National Consultant – Retail Development and Value Chain Strengthening

The consultant's main objective is to contribute to the transformation of food market systems in Iraq by improving efficiencies throughout the agriculture value chain and fostering mutually beneficial commercial partnerships. The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of JOBS National Project Coordinator in coordination with Aggregation Hub Expert, the National Consultant will carry out the following duties: Deliverable 1: Market Linkages & Business Transactions • Timeline: May 2026 – October 2026 • Output: Facilitate commercial transactions for local horticulture and poultry products between agribusiness alliances and modern retail outlets. • SMART KPIs: • Establish 20 formal linkages with at least 10 modern retailers. • Involve at least 500 farmers in facilitated transactions. • Update M&E database monthly with transaction volumes and values. Deliverable 2: Long-term Commercial Partnerships & Capacity Building • Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026 • Output: Negotiate and secure sustainable, fair-trade contracts and provide technical partnership training. • SMART KPIs: • Facilitate 6 stakeholder meetings (retailers, alliances, government) with documented minutes. • Secure 25 signed long-term contracts between alliances and retailers. • Conduct 3 training sessions (Hamidad, Al-Quba, and Duhok) for alliance managers on quality standards and reject management. Deliverable 3: Supply Chain Optimization • Timeline: May 2026 – July 2026 • Output: Implement efficiency strategies to reduce waste and improve local sourcing for retailers. • SMART KPIs: • Complete supply chain assessments for 10 target retailers. • Successfully implement 3 optimization strategies (e.g., direct sourcing, improved inventory tracking) at 5+ retail sites. Deliverable 4: Retailer Development & Market Orientation • Timeline: May 2026 – December 2026 • Output: Enhance the market positioning of fresh produce departments in key Iraqi cities. • SMART KPIs: • Conduct consumer behavior and market orientation assessments across 4 cities (Mosul, Baghdad, Anbar, Basra). • Deliver tailored recommendation reports to 10 supermarkets to improve fresh produce turnover. Deliverable 5: Logistics Coordination • Timeline: May 2026 – September 2026 • Output: Secure reliable cold-chain and dry transportation services for agribusiness alliances. • SMART KPIs: • Map and engage 3+ logistics providers offering refrigerated services in project areas. • Facilitate at least 2 service agreements between alliances and providers to ensure consistent delivery schedules. Deliverable 6: Market Research & Buyer Engagement • Timeline: May 2026 – February 2027 • Output: Provide data-driven insights into buyer requirements and demand trends. • SMART KPIs: • Interview 5 major retail buyers and document specific quality/packaging requirements. • Produce 1 comprehensive market demand report with actionable insights for ITC. • Develop supply plans for 3 "By Iraqi Hand" (BIH) product categories. Deliverable 7: "By Iraqi Hand" (BIH) Label Promotion • Timeline: May 2026 – February 2027 • Output: Execute the BIH branding campaign to increase consumer trust and sales of local goods. • SMART KPIs: • Roll out in-store promotional campaigns in at least 3 major retail outlets. • Hold 2 coordination meetings with FICC and the BIH Governance Board. • Submit 1 Campaign Performance Report documenting consumer feedback and sales growth linked to the BIH label. Deliverable 8: Final Project Reporting & Handover • Timeline: March 2027 – 30 April 2027 • Output: Final evaluation of partnership sustainability and consultancy impact. • SMART KPIs: • Submission of a final report summarizing all transactions, signed contracts, and lessons learned by April 30, 2027.

Home-based in Mosul, Iraq

01.05.26 - 30.04.27

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 enterprises (SMEs). ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. 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: The Jobs and Entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable Inclusive Development (JOBS) The Jobs and Entrepreneurship Opportunities to Build Sustainable Inclusive Development (JOBS) project, envisioned as the second phase of the European Union (EU) funded “Strengthening the Agriculture and Agri-Food Value Chain and Improving Trade Policy (SAAVI)” project, aims to contribute to sustainable development by addressing key issues such as unemployment, limited economic diversification and weak governance. The project’s specific goal is to enhance economic inclusion and access to decent employment, particularly by strengthening the competitiveness of SMEs in priority sectors, while also supporting youth, women, displaced persons, and other vulnerable groups. The importance of these sectors to climate change mitigation and adaptation also makes them useful areas for the application of sustainable and scalable climate-smart technologies. JOBS will also build on the significant progress made under the SAAVI project towards Iraq's WTO accession, while continuing to support other essential economic and trade reforms. These goals will be pursued through project components on SME capacity development and market linkages, improvements to the business environment for inclusive growth through domestic reforms, increased access to digital trade solutions and e-governance, and enhanced self-reliance among vulnerable and displaced groups. Target beneficiaries will include Iraqi government officials and public institutions, small businesses, youth, women, displaced persons, and other vulnerable populations. The project will collaborate with key partners, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, financial institutions, local business alliances, and international development agencies. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Consultant will work under the direct supervision of JOBS National Project Coordinator in coordination with Aggregation Hub Expert, the National Consultant will carry out the following duties: • Facilitating Business Transactions Between agribusiness alliances and Modern Retailers or independent buying groups including promotion of “By Iraqi Hand (BIH)”, acting as a link between the supply (alliances and aggregation hubs) and demand • Operationalization of existing supply agreements and establishment of new mutually Beneficial Long-term Commercial Partnerships between agribusiness alliances and buyers (modern retailers, buying group, cold chain service providers etc.) to facilitate business transactions. • Providing capacity building to the participating parties (agribusiness alliances, hub managers, retailers) in conducting market transactions (price setting, negotiations, budgeting, etc.). • Setting up systems for organizing distribution operations (order protocol for retailers, order log, product catalogue, product calendar, etc.). • Conduct market research to assess demand for local products, define and update buyer requirements, and develop supply plans linking producers with retailers. • Support the implementation of the By Iraqi Hand label, with a focus on the promotional campaign, by coordinating activities with retailers, the Federation of Iraqi Chambers of Commerce (FICC), and the label’s governance board. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her/his 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 the prior written permission from ITC. 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.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Marketing, Supply Chain Management, or a related field. • Advanced degree (MBA or equivalent) is preferred. • Minimum of 5 years of experience in the retail industry, with a focus on procurement, supply chain management, and partnership development. Skills: • Strong understanding of retail operations, supply chain dynamics, and market-driven product development. • Excellent negotiation and relationship-building skills. • Ability to analyse market trends and consumer preferences to foster local production and develop effective marketing strategies. • Proficient in using retail management software and other relevant technological tools. • Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously. • Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Arabic and English. • In-depth knowledge of retail supply chain management, procurement practices, and logistics. • Understanding of local agribusiness development and investment plans.

• Advanced Arabic and English required. • Intermediate Kurdish is desired.

Not available.

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.