Mapping Business Support Organizations (BSOs) in ASEAN

Organizational Context

The International Trade Centre (ITC), a joint agency of the UN and WTO, supports developing countries in trade. This role is part of the EU-ASEAN Sustainable Connectivity Package (SCOPE) – Trade project, implemented by ITC in partnership with the ASEAN Secretariat. The project aims to improve sustainable connectivity between the EU and ASEAN, focusing on trade, economic connectivity, and sustainable value chains.

Job Purpose

This consultancy aims to conduct a structured mapping and analysis of Business Support Organizations (BSOs) across ASEAN Member States. The role will provide technical support for identifying, documenting, and analyzing BSOs, with a specific focus on their support to priority value chains like semiconductor, fish and crustacean products, and plastics and rubber. The objective is to understand the institutional ecosystem, identify service gaps and overlaps, and provide recommendations for strengthening coordination and effectiveness within the ASEAN business support landscape, contributing to Output 3 of the SCOPE Trade project.

Responsibilities

The consultant will map and identify relevant BSOs and ecosystem actors across ASEAN through desk research and stakeholder consultations, focusing on specific sectors. This includes profiling organizations by mandate, governance, services, and beneficiaries, and analyzing their support mechanisms. The role involves conducting an ecosystem analysis to identify service gaps, overlaps, and coordination opportunities. Responsibilities also include developing an institutional ecosystem map and drafting an analytical report with actionable recommendations for improving ecosystem efficiency and collaboration. Finally, the consultant will incorporate feedback from stakeholders to finalize deliverables and support validation processes.

Work Experience

A minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience is required in areas such as private sector development, business ecosystem analysis, institutional mapping, or trade and investment support. Demonstrated experience working with business support institutions within the ASEAN region and proven experience in conducting institutional assessments or ecosystem analysis are essential.

Skills

Strong analytical and research skills for institutional ecosystem analysis and stakeholder mapping. Excellent ability to synthesize complex information into structured analytical outputs and visual ecosystem maps. Strong understanding of ASEAN business ecosystems, regional economic cooperation, and private sector support mechanisms. Very good organizational, drafting, and communication skills. Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and work efficiently under pressure.

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