Description
We are seeking a national consultant to provide technical support to income-generating activities (IGAs) and cross-border trade in the Ituri province, specifically in the border areas between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda.
The consultant will contribute to the implementation of Product 2.3 of the Borderlands project, which aims to enhance economic opportunities for border communities, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and cross-border traders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Conducting a needs assessment for capacity building of small traders, particularly women, cross-border traders, IDPs, and returned individuals
- Supporting the development of a market study and sharing findings on economic needs and opportunities with beneficiaries
- Designing and validating training modules on trade facilitation, human mobility, business management, financial education, and anti-corruption measures
- Organizing and facilitating training sessions for small traders in targeted areas
- Mapping priority value chains and identifying bottlenecks to support the creation of market linkages
- Supporting the creation or reactivation of cross-border trader associations at targeted border crossings
- Facilitating access to financing for traders and associations
- Accompanying the identification, selection, and monitoring of beneficiaries of IGAs
- Contributing to the design and implementation of awareness-raising activities on cross-border economic opportunities
- Providing technical support to the identification of priorities for modernizing cross-border markets
- Reporting and monitoring progress
The consultant will work under the supervision of the Borderlands Project Manager and in close collaboration with IOM teams responsible for IGAs and high-impact interventions.
Requirements:
- Relevant degree in economics, business administration, or a related field
- At least 3 years of experience in a similar role, preferably in a developing country context
- Strong knowledge of income-generating activities, cross-border trade, and market development
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Fluency in French and/or English; knowledge of local languages is an asset