About this role

The ITC Global SME Ministerial Meeting is the world's only dedicated country-level platform for Ministers responsible for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Following the inaugural 2025 Ministerial in Johannesburg, the 2027 edition will take stock of progress, announce new partnerships, and advance concrete co-creation and co-investment solutions among governments, the private sector, and development partners. Private sector engagement is a core strategic priority for ITC in the lead-up to the 2027 Ministerial. A cross-divisional Partnerships Task Force (PTF) has been established to identify, cultivate, and coordinate strategic relationships with private sector partners, foundations, financial institutions, and other stakeholders.

Purpose of the Assignment

The Partnerships Outreach Consultant will provide dedicated operational and coordination support to the PTF to implement its outreach activities, ensuring that engagement with prospective and existing private sector partners is timely, well-organised, and consistent with ITC's private sector engagement strategy and value proposition.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the overall supervision of Director DSIT and the direct guidance of the PTF coordination team, the consultant will:

Maintain and update the Partnership Pipeline Tracker, including prospective partners, assigned leads, engagement status, and follow-up actions.
Support the categorisation and mapping of existing and prospective private sector partners by category, geographic region, and industry.
Consolidate contact details for prioritised target partners and support the identification of relationship owners as focal points.
Adapt the ITC private sector value proposition and pitch materials for specific partners.
Draft and issue invitations and outreach communications, and support relationship owners in preparing tailored engagement plans.
Coordinate scheduling and logistics for outreach meetings, calls, and follow-ups with priority partners.
Track responses and engagement progress, flagging priority partners or issues requiring PTF or management attention.
Prepare regular status updates, briefing notes, and summary reports for the PTF.
Support documentation of confirmed partnerships and formal commitments, and assist in preparing announcement-ready materials for flagship partnerships.
Support the preparation of the private sector agenda and structure for Ministerial-related activities.
Perform other related duties as required to support the PTF's work programme.

Result of Service

The consultant will report progress against deliverables to the PTF on a monthly basis. Key deliverables include establishing and maintaining the Partnership Pipeline Tracker, preparing tailored engagement materials, coordinating outreach activities, and submitting monthly progress reports summarizing engagements, opportunities, and follow-up actions over the 9-month duration.

Qualifications and Special Skills

Advanced university degree (Master's or equivalent) in international relations, business administration, economics, communications, or a related field. A first-level university degree combined with two additional years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree.
At least 3–5 years of relevant professional experience in partnership development, resource mobilisation, business development, stakeholder engagement, or a related area.
Demonstrated experience coordinating outreach or engagement activities involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience with CRM or pipeline-tracking tools and maintaining structured contact/engagement databases.
Prior experience supporting high-level events, conferences, or ministerial-level processes is an asset.
Familiarity with international trade, SME development, or development financing is an asset.
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple work streams and deadlines simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively across divisions and with external partners at senior levels.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); familiarity with data visualisation or CRM tools is an asset.
Discretion in handling sensitive partner information and correspondence.