E-Commerce Capacity Building Consultant for MSMEs

Organizational Context

The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is implementing projects to advance e-commerce for women-led SMEs and enhance MSMEs' soft infrastructure in challenging regions. This consultancy supports these initiatives, focusing on strengthening MSMEs' digital capabilities and market access within the Arab region.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to equip Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women-led businesses, with essential e-commerce and AI-enabled business tool skills. The role will contribute to strengthening MSMEs' capacity to formalize, manage, and scale online operations, enhance digital marketing strategies, and improve access to international markets. By conducting ecosystem assessments, delivering tailored training, providing coaching, and engaging stakeholders, the consultant will foster policy dialogue and improve enabling environments, ultimately contributing to inclusive and sustainable economic growth in the Arab region.

Responsibilities

The consultant will be responsible for conducting digital ecosystem mapping and MSME assessments in target countries (Tunisia, Syria, Djibouti, Mauritania), including stakeholder consultations and developing country-level recommendations. Key duties involve designing and delivering practical training on e-commerce, AI tools, digital marketing, formalization, and internationalization for MSMEs. This includes adapting training materials, coaching participants, and supporting online business operations. The role also entails facilitating national community policy dialogues, stakeholder consultations, and contributing to policy recommendations. Additionally, the consultant will support Training of Trainers (ToT) workshops for relevant institutions, developing and adapting ToT materials and delivering workshops as needed.

Work Experience

A minimum of 8 years of professional experience in developing and delivering training programs on e-commerce, digital transformation, or AI tools for small businesses is required. Proven experience in designing training curricula and toolkits, hands-on e-commerce operations experience, and experience working with MSMEs and women entrepreneurs in the Arab region are also necessary.

Skills

E-commerce, AI-enabled business tools, Digital marketing, Formalization, Internationalization, Digital transformation, Ecosystem assessment, Policy analysis, Stakeholder consultation, Training delivery, Coaching, Digital tools, Online business operations, AI-powered content generation tools, E-commerce platforms (e.g., Shopify, Magento, WordPress, Amazon), Automation tools.

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