Belize is challenged by socio economic factors, including slow growth, rising poverty and unemployment. To address these challenges, the Government has renewed its focus on enhancing the country’s export performance and reducing the cost of doing business alongside improvements in revenue collection and financial sector reform.
This sub-project sits within the Commonwealth export diversification project for Belize, with the over-arching objective of improving the countries range of markets and its intensive margins of trade. This targeted project embedded in the country’s National Export Strategy will reduce commodity or services dependency, where there are a small number of goods and services through which foreign exchange is earned.
The Consultant(s) would be expected to meet with the participating 20+ MSMEs to discuss their product offering and identify the most applicable product to be further developed/upgraded or promoted under the project; visit several supermarkets, supermarket chains and retail stores in the target markets, to undertake a benchmark of the participating products; visit the potential buyers/trading partners of each product, in at least one target export market, to present the Belize product to the companies; submit a report containing information regarding competition, competing products and prices for each product. Develop a price structure to help Belizean companies establish their competitiveness and pricing policy; arrange virtual/physical meetings with interested buyer/ trading partner(s); and follow up with the MSME agribusiness to discuss effectiveness of the intervention, and to identify any necessary adjustments to be delivered remotely over a short period of time. Please refer to the Terms of Reference for full details.
To be considered for this opportunity, you will need to have a post graduate degree in International Trade or Economics; at least 10 years’ experience in Export Promotion Activities; Demonstrable experience of leading trade and product training programs for MSMEs; considerable experience in national or sectorial strategy development for trade acquired preferably in developed or emerging economies; sound knowledge of local laws, policies and technical regulations governing trade; the ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders; and experience of working in Central America and/or the Caribbean region.
We will accept applications from individuals or consultancies. Please submit a proposal upon application. Proposals should clearly indicate the flowing:
- Technical approach and methodology proposed to undertake activities outlined in the scope of work (Not more than 8 pages)
- Proposed work plan and milestones
- Proposed budget with all costs clearly broken down
- Detailed CVs of the proposed team member(s)
- A breakdown of tasks and responsibilities between the team member(s)
Please note that we are only able to consider applications from consultants who are Commonwealth citizens or companies registered in a Commonwealth country.
Apply here!