Opportunities

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

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

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 2^nd August 2022.

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

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).

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.

Caribbean Export is committed to supporting the development of export promotion strategies and technical assistance to better position Haitian products in the Dominican Republic market.

General objective
The objective of the consultancy is to develop export promotion strategies and provide technical support, for market entry and better position the products of selected Haitian companies in the Dominican market.

Specific objectives/results:

1. Identify the potential of the exportable offer of the products of the selected Haitian companies on the Dominican market (pritorising the focus on the Haitian diaspora niche market ).
2. Provide assistance and technical support for setting up the required regulations to comply with the Dominican Republic’s requirements in terms of licenses, standards and certification (administrative and sanitary) of the Haitian companies which are part of the project.
3. Identify, promote, and organize working sessions with 5 Dominican distributors for each of the Haitian companies and guarantee at least one order for each exporting company.

Geographical area of intervention in the Dominican Republic:

1. Northwest
2. Southeast

The profile of the consultant(s) for this contract is as follows:

• A minimum of five (5) years of work experience in the promotion of exports from Haiti and in the management of enterprises, particularly SMEs.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in providing technical assistance to SMEs for the creation or administration of enterprises for export purposes.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in export marketing for SMEs.
• Ability to work at a high level of independence, capable of managing the day-to-day needs to achieve the objectives of this consultancy in relation to the export of Haitian premium products to the Dominican market.
• In-depth knowledge of the Haitian SME environment and the Dominican market.
• Able to serve as a link between Caribbean Export, CCIH and FEDOCAMRAS.
• Excellent written and spoken French and Spanish.
• Strong presentation skills.
• Demonstrated experience in performing similar tasks.
• General knowledge of the challenges faced by SMEs to be competitive/productive and to export.

All reports must be written in French and Spanish.

The deadline for submissions is no later than 4:30 pm (AST) on July 8, 2022.

Caribbean Export assists CARIFORUM exporters from the fashion and design sector to participate in international trade shows. Data has shown that the global clothing and apparel market reached a value of nearly $758.4 billion in 2018, having grown at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5% since 2014, and is expected to grow at a rate of 11.8% to nearly $1,182.9 billion by 2022.

Caribbean fashion shows great potential for the UK apparel market. According to the UK Fashion and Textile Association, UK consumers spent almost £45 billon on clothing and textiles in 2020. Despite an estimated £10 billion retraction due to COVID-19, growth is still anticipated especially via online retail sales for textiles, clothing and footwear. While Asia dominates as the main apparel and textiles exporter to the UK, there is potential for CARIFORUM designers to increase their market presence and supply niche, high quality products to this large market.

The London Autumn Fair – Moda is the UK’s industry leading marketplace for fashion. Moda provides an essential hub for creativity, collaboration and trading, offering a comprehensive lineup of industry leading classic and contemporary women’s fashion from the UK and around the world. Autumn Fair attracts thousands of high-quality buyers from some of the biggest names in retail, across online retailers, department stores, independents, and multiples. Retailers attend to stock up on their next best-sellers and make short orders. The Caribbean Fashion Designers participating will be in the best place to meet the right contacts for their business to gain contracts. Please https://www.autumnfair.com/show-sectors/moda for more information.

Given the tremendous market potential as well as the competitive benefits of the CARIFORUM European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), Caribbean Export will help with fashion designers from CARIFORUM operating in the following sub-sectors sectors to participate in the show:

• Womenswear
• Women’s Accessories (with an emphasis on jewellery, scarfs and bags)
• Women’s Footwear

The London Autumn Fair – Moda IS trade show is scheduled for September 4th – 7th 2022 – NEC Birmingham, United Kingdom.

Overall Objective

The overall objective of the consultancy is the provision of construction and design services for a booth to assist CARIFORUM fashion designers to exhibit at the London Autumn Fair – Moda.

Required Documentation

• Technical proposal/concept design for delivery of services requested
• Financial proposal to meet scope of works
• Applicant Declaration form in paragraph 14
• Submit required documentation by 4:00 pm AST on July 08,2022 .

Expression of Interest to participate as EXHIBITOR at HUB Cámara Santo Domingo Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic

Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), under the Regional Private Sector Development Programme (RPSDP) funded by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF), will be assisting CARICOM exporters interested in participating in HUB Santo Domingo 2022. For this activity Caribbean Export will support the companies providing:

• Exhibition space within the CE pavilion
• Booth design and décor
• Participation on the B2B meeting and conferences
• One airline ticket (round trip) per company on economy class through the most direct and economic route to the Dominican Republic.

Participants will be responsible for their own accommodation, meals, ground transportation, shipping of samples and any other associated expenses to this intervention.

The application process will be guided by 2 phases:

Phase 1: Interested firms must submit an online Expression of Interest no later than 4:00 p.m. AST (DR time) on July 01st, 2022.

Phase 2: Shortlisted Applicants must complete Caribbean Export’s Diagnostic Tool Assessment. This online tool assesses firms on four (4) pillars (Management, Production, Finance and Marketing) to determine their current capacity to take advantage of opportunities that may be presented at the trade show.

The 5th edition of HUB Cámara Santo Domingo will be held on September 6th – 8th, 2022 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and is organized by the Chamber of Commerce of Santo Domingo in collaboration with the Dominican trade and investment promotion office (ProDominicana).

Products will be exhibited by thematic areas:

• Technology; Innovation, E-Commerce, Digital Platforms
• Construction; Materials and equipment, concrete/cement, metal
• Energy; Electric, Renewable, Materials/Equipment
• Industrial; Agro-industrial, Plastics, Health, and Beauty Products

In HUB Santo Domingo’s 2019 edition, representatives from 20 countries participated in the form of 113 exhibitors, 86 international buyers and 74 local distributors. More than 500 matchmaking meetings were held with reported negotiated sales of over US$90 million. For more information on HUB Santo Domingo 2022, please visit: https://hubcamarasantodomingo.do/

Complete Expression of Interest Application Form

Interested companies must complete the Expression of Interest application form and submit all required documentation to Caribbean Export. Submissions must be addressed electronically to Romily Thevenin – Communications & Research Officer at rthevenin@carib-export.com copied to vguzman@carib-export.com no later than 4:00 p.m. AST (DR time) on July 01st , 2022.