National Consultant: Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Coordinator

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and WTO, focuses on trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Green and Inclusive Value Chains Section (GIVC) develops sustainable market-driven solutions, including the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) approach. This role supports the RBC Africa project, aiming to enhance capacity and align practices with international standards, contributing to sustainable development goals.

Job Purpose

This role serves as a National Consultant for the Responsible Business Conduct (RBC) Africa project in Namibia, focusing on Human Rights and Environmental Due Diligence (HREDD). The consultant will support the design and implementation of RBC interventions for value chain operators, including MSMEs and farmer organizations. The purpose is to build capacity, manage risks, increase market readiness, and enhance competitiveness by aligning practices with international standards and emerging EU regulations. This contributes to promoting smart, inclusive growth and sustainable development in sub-Saharan Africa through responsible trade and production systems.

Responsibilities

The consultant will provide in-country technical and coordination support for the RBC project in Namibia. Key duties include identifying and mapping value chain actors, mobilizing stakeholders, and facilitating dialogues to assess HREDD measures. Responsibilities also involve developing a country-level work plan, conducting due diligence readiness assessments for at least 15 operators, and supporting the creation of capacity-building action plans. The role includes organizing workshops, coordinating participation in project activities, monitoring impact through field visits and surveys, and contributing to project reporting. Additionally, the consultant will support field missions, participate in trade events, and maintain communication with key national and international stakeholders.

Work Experience

A minimum of three years of relevant professional experience is required in project coordination, agriculture value chain development, smallholder development, or agro-processing and exports, with knowledge of agri-business and participatory approaches. Experience with international organizations, supporting smallholder and rural development, environmental sustainability, and stakeholder engagement is desirable.

Skills

Knowledge of target sectors (agriculture/agribusiness, critical minerals, textiles) and the Namibian ecosystem. Understanding of Trade and MSME development in LDCs. Familiarity with value chain operator priorities. Experience in multi-stakeholder platform facilitation and public-private sector engagement. Ability to produce official documents, design and coordinate work plans. Essential project management/coordination and excellent time management skills. Proactive work ethic and ability to work with minimum supervision.

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