Textile Export Readiness Short-Term Consultant, Uzbekistan

Company Profile

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with foundations, investors, governments, corporations, communities and civil society to formulate strategies and implement solutions that generate lasting social, environmental and financial benefits.

For the past 50 years, we have been making Positive Impact possible. With a team of more than 2,500 employees operating in 90 plus countries and a global network of more than 35,000 technical experts, Palladium has improved – and is committed to continuing to improve – economies, societies and most importantly, people’s lives.

Project Overview
The goal of the USAID Business Support Project (BSP) is to enhance sustainable and inclusive economic growth by strengthening businesses and the business-enabling environment in targeted sectors, while addressing the barriers faced by women, youth, and underrepresented groups. This Activity has the following specific objectives:

• Objective 1: Reduced barriers to private sector growth in the ICT, tourism, and textiles sectors and green economy sub-sectors.
• Objective 2: Increased private sector investment and access to finance in ICT, tourism, and textiles sectors and green economy sub-sectors.

Purpose of Position

Uzbekistan’s textile sector is a vital part of the national economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing to export revenues. However, SMEs in this sector often face challenges in accessing international markets, understanding buyer requirements, and meeting export standards. BSP seeks to address these challenges by equipping SMEs with the necessary skills, knowledge, and connections to thrive in the global market.

As part of BSP activities, the program will support small and medium enterprise (SME) participation in the Uztextile Expo, scheduled for October 16-18, 2024, in Uzbekistan. The objective of this assignment is to identify a cohort of export-ready SMEs, preferably women-owned, and provide them with the necessary support to optimize their participation in the Uztextile Expo. This includes preparing for the event through targeted workshops and developing Export Action Plans based on observations and outcomes from their participation in the Expo.

By focusing on enhancing the export capabilities of SMEs, BSP aims to increase their competitiveness and integration into the global textile market. This initiative aligns with broader goals of economic development, job creation, and sustainable growth in Uzbekistan.

Palladium seeks a Textile Export Readiness Short-Term Consultant to accomplish the following goals:

• SME Identification: Identify and assess export-ready SMEs, with a focus on women-owned businesses, and prepare them for successful participation in the Uztextile Expo.
• Capacity Building: Empower SMEs with the skills and knowledge required to effectively engage in the Uztextile Expo and capitalize on the opportunities presented.
• Strategic Planning: Develop Export Action Plans for participating SMEs to guide their post-event activities and ensure sustained export growth.

Duration

This assignment will be completed from September 2024 to October 2024.

Level of Effort

The estimated Level of Effort is 20 days, which includes:

• 8 Days: Preparation and Workshop Implementation
• 3 Days: On-Site Support at Uztextile Expo
• 9 Days: Follow-Up and Report Preparation

Location

This assignment will be conducted primarily from Uzbekistan, through a locally-based consultant.

Reporting

The consultant will report to the BSP Textile Sector Lead.

Responsibilities

SME Assessment and Selection

• Identify and assess a cohort of 20-30 export-ready SMEs (5 minimum women-owned) to participate in Uztextile Expo.
• Review and assess the market potential of selected SMEs based on their certifications, product offerings, and potential for export success.
• Identify target markets and buyers per SME capabilities.

Workshop Design and Implementation

• Design and organize a full day pre-event workshop to prepare SMEs for the upcoming international textile fair in Uzbekistan. Depending on needs and availability of SMEs, this could also be two half-day workshops. (Topics may include trade show best practices; effective pitching to buyers; meeting international standards; buyer expectations; and after-sales customer service.)

On-Site Support

• Attend Uztextile Expo (October 16-18, 2024) to observe the SMEs’ participation and gather insights into their interactions and overall performance during the event.
• Provide real-time feedback and guidance to the SMEs on how to optimize their impact and engagement during the expo.
• Assist SMEs in presenting their products and negotiating with potential buyers.
• Ensure that SMEs follow up with potential buyers immediately after meetings to maintain momentum and secure deals.

Follow-Up Support

• Conduct follow-up sessions with each SME to review their performance during the expo and identify key takeaways.
• Develop tailored Export Action Plans for each SME based on their strengths, weaknesses, and the opportunities identified during the expo. The consultant is expected to conduct a site visit to each SMEs factory to determine export readiness and develop Export Action Plans. These plans should outline specific steps to enhance their export capabilities and guide their future international market engagements.
• Coordinate with SMEs and BSP-selected service providers to create or improve digital product catalogues for use in international expos and tailored to attract potential buyers.

Deliverables

• Assessment reports of selected SMEs, including their export readiness and potential.
• Workshop agenda, materials, and attendance records.
• On-site observation reports detailing the performance of SMEs during Uztextile Expo and recommendations for next phase (scaling the program to additional SMEs and/or providing more support for international market linkages at future trade shows).
• Tailored Export Action Plans for each SME, outlining specific steps for improving their export capabilities.
• Coordination with SMEs and BSP-selected service providers to create or improve digital product catalogues for use in international expos, tailored to attract potential buyers.

Key Competencies Required

• Minimum 5-10 years of experience in international trade and buyer linkages, particularly in the textiles sector.
• Strong knowledge of EU market dynamics and buyer expectations in the textiles industry.
• Excellent communication, training, and facilitation skills.

Competencies Preferred

• Experience with donor-funded projects, especially USAID.
• Fluency in English and Russian or Uzbek, preferred.

Application Deadline

This application will close on September 17, 2024.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion – Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding – We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.

Please apply via this link: https://palladium.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/2/home/requisition/22062?c=palladium