The USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity aims to generate higher levels of export sales between Africa and the U.S. in line with the Prosper Africa objectives. One mechanism is through trade promotion activities via a fully integrated array of support services provided before, during, and after trade fair events such as the Sourcing at MAGIC exhibition.
The USAID Africa Trade and Investment Kenya and East Africa Mission seeks to support at least 30 Textile and apparel, home textile and leather goods sectors firms and engage short-term technical assistance (STTA) to coordinate efforts with ATI to recruit, screen, prepare firms to exhibit in-person at the Sourcing at Magic (MAGIC) Show, (https://www.sourcingatmagic.com) taking place between February 13-15, 2024, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Las Vegas, United States.
Sourcing at MAGIC is one of the premier fashion tradeshows in the US and is held twice a year (February and August) in Las Vegas. The event showcases men’s, women’s and children’s apparel, footwear, accessories, and manufacturing resources from around the world. MAGIC brings together a global audience of over 32,000 retail buyers and 860 brands covering 60 countries, influencers, media, and leaders together under one roof. It is well attended by major competitors from Asian countries, such as China, shedding light where African suppliers should be and have a comparative advantage to enter and/or expand into the U.S. market.
Building on previous work and successes under the engagement at MAGIC in 2023, Prosper Africa and USAID Africa Trade and Investment activity will harness the trade shows to create a comprehensive database of verified buyers in the U.S. in the targeted sectors who can easily be accessed by high quality exporters across the African continent, enabling the firms to close deals with minimal support.
In order to assist USAID Africa Trade and Investment Kenya and East Africa Regional Buy-In activity effectively to create export trade linkages between US buyers and African exports, the Activity requires the services of a Regional MAGIC Trade Show Consultant. He/she will deliver these services from Kenya.
Position Overview and Objectives
The Regional MAGIC Trade Show Consultant will provide support to recruit, screen, prepare firms to exhibit in-person at the Sourcing at Magic (MAGIC) Show and follow-up on post show activities and reporting in collaboration with ATI as follows:
The Consultant will support and coordinate with ATI and Kenya and East Africa Regional Mission to identify, screen and select export ready and near export ready firms, prepare selected firms to exhibit in-person in advance oft MAGIC February 2024 trade show and follow-up with firms post the show.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Regional Magic Trade Show Consultant will be required to:
- Identify Kenya and East African textile, Apparel, home textile and leather goods firms that are Export Ready and Near Export Ready.
- Raise awareness of the MAGIC Show opportunity with export firms and trade associations
- Assist firms to complete the MAGIC show application form.
- Collect and coordinate submission of relevant information from exhibitor firms including logos, contact information, addresses, profiles, and photos for Africa Pavilion Look Book.
- Ensure individual Deal Notes are signed and submitted to ATI in a timely manner.
- Facilitate visa letter requests.
- Coordinate the payment of co-contributions from the export firms.
- In collaboration with the ATI Trade and activity teams provide overall support to exhibitor firms from the region.
- Coordinate the participation of firms in preparatory webinars.
- In collaboration with ATI, follow up with firms post the Trade show on generated pipelines.
Qualifications
Required
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in textile technology, business, economics, or related field.
- 10 years progressively responsible work experience in the apparel, textile, home textile and/or leather products sector including some years in promotion and sourcing function.
- Senior level experience with Kenya and East Africa textile, Apparel, home textile and leather goods firms, managing trade promotion, export sales, supply chain, merchandising, production, or logistics.
- Able to write reports and presentations using MS Office Suite applications.
- Fluency in spoken and written English.
Desirable
- Post graduate degree or professional qualification in business administration, management, merchandizing, fashion design, economics or another relevant field.
- International work experience, particularly in Kenya and East Africa countries.
- Training and public speaking experience.
- Relevant specialized experience in specific textile, apparel, or footwear products.
- Fluency in Spoken and written French.
Reporting
The Regional MAGIC Trade Show Consultant will report to the USAID Africa Trade and Investment Activity Regional Director working closely with the Trade Specialist.
ORGANIZATION AND VALUES:
DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world.
DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.
DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.
How to apply
APPLICATION LINK: https://fs25.formsite.com/DupOTo/jcpwgzsbcl/index
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
Select the position in which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information, and upload CV. Please indicate what location you are applying for. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as interviews will be conducted soon. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions, only shortlisted applicants will receive notification on next steps.