International Technical consultant on ESG and value chain due diligence

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 SMEs. ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development.

The Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section is responsible for developing and disseminating sector-level expertise for sustainable market-driven solutions in ITC, including the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodology. A4A is a participatory partnership model that engages smallholder farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to manage risk and facilitate networks that provide the required technical expertise and capacity building.

ITC is seeking a technical consultant to provide targeted due diligence assessments and capacity building to SMEs and value chain operators (including MSMEs, farmer-support organizations, cooperatives, suppliers, government, and private sector).

Description of Duties/Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Head of Inclusive Agribusiness Systems (DSIT/GIVC) and direct supervision of Programme Officer (Alliances for Action), in close collaboration with RBC project teams both in country and HQ; the Consultant will be responsible for the following duties:

• Conduct in-depth training and coaching for selected cooperatives/ SMEs in Uganda (coffee), Honduras (coffee) and DRC (cobalt) in implementation of accompanying measures to due diligence systems, living incomes and environmental impact, among others, under the CLEAR Supply Chains project
• Conduct in-depth training and coaching for selected cooperatives/ SMEs in Uganda (cocoa), Ghana (cocoa) and Ethiopia in implementation of accompanying measures to due diligence systems, living incomes and environmental impact, among others, under the ACP Project
• Conduct 15-20 Due diligence readiness assessments with selected cooperatives and MSMEs in the context of the ASEAN Scope Trade Project
• Develop 15-20 individual readiness reports and action plans on the gaps and risks identified at the company level for selected cooperatives and MSMEs vis-à-vis the due diligence requirements for the ASEAN Scope Trade Project
• Support and provide inputs to a presentation of assessment results for ASEAN Scope Trade Cohort
• Develop capacity building resources for the ASEAN Scope Trade Cohort, with inputs from experts, regional teams and partners, including ToT manuals and supporting materials
• Support the implementation of 15-20 Due diligence readiness assessments per country with selected cooperatives and MSMEs in the context of the RBC Africa project, in coordination with National RBC consultants
• Review individual readiness reports and action plans, developed by ITC online tools, on the gaps and risks identified at the company level for selected cooperatives and MSMEs vis-à-vis the due diligence requirements for the RBC Africa project
• Support and provide inputs to a presentation of assessment results for RBC Africa country cohorts
• Review and update capacity building resources for the RBC Africa cohorts, with inputs from experts, regional teams and partners, including ToT manuals, e-learning and supporting materials
• Provide accompaniment and monitoring of performance indicators developed with the selected companies and cooperatives.
• Prepare presentations and written updates for coordination meetings and meetings with national technical personnel and partners in ESG and DD.

Qualifications/special skills

• Master’s degree in international law, human rights, development or a related field
• Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant professional experience in project management, human rights, sustainability, agricultural and rural development, including knowledge of agri-business and participatory approaches.
• Experience of working with international/donor organizations or in national development agencies.
• Experience in sustainability, environment and inclusiveness. Experience as trainer desirable

Languages

Fluency in English and Spanish required.