Result of Service

Output 1: Short report developed in preparation for mission to Iraq. Timeline: End of June 2024. Output 2: Mission to assess Iraq’s dates industry and participate an industry roundtable completed. Inputs compiled. Timeline: Beginning of July 2024. Output 3: Market development opportunities report finalized. Timeline: End of July 2024.

Work Location

Home-Based in Iraq, with possibility of local travel

Expected duration

15.06.2024 – 30.07.2024 (18 workdays)

BACKGROUND: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprise (SMEs). ITC’s mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. About the Project: Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value chain and Improving trade policy in Iraq (SAAVI) ITC is the implementing agency for the European Union funded project SAAVI. This project aims to contribute to inclusive growth and job creation, particularly for youth in Iraq. It seeks to enhance the trade competitiveness of Iraq’s agribusiness value chain, while improving the country’s trade policy. Project outputs (expected results, ER): • ER 1: SME competitiveness and sustainability strategies are designed for high-potential agriculture products • ER 2: Productive and commercial value chain alliances and capacities of SMEs to compete effectively enhanced • ER 3: Increased capacities of the enabling business environment to better support value chain competitiveness (with a particular emphasis on the improvement of knowledge and skills for employment among youth) • ER 4: Iraq’s trade policy is improved for enhanced performance and value chain competitiveness To advance the work under the first component, ITC will retain the services of an international expert to contribute to the development of market orientations for the dates sector of Iraq. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES: Under the direct supervision of the Trade Strategy Officer, and the general guidance of the Senior Officer, Trade Strategy, and in close collaboration with nominated ITC staff in Iraq, the Consultant will be required to complete the following tasks: Task 1: Review of sector analytics and reports on the Iraq’s dates sector and develop a brief with key takeaways for market development: • Conduct secondary literature review on the sector’s national production and export trends, value chain structure and the current market performance within top export markets by product. In preparation for a roundtable with sector stakeholders develop a short (5 pages) analysis, identify key questions and issues in regard to market development for dates. Task 2: Participate in a mission in Iraq (potential sites include: Basra, Karbala and/or Babylon): • Conduct field visits and bilateral discussions with key industry stakeholders to assess current production and existing limitations, as well as market development opportunities. • With ITC’s support, facilitate an industry roundtable with sector stakeholders in the dates sector. Deliver a thought-provoking Power Point presentation to stimulate strategic thinking and debates among sector stakeholders. During the roundtable, provide expertise, inputs and guidance concerning market trends and opportunities. The presentation should convey: a) Global market trends, sector products, evolution in time b) Emerging consumer demands and key market positioning trends by competitors, including regional benchmarking. c) Global view of the date sector and Iraq’s position in this market. d) Short-term, medium-term, and long-term market and product development opportunities for Iraq’s date sector development. e) Investment requirements, technology needs, certifications, phytosanitary and food safety, and other value chain upgrading requirement, including toward climate smart and responsible products. • The roundtable will serve to discuss and refine main findings and market orientations for Iraq’s dates sector. Task 3: Elaborate a market opportunities’ report for Iraq’s dates sector based on agreed upon table of contents • Based on the PPT prepared under Task 2, the assessments conducted in the field visits, the market performance analysis prepared by ITC and the key outputs of the consultation, elaborate a 15-20 pages report covering the following (table of contents to be provided for guidance by ITC): a) Global trends in the fresh and dried dates sector – a brief market overview b) Possible market orientations for Iraqi dates c) Iraq’s market position vs competitors, including regional benchmarking. d) Key challenges to address to effectively compete in global markets, with a focus on markets with high potential e) Strategic and practical recommendations for product and markets development in the short and medium term, with proposed distribution channel in destination markets. Copyright Clause: The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the Consultant shall request prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure to obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons – of all genders – equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.

Qualifications/special skills

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA or other) or PHD. University degree in International Trade, Marketing, Business Management or a relevant field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 10 years of work experience and advance knowledge of the Fresh and Dried Dates sector, products and market trends. Extensive experience in agricultural market analysis, preferably with a focus on dates. Extensive knowledge of importing dried dates into the Middle Eastern and European markets and buyers’ requirements. Well versed in techniques of sector development as well as export competitiveness development. Proven expertise in conducting market research, value chain analysis, and policy analysis in the agricultural sector. Ability to present complicated subject matter in a simplified language. Demonstrated capacity to elaborate detail technical reports in an easily understandable language. Familiarity with the dates industry in Iraq, including knowledge of production practices, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. Strong analytical skills, including proficiency in statistical analysis, data interpretation, and report writing. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders. Competent in Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

Languages

Fluency in written and spoken English.

Additional Information

Not available.

No Fee

THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.