agency therefore endeavors to increase the export competitiveness of CARIFORUM firms through interventions which support innovation and greater utilization of green energy alternatives.

Overall Objective

To increase the capacity of private sector firms in CARIFORUM countries to manage operating expenses by becoming more energy efficient through the application of effective energy management approaches.

Specific Objectives

  • Develop training workshop and training materials on ISO 50001 (Energy Management)
  • Conduct training which will enable firms to develop energy efficiency strategies that would support compliance with ISO 50001.
  • Identify specific areas for further technical assistance based on the collection of information about the needs of firms that have been trained.

Requirements

Qualifications

  • A postgraduate degree in engineering (electrical or mechanical) or a related discipline, and with a background in energy management, renewable energy, and in sustainable energy implementation issues.
  • Fluent in English.

Work Experience

  • At least 7 years of relevant professional experience in energy management.
  • Proven experience implementing ISO 50001.
  • Experience in providing technical assistance/capacity building to firms, preferably in the context of island nations.

Required documentation to be submitted for consideration by July 20, 2022.
• Technical proposal
• Financial Proposal
• Curriculum vitae
Declaration Form

Proposals should be submitted by email to Mr. Markson Gill, Advisor, Competitiveness and Export Promotion (mgill@carib-export.com) and copied to Dr. Damie Sinanan, Manager, Competitiveness and Export Promotion (dsinanan@carib-export.com).

Consultancy: Update of Caribbean Export’s Capacity Building Training for SMEs- Productivity Network (Pronet)

Caribbean Export introduced the Productivity Network (ProNET) programme in 2012, in partnership with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ). Over the years CE has worked with dozens of National Business Support Organisations across the CARIFORUM region to deliver this training to hundreds of SMEs.

ProNET is a practical skills development programme for SMEs seeking to improve their competitiveness. The programme is based on the Experiential Learning Methodology: case study based and driven by practical examples and assignments. It is action-oriented by using techniques such as plenary group work and structured learning exercises, open-ended discussion, brainstorming sessions, and fieldwork. The Experiential Learning Methodology is built on the premise that participants share their current experience by means of exercises, initially in small groups, and thereafter with the entire group with guidance from the facilitators.

In the second quarter of 2022, the Agency undertook a targeted survey of the three main groups of beneficiaries (SMEs, ProNET trainers, National Business Support Organizations) to review the usefulness of the training over the years as well as its continued relevance and attendant course content 10 years on. The responses indicated that there is a need for training for SMEs in the region, however, there are some notable areas for improvement.

The survey revealed staple ProNET courses such as Export Marketing and Cost and Financial Management as highly demanded courses, however, it recognized the necessity of updating to improve SME competitiveness in an evolving trading environment. New areas of training in Innovation and Business Model Development, E-commerce and Technology, Cybersecurity, Business Recovery and Continuity were among the new training courses identified. The necessity of a practical component of the programme was also recognized.

An update of ProNET’s training programme will provide regional SMEs with the necessary tools to operate effectively and competitively in a transitioning global economy.

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the Consultancy is to increase the capacity of private sector firms in CARIFORUM countries through updating Caribbean Export’s ProNET training programme.

Commencement date and period of implementation of tasks

This consultancy is expected to commence on 3rd August 2022 for a 4-month period ending 30th November 2022.

Required Documentation

• Technical proposal/concept design for delivery of services requested
• Financial proposal to meet scope of works
Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14

Required documentation should be submitted to Ms. Natasha Edwin-Walcott, Senior Advisor – Competitiveness and Export Promotion at nwalcott@carib-export.com with a copy to Dr. Damie Sinanan, Manager, Competitiveness and Export Promotion at dsinanan@carib-export.com no later than 4:00 pm AST on 24th July 2022.