Result of Service
Output 1: • A 20-pages draft report on the Nigerian Sesame Sector, including business opportunities for returnees and migrants, market dynamics and trends, stakeholder mapping, regulatory insights, and training and education needs prepared. The report will also describe financial requirements, expected income, challenges and risks, as well as success stories. Output 2: • A list of individuals and organisations considered key to the sector and useful for vulnerable groups. • Feedback and comments from ITC project team incorporated into the final report. • Developed a PowerPoint presentation on the sector brief for use during public engagement. Timeline: All above duties need to be completed by 30 June 2026, at the latest.
Duties and Responsibilities
ITC is the joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalization of SMEs. ITC's mission is to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. ITC Headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. ITC projects and programmes contribute to the global efforts to achieve UN Global Goals for Sustainable Development and the Aid for Trade agenda. Refugees and Trade The Refugee and Trade Team delivers ITC’s trade-related technical assistance in the context of refugees and other people affected by displacement and migration. Refugees and Trade Team is housed in the Women, Youth, and Vulnerable Communities (WYVC) section of the Division of Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT). Refugees and Trade increases business and employment opportunities, creates better access and connection to markets and improved livelihoods and resilience. These objectives are delivered through five areas of work; (1) provide firm-level support, (2) strengthening the ecosystems for inclusive refugee economic participation, (3) policy advocacy, (4) research and knowledge sharing, and (5) strategic partnerships. The national consultant will support the Assisting the Reintegration of Returnees through Integrated Vocational and Entrepreneurship Support (ARRIVES) project in Nigeria. This project aims to support migrants returning from Germany by offering two approaches to economic reintegration: self-employment or job placement. It covers the entire return process from pre-return coaching in Germany to post-arrival reintegration support. The intervention contributes to improve the knowledge of the needs of returnees and recommendations for economic support activities and will provide structured learnings to project partners and returnees. The project will support the creation of a stronger business ecosystem in Nigeria and enhance the capacity of institutional support for returnee-led MSMEs. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Under the supervision of the Head of Refugees and Trade, the consultant will work with the project coordinator of ARRIVES in Nigeria. The expert will provide specialized knowledge and guidance on the Nigerian Sesame Sector, enhancing understanding and identifying business opportunities for returnees in Nigeria. The expert will prepare a sector report, based on comprehensive desk research and inputs from field research and interviews, including: 1. Sector overview: Collect data on production capacity and manufacturing processes, local and global demand, pricing, cost fluctuations, required qualifications and educational background, and the availability of input materials; as well as operational data such as turnaround times, revenue potential, employment statistics, reliance on imports and export figures. 2. Sector Mapping: Identify key support institutions (both public and private) such as government ministries, trade associations, specialised agencies and financial institutions. Detail their roles, influence, interests, and capabilities in driving growth and innovation in the respective sector. Consult key stakeholders, including farmers, processors, retailers, regulatory bodies, business managers, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, and potential investors across Nigeria. 3. Market Analysis: Conduct an in-depth analysis of market trends, consumer preferences, and growth opportunities. Identify barriers to market entry, potential for international exports, and areas already using or requiring technology. Include insights into the regulatory environment, incentives for local production, and demand for sustainably processed products. 4. Target Group Adaptation: Identify business opportunities with low barriers to entry and in line with the target group's profile, including educational background and experience. Analyse and compare several options and test them for feasibility in order to identify the best choices for returnees and migrants. 5. Supply Chain Evaluation: Analyse the supply chain, including input supply, production, aggregation, processing, transportation, and marketing/retail, as well as the availability of skilled labour and access to modern equipment and technologies. Assess the impact of fluctuating prices on profitability and export opportunities. 6. Sustainability and Innovation: Evaluate the growing role of sustainability in the agricultural value chains, including the adoption of eco-friendly and sustainable inputs and awareness of sustainable farming and processing practices. Analyse innovative manufacturing processes to meet global quality standards. 7. Policy and Export Potential: Investigate government policies and incentives promoting local production and processing, as well as exports to regional and international markets. Identify export barriers and areas where support is needed to boost competitiveness. The expert will participate in regular online meetings with the ITC project team for: 8. Updates: Provide updates on the research, interesting findings and progress in the stakeholder engagement. 9. Exchange: Discuss plans and developments with the team proactively to address challenges at an early stage and finalise all duties by the set deadline. Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure to have obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform their 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
• Degree/formal education in agriculture, crop science, farming, agricultural value chains, business administration, or a related field. • Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of a formal degree. • A minimum of 3 years of experience in the Nigerian agriculture sector, focusing on entrepreneurship and business development. Desirable experience: • Practical experience in various areas of work across the Sesame Value Chain. • A good understanding of Nigeria’s MSME landscape and peculiarities. • Experience in delivering business development services. Skills • Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, excellent communication and presentation abilities. • Entrepreneurship Knowledge: A deep understanding of business planning, financial management, and market analysis is essential for supporting vulnerable people in starting and growing their businesses. • Effective Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and build rapport with diverse audiences.
