Result of ServiceBy 31 October 2025 ● Output 1: Data collection, characterization and analysis of fisherfolk, suppliers and coastal communities conducted, by 31 May 2025 ● Output 2: Work plan and capacity building training materials for selected Blue Economy social enterprises and partners in the Caribbean developed; by 30 June 2025 ● Output 3: Capacity building activities implemented with Caribbean Blue Economy stakeholders as work plans developed; by 31 October 2025 ● Output 4: Comprehensive narrative document on ITC’s 4 pillar Blue Economy approach and guiding framework written; by 31 July 2025 ● Output 5: Productive and commercial Blue Economy alliances mapped and activated for commercialisation of blue food products; by 31 August 2025 ● Output 6: Presentations and written outputs developed and participated in Blue Economy events and fora in the Caribbean and internationally & Business and investment plans for Blue Economy social enterprises and partners developed; by 30 September 2025 Work LocationHome-based in the Caribbean Region Expected duration6 months (from ASAP) Duties and ResponsibilitiesThe International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization for trade-related technical cooperation in developing countries. The Office for Latin America and the Caribbean (OLAC), as geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all interventions in the region, either for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels. The Green & Inclusive Value Chains section (GIVC) within the Division for Sustainable and Inclusive Trade (DSIT) is responsible for sector-wide transformation, improving market linkages and private sector competitiveness linked to responsible production and consumption, climate resilience, food security, sustainable standards, and market systems. The section utilizes the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodologies to implement projects in its Inclusive and Sustainable Agribusiness value chains areas of work. The A4A is a participatory partnership model that focuses on increasing the competitiveness of MSMES, smallholder farmers and value chain actors while ensuring respect of environmental, economic, and social requirements. A4A seeks to develop responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade by aligning investment and coordination across the full ecosystem of VC actors and by building competitiveness especially in agribusiness. The establishment of partnerships and networks is an essential underlying element of the A4A approach as it contributes to mobilise collaboration, expertise and investment into the alliances along with sustainability of the approach over time. The European Union (EU) funded project “Strengthening nutritious and sustainable value chains in the Caribbean through Alliances” aims to support agri-MSMEs, cooperatives and producers (smallholder farmers and fishers) to become more competitive and resilient through value addition, diversification, and new market development at the regional level. The project is aligned with various EU and CARICOM strategies, including the CARICOM strategy related to “Regional Food Production and Productivity Towards a Sustainable Import Replacement Programme: 25% by 2025 Reduction in the Regional Food Bill”, which has developed a comprehensive import- replacement programme with accompanying targets for selected commodities, geared towards achieving the overall 25% by 2025 objective. The purpose of this assignment is to engage a Blue Economy expert to support implementation of ITC’s 4 Pillar approach to Blue Economy in the Caribbean, specifically focusing on: (i) Upgrading small scale fisheries, fisherfolk and communities; (ii) Promoting innovative and restorative mariculture, aquaculture & conservation, (iii) New products and value addition using waste & innovation; and (iv) Market linkages & responsible investment for Blue economy. The expert will provide capacity building support in the areas of productivity, product development and market access to small-scale fisheries, fisherfolk and communities, aquaculture (marine and on-land), mariculture, waste management/ circular economy (sargassum, fish waste etc.) and marine and land resource conservation; with an emphasis on income generation, food security, resilience, value addition and livelihood diversification. The expert will facilitate partnerships along the value chain and adopt a broad vision of the ecosystem, including coastal tourism, local fisherfolk, value chain operators, ridge and reef communities and private sector processors and buyers. The expert will also lead in the formulation of a narrative document detailing ITC’s Blue economy approach. This expert should consider experience of the partnership between ITC and Jamaica’s Alligator Head Foundation (AHF) and the Coconut Industry Board (CIB) in the development of a ‘Ridge to Reef’ strategy of environmental conservation and sustainable community development that received the UN SIDS Partnerships Awards 2023, in the Environmental category. The objective of this assignment is in line with the UN SDGs strategy to shift from a food system centered on agriculture and land, crops and livestock, to a more integrated vision of food systems that recognizes the role of blue foods in addressing food and nutrition insecurity. This approach is in line with the CARICOM green economy strategy which supports the development of the Blue Economy sector, specifically focusing on the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic diversification, improved livelihoods, and environmental sustainability, and aiming at the close engagement and participation of the people who drive our food systems, such as farmers, herders, food workers, and fisherfolk. In addition to governments, the business community — from Small and Medium Enterprises to Multinational Corporations — has an important role to play through responsible business practices and innovative solutions to make food systems more sustainable, resilient and equitable, while adapting their practices to ensure all people can access a nutritious and healthy diet). The focus of the assignment will be on selected economic activities such as fisheries, aquaculture, coastal tourism, circular economy and local and regional market linkages, as well as conservation, resilience and environmental stewardship – including mangrove and coral restoration for example – and align with the five pillars of the Alliances for Action methodology and the expected outputs of the EU-Caribbean Regional Food Security Programme. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The Consultant will work under the overall guidance and supervision of the Head of the Agribusiness team and Programme Officer and will: 1. Lead in data collection and characterization of fisherfolk, suppliers of selected Blue Economy companies and coastal communities for the selection of target groups for capacity building and market linkages support, including development of questionnaire tool with key partners, survey administration and analysis. 2. Develop a work plan and training materials for the delivery of capacity building support to selected Blue Economy social enterprises and partners in the Caribbean – according to ITC’s 4 pillar approach including productivity (fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, sargassum etc.), product development, value addition and market and investment linkages 3. Lead the implementation of capacity building activities with Blue Economy stakeholders as per work plans developed and lead field missions with in-country ITC teams and partners in the Caribbean, as well as respective A4A service centre leads (including value addition, market development and investment). 4. Lead the formulation of a comprehensive narrative document on ITC’s 4 pillar Blue Economy approach and guiding framework, including case studies from ITC Blue economy initiatives in Africa, Caribbean and Pacific regions. 5. Formulate productive and commercial alliances between market actors for commercialisation of blue food products, including small-scale fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, value added from waste (e.g. sargassum, fish silage etc.) 6. Prepare presentations and written outputs and participate in internal and external events and fora in the Caribbean and internationally, in close collaboration with ITC partners. 7. Support the formulation of business and investment plans for Blue Economy social enterprises and partners, in close coordination with the A4A Investment service centre. 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 skillsPostgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) MA in Blue economy, Fisheries, Maritime studies or similar Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. At least 5 years of relevant professional experience in the Blue Economy Sector Experience working with similar projects and/or partners will be an asset. Experience working with similar projects and/or partners will be an asset. • Ability to develop and implement capacity building programmes in Blue economy development (including fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture, coastal tourism, conservation) • Ability to produce documents for official circulation among institutions and international stakeholders (memos, reports, business proposals). • Ability to design, develop, monitor and coordinate work plans. • Good understanding and direct knowledge of the Blue Economy sector in the Caribbean • Good understanding of the agri-business sector. • Ability to respect deadlines and to work in a team. • Availability to travel for short periods to rural and coastal areas in the Caribbean. LanguagesAdvanced knowledge of English Additional InformationNot available. No FeeTHE 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.