Result of Service• Output 1: Report on Market research, which will contain list of potential buyers and professionals. Feedback from preliminary contact with buyers and professionals. - 15 September 2025 • Output 2: Identification of interested buyers, and a report on each buyer, containing products of interest, market capacity for the products, and standards (voluntary and mandatory) that must be met for market entry. Delivery of an online presentation to stakeholders highlighting the potential of the identified markets. – 15 October 2025 • Output 3: Development of consumer profiles for the identified markets. Profiles should contain data on demographics, income levels, and factors that affect the decision to buy (cost, quality, importance of environmental-friendliness, preference for organic products, specific skin and hair types, product positioning etc.). – 15 November 2025 • Output 4 Report on price comparisons and positioning of similar, related and competing products on the market. – 15 December 2025 • Output 5 Report on proposed market strategy (products to be developed, market requirements and equipment available) – 15 January 2026 Work Locationhome-based (with possible travel) Expected duration01.09.25 - 31.01.26 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 a geographical section of the Division of Country Programmes (DCP), is responsible for defining the ITC strategy and coordinating all regional interventions for individual countries or at the sub-regional and regional levels. The Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section is responsible for developing and disseminating sector-level expertise for sustainable market-driven solutions in ITC, including the Alliances for Action (A4A) methodology. A4A is a participatory partnership model that engages smallholder farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in order to manage risk and facilitate networks that provide the required technical expertise and capacity building. The “Support to Business Friendly and Inclusive National and Regional Policies and Strengthening Productive Capabilities and Value Chains” Programme (EU-ACP Business Friendly) aims to complement the European Union support for private sector development in ACP countries, under the context of the joint ACP-EU Programme for ACP Private Sector Development Support, adopted by ACP-EU Council of Ministers in Nairobi in 2014, and is financed from the 11th European Development Fund. With major focus on the development of agriculture and agri-business value chains, the Programme is designed to achieve two key outcomes: (1) adopting and implementing business-friendly, inclusive and responsible national policies and legal frameworks, and (2) strengthening productive, processing, promoting and marketing capabilities and value chains. Within this project, ITC is looking at engaging a consultant to conduct market research and provide product development recommendations for SMEs in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the value addition activities in the cocoa sector of the Caribbean. Objective: The objective of this assignment is to provide support for at least 10 SMEs within the cocoa sector of Trinidad and Tobago, and wider Caribbean, in the acquisition of market knowledge on the current trends and market potential for cocoa-infused skin care products in the skin and hair care sectors. The consultant will also provide support for product development via guidance and recommendations on market potential and strategic market access. Description of Duties/Responsibilities Under the direct supervision of the ACP Programme Manager, and in close collaboration with the National Coordinator in Trinidad and Tobago, Global Trinidad and Tobago, and the Alliances for Action (A4A) Market development focal point, the expert will undertake the following duties: 1. Identify markets for the export of skin and hair care products from Trinidad and Tobago by conducting a market research: • Analize the ITC Trade Map and other market intelligence tools to select 3 potential export markets for SMEs from Trinidad and Tobago. • Interview at least 8 buyers and other professionals in the skin care and hair care sectors from the selected markets (including local tourism organizations, such as hotels and spas) to gather insider information on market gaps and requirements • Acquire further market information for product development and commercialization purposes. 2. Develop a strategy for the penetration of Trinidad and Tobago SMEs into the targeted markets: • For the specified markets, provide recommendations for the development of products that contain cocoa as a key raw ingredient. Copyright The Consultant has to ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform his/her services under this consultancy contract and for 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 prior written permission from ITC. S/he has further to ensure obtain accreditation to event(s), if required. 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• Undergraduate degree (BA/BSC or other) in business administration, economics, marketing, cosmetic sciences or related field. • Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. 5 years of relevant experience At least 5 years of experience in skincare, haircare or related areas would be an asset. Skills • Ability to work with minimum supervision, efficiency, competence and integrity and in harmony with persons of different backgrounds. • Expertise in market research, marketing, and sales. • Excellent writing and communication skills with ability to produce documents/ reports for official circulation among institutions and international stakeholders. • Ability to design, develop, monitor and coordinate work plans and take corrective actions. • Good understanding and direct knowledge of the agribusiness sectors in the selected regions and/ or countries. • Extensive knowledge in the areas of skincare and haircare sectors in the international market quality compliance and related areas. • Direct experience in sales of skincare and haircare products. • Experience working with skincare and haircare SMEs. LanguagesAdvanced English required. Additional InformationPlease submit your application to William Castro (wcastro@intracen.org) and Gnilim Liora Gnassingbe-Essonam (ggnassingbe@intracen.org) 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.