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.

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.

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, small and medium enterprises (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 SME participation in two significant international trade events: the International Textile Manufacturers Federation (ITMF) Annual Conference and the International Apparel Federation (IAF) World Fashion Convention. Both events will take place from September 8-12, 2024 in Uzbekistan.

Palladium seeks a Textile Buyer Linkages Consultant to provide technical assistance to SMEs in preparation for the trade shows and to facilitate successful buyer linkages for 20-30 selected SMEs from the textiles sector. The consultant will identify and connect SMEs with 5-10 EU buyers from countries including France, Germany, and Poland, ensuring preparedness for the trade show.

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

The goals of this consultancy can be summarized as follows:

• Capacity Building: Empower SMEs with the skills and knowledge required to effectively engage with international buyers.
• Market Access: Facilitate access to new markets by connecting SMEs with reputable buyers from the EU with demonstrated interest in sourcing from Uzbekistan.
• Sustainable Growth: Promote long-term business relationships that lead to sustained export growth and economic stability.

Duration

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

Level of Effort

The estimated Level of Effort is 18 days, which includes:

• 10 Days: Preparation and Workshop Implementation
• 5 Days: On-Site Support at the ITMF and IAF Conventions
• 3 Days: Follow-Up and Report Preparation

Location

This assignment will be conducted primarily in Uzbekistan, although the consultant may conduct preparatory work from the consultant’s home.

Reporting

The consultant will report to the BSP Textile Sector Lead.

Responsibilities

SME Assessment and Selection

• Review and assess the selected SMEs based on their certifications, product offerings, and export readiness.
• Identify target markets and buyers per SME capabilities.
• Ensure SMEs meet the quality and standards required for target markets.

Buyer Identification

• Identify 5-10 potential EU buyers from selected countries such as France, Germany, and Poland.
• Conduct market research to align buyers’ needs with SMEs’ offerings.

Buyer Linkages

• Develop detailed profiles of potential buyers, including their purchasing history, requirements, and preferences.
• Create a matchmaking strategy that pairs SMEs with the most compatible buyers.
• Establish clear communication channels between SMEs and buyers before the event to build relationships and set expectations.

Workshop Design and Implementation

• Design and organize workshops to prepare SMEs for the upcoming international textile fairs in Uzbekistan. (Topics include trade show best practices; effective pitching to buyers; meeting international standards; buyer expectations; and after-sales customer service.)
• Conduct pre-event training sessions to enhance SMEs’ preparedness.

On-Site Support

• Provide on-site support during the ITMF & IAF Convention (September 8-12, 2024).
• Facilitate buyer-SME matchmaking meetings and networking events.
• 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

• Assist SMEs in following up with buyers post-convention.
• Provide guidance on sustaining relationships and converting leads into sales.
• Help SMEs in drafting and finalizing contracts with buyers to ensure successful export deals.

Deliverables

• Assessment reports of selected SMEs.
• List of identified EU buyers with detailed profiles.
• Workshop agendas, materials, and attendance records.
• Reports on buyer-SME matchmaking meetings.
• Post-event follow-up report.
• Final comprehensive report summarizing all activities and outcomes.

Key Competencies Required

• Minimum 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.
• Fluency in English and Russian or Uzbek.

Competencies Preferred

• Experience with donor-funded projects, especially USAID.

Application Deadline

This application will close on Friday, August 9, 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