Result of Service
The Consultant will provide the following deliverables: APRIL 2026: Design & Scoping Phase • Main Deliverable: Technical guidelines and initial mock-up for an ESG Readiness Tool, including proposed questionnaires, analytics and functionality. • Daily Activities: Conduct research on ESG reporting standards; draft the logic for readiness questionnaires; create UI/UX mock-ups for the tool’s dashboard; conduct methodological discussions with the Senior Market Analyst to ensure data alignment. MAY 2026: Beta Development & Technical Coordination • Main Deliverable: Coordination of development and testing of a beta version of an ESG Readiness Tool with web developers. • Daily Activities: Daily liaison with the web development team to translate guidelines into code; perform functional testing of the beta build; document technical bugs; assist in coordinating routine updates for other existing trade intelligence features. JUNE 2026: Stakeholder Consultation & Refinement • Progress Milestone: Consolidation of feedback from internal and external stakeholders on the ESG beta version. • Daily Activities: Present the beta tool to selected user groups; gather qualitative feedback on usability; identify gaps in the ESG analytics; provide recommendations for feature enhancements based on user research. JULY 2026: Final Validation & Technical Specification • Main Deliverable: Revised ESG Readiness Tool following stakeholders consultations, and validation of final technical specifications. • Daily Activities: Finalise the tool’s architecture; oversee the implementation of refinements from the June consultations; sign off on the final technical documentation to ensure the tool is ready for production. AUGUST 2026: AI Language Integration & Scaling • Main Deliverable: Integration of two additional languages using AI-powered automatic translation across selected ITC trade intelligence platforms. • Daily Activities: Manage the technical implementation of AI translation APIs; conduct quality assurance checks on the automated translations to ensure trade terminology accuracy; coordinate the UI adjustments needed for new language layouts. SEPTEMBER 2026: AI Innovation & Handover • Main Deliverable: Research and concept note on potential AI-based chatbot for trade intelligence. • Daily Activities: Conduct deep-dive research into Large Language Models (LLMs) for trade data; draft a concept note outlining the chatbot’s architecture and user flow; assist in the final release of all integrated solutions; complete the end-of-assignment handover report.
Expected duration
1.04.26 - 30.09.26
Duties and Responsibilities
The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organisation for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. ITC works to strengthen the competitiveness of small businesses and support inclusive and sustainable trade by providing market intelligence, policy advice, and capacity-building to governments, trade and investment support institutions, and the private sector. Within ITC, the Trade and Market Intelligence section (TMI) develops and maintains a portfolio of digital trade intelligence tools that provide accessible, data-driven insights on international trade flows, market access conditions, regulatory requirements, and export opportunities. These solutions help policymakers and businesses design evidence-based trade strategies and identify new market opportunities. As part of its ongoing efforts to expand the reach and impact of its digital tools, ITC is enhancing a range of business-oriented web platforms aimed at improving awareness of trade opportunities and facilitating greater participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in international trade. In particular, ITC is strengthening its integrated solutions in areas related to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) requirements. The present consultancy will support the development and enhancement of new features and analytical tools across ITC’s trade intelligence platforms, including the design and development of an ESG Readiness Tool, the integration of multilingual capabilities, and exploratory work on AI-powered trade intelligence solutions. Description of Duties/Responsibilities: Under the overall guidance of Chief TMI and the direct supervision of a senior market analyst, the consultant will contribute to the development and enhancement of ITC’s digital trade intelligence solutions. The consultant will: 1. Conduct research, contribute to methodological discussions and provide recommendations (including mock-up) to integrate new data and features into selected business solutions 2. Develop guidelines on technical specificities for the web development of an ESG Readiness tool and coordinate its development and testing with web developers 3. Coordinate the integration of new languages into selected integrated solutions 4. Conduct research on an AI trade intelligence chatbot 5. Assist in coordinating the release of other new features/updates of selected trade intelligence solutions. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform her services under this consultancy contract and for the subsequent dissemination by ITC in any form. Documentary proof is to be submitted to ITC. Should any license fee be due for the use of copyrighted materials of third parties, the consultant shall request the prior written permission from ITC. ITC champions workforce diversity, inclusion, gender equality and gender parity and considers all qualified persons - of all genders - equally, including those with disabilities, without discrimination or prejudice of any kind.
Qualifications/special skills
• Advanced degree (MA/MSc or other) in economics, law, international relations, statistics, business or related field. At least 3 years of work experience in the field of trade analysis, trade policy and economic research. Other experience: • Experience in data analytics and visualisation. • Good knowledge of African trade and market access indicators. • Good knowledge of the African Trade Observatory platform and indicators. • Experience in working with IT developers would be an asset. Skills: • The consultant has an academic background and substantive work experience in the field of international trade economics and is familiar with firm-level data. • She/ He is familiar with the business solutions including the Global Trade Helpdesk, as well as having an expertise in data analysis.
Languages
• Written and spoken proficiency in English. • A good knowledge of another UN language will be an asset.
Additional Information
Not available.
No Fee
THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CHARGE A FEE AT ANY STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS (APPLICATION, INTERVIEW MEETING, PROCESSING, OR TRAINING). THE UNITED NATIONS DOES NOT CONCERN ITSELF WITH INFORMATION ON APPLICANTS’ BANK ACCOUNTS.
