International Consultant In Charge Of The Organisation Of B2b Matchmaking Activities In The Textile And Clothing Sector In Portugal

Result of Service

Deliverables 1. Inception Note: To be submitted within two (2) weeks of contract signature. The note shall outline: • The proposed methodology and workplan • Selection criteria for participating Tunisian companies • Buyer targeting and outreach strategy for the Portuguese market • Proposed timeline and key milestones 2. Company Assessment and Shortlist (June 2026) Assessment of interested Tunisian textile and clothing manufacturers, including: • Brief profile and production overview • Export readiness assessment • Rationale for selection • Submission of a justified shortlist of companies to participate in the B2B initiative. 3. Buyer Mapping and Outreach Report (August 2026) • List of targeted Italian buyers, brands and/or sourcing agents • Summary of outreach conducted • Confirmed schedule of qualified B2B meetings • Rationale for buyer-company matching 4. Implementation of B2B Meetings: December 2026 Organisation and coordination of a minimum number of 50 qualified B2B meetings (to be agreed with ITC), ensuring: • Structured agendas • Alignment between company profiles and buyer interests • Proper documentation of discussions and expressed interest 5. Final Report: To be submitted within two (2) weeks after completion of the B2B meetings. The report shall include: • Overview of meetings conducted • Summary of business leads and potential opportunities identified • Feedback from companies and buyers • Assessment of immediate follow-up actions • Recommendations for further market engagement

Work Location

Home-based - Travel to Tunisia and/or Portugal may be required

Expected duration

4 months

Duties and Responsibilities

Background The Global Textiles and Clothing Programme (GTEX) and the Textiles Programme for the Middle East and North Africa region (MENATEX) are implemented by the International Trade Centre (ITC) with the objective of strengthening the international competitiveness, sustainability and resilience of the textile and clothing sector in partner countries. The programmes are designed to support exporting and export-ready small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), while simultaneously reinforcing the institutional and business support ecosystem that underpins sector development. GTEX and MENATEX adopt an integrated approach that combines enterprise-level support, market access facilitation and capacity building of trade support institutions. At the enterprise level, the programmes focus on improving production capabilities, compliance with international buyer requirements, commercial readiness and market positioning. At the ecosystem level, they aim to enhance the effectiveness of export promotion, buyer engagement and sector coordination mechanisms. Within this framework, structured market access initiatives, including targeted B2B matchmaking activities, constitute a key operational tool to translate competitiveness improvements into concrete export opportunities. Tunisia is one of the core beneficiary countries of GTEX and MENATEX. The textile and clothing sector is among Tunisia’s most strategic industrial and export-oriented sectors, representing a major source of employment, foreign exchange earnings and industrial know-how. Tunisian manufacturers are deeply integrated into European value chains, particularly through outward processing, co-production and short lead-time manufacturing models serving brands and buyers in the EU. The sector benefits from Tunisia’s geographical proximity to Europe, a skilled workforce, accumulated industrial experience and a relatively mature compliance framework aligned with international buyer standards. Despite these structural strengths, Tunisia’s textile and clothing exports remain highly concentrated, both in terms of destination markets and buyer typologies. A significant share of exports is directed towards a limited number of European countries and relies on a relatively narrow set of sourcing relationships, often characterised by subcontracting or outward processing arrangements. While these models have historically underpinned the sector’s growth, they also expose Tunisian manufacturers to increasing vulnerabilities related to market concentration, price pressure and shifts in buyer sourcing strategies. In recent years, structural changes in global and European textile and clothing markets have reinforced the need for diversification. European buyers are reassessing their sourcing models in response to evolving consumer demand, sustainability and due-diligence requirements, supply chain risk considerations and the need for greater flexibility and responsiveness. At the same time, competition among sourcing countries has intensified, particularly in price-sensitive segments, while compliance and traceability expectations have become baseline requirements rather than differentiating factors. In this context, the diversification of export destinations and buyer portfolios has become a strategic necessity for Tunisian textile and clothing manufacturers. Diversification is not limited to identifying new markets, but also entails engaging with different buyer typologies, sourcing models and value chain positions. This requires a more targeted and strategic approach to market access, grounded in a clear understanding of buyer requirements, market structures and entry conditions in specific destination markets. Under GTEX and MENATEX, ITC supports this transition by promoting structured and well-prepared engagement between Tunisian manufacturers and international buyers. Rather than relying on generic trade promotion activities, the programmes emphasise targeted B2B matchmaking, preceded by company selection and preparation, and followed by structured follow-up. Such an approach is essential to ensure that market diversification efforts are realistic, demand-driven and aligned with the actual capabilities of Tunisian enterprises, while maximising the likelihood of sustainable commercial outcomes. Objective of the Assignment The objective of this assignment is to design, prepare, implement and follow up structured B2B matchmaking activities between selected Tunisian textile and clothing manufacturers and buyers in Portugal. Scope of the Assignment Under the overall guidance of ITC, the consultant will be responsible for the end-to-end preparation and delivery of B2B matchmaking activities, covering all stages from company selection to post-event follow-up. The scope of work will include, but not be limited to, the following components:  The consultant will support ITC in the identification, assessment and selection of Tunisian textile and clothing manufacturers with credible export potential for the Portuguese market. This will involve reviewing company profiles, conducting audits or in-depth consultations where relevant, and assessing production capacity, product range, compliance status, certifications and overall alignment with buyer requirements.  Based on this assessment, the consultant will prepare selected companies for B2B engagement. This preparation phase will focus on strengthening company presentations, clarifying product positioning, aligning commercial offers with market demand and enhancing companies’ readiness to interact with Portuguese buyers. Preparation activities may be conducted through a combination of on-site visits, individual coaching sessions and remote support.  The consultant will identify, screen and prioritise relevant buyers in Portuguese market, taking into account the profiles and capabilities of the selected Tunisian companies. Buyer identification will be demand-driven and focused on buyers with a realistic interest in the production capabilities and sourcing models offered by Tunisian manufacturers.  The consultant will be responsible for contacting buyers, presenting the B2B initiative and securing meetings based on mutual interest. This includes managing communications with buyers, coordinating availability and confirming meetings in a structured and professional manner.  The consultant will contribute to the organisation and coordination of B2B meetings, including the preparation of meeting schedules and logistical coordination in close collaboration with ITC and relevant partners. Where applicable, the consultant may provide on-site support during the B2B meetings.  Following the B2B matchmaking activities, the consultant will support post-event follow-up with participating companies and buyers. This includes collecting feedback, identifying concrete business leads and opportunities, and contributing to reporting on results, lessons learned and recommendations for further engagement. 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 university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in International Trade, Business Administration, Textile Engineering, Industrial Management, or a related field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. Industry Expertise: At least 7 years in textiles and clothing, focusing on international sourcing, production, and buyer-supplier relations. B2B Matchmaking: A proven track record of organizing B2B events, including selecting manufacturers, pitching to buyers, and securing long-term commercial deals. Market Knowledge: Deep understanding of what international buyers need regarding quality, compliance, certifications, and lead times. Hands-on Consulting: Experience working directly with factories (ideally in regions like Tunisia) to assess their export readiness and production capacity. Network: Direct access to professional buyer networks in Portugal and familiarity with global sourcing channels. Communication: Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate clearly with everyone from factory managers to international stakeholders.

Languages

Excellent command of English is required. Working knowledge of French is a strong asset, given the Tunisian context and interaction with participating companies and institutions.

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.