National Consultant for the Development and Delivery of an LDC SME Digitalization Training Programme

The National Consultant will design, develop, and deliver the SME Digitalization Training Programme under the TechBridge project, including preparation of training curricula, learning materials, practical exercises, online training content, and facilitation of online learning sessions and live virtual workshops for SMEs in Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The consultant will ensure quality and timely delivery of all outputs and deliverables, supporting the digital readiness and resilience of SMEs in LDCs through structured online capacity-building focused on digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

Responsibilities

• Prepare a detailed Inception Report including methodology, curriculum development approach, training delivery methodology, workplan, implementation timeline, and coordination arrangements for review and approval by UNTB.
• Support the initial set-up of the training programme including design of Call for Applications process with SME eligibility and selection criteria.
• Maintain regular coordination with UNTB regarding implementation progress, timelines, deliverables, and reporting requirements.
• Conduct desk review of relevant SME digitalization programmes, entrepreneurship support initiatives, digital transformation frameworks and international good practices relevant to LDC contexts to inform curriculum development.
• Develop training curriculum, online modules, presentations, practical exercises, assignments, templates, and supporting materials in consultation with UNTB.
• Deliver the online training programme for at least 100 SMEs from participating LDCs including participant registration, participation tracking, learning analytics, completion records, and training evaluation.
• Facilitate peer-learning exchanges, live virtual workshops, and digital strategy presentations to support knowledge sharing and practical application among SMEs.
• Monitor participation, completion rates, and participant feedback; adapt training materials as required based on feedback and lessons learned.
• Revise and finalize training materials and programme outputs based on participant feedback and UNTB comments.
• Prepare the Final Training Programme Report including implementation results, participant statistics, learning outcomes, feedback analysis, lessons learned, recommendations, and guidance for future scale-up and sustainability.

Requirements

• Advanced university degree (Master’s degree or equivalent) in Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management, Information Systems, Digital Transformation, Economics, Development Studies or a related field is required.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in SME digitalization, digital transformation, entrepreneurship development, innovation ecosystems, ICT for development, or related areas is required.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and delivering online training programmes, mentorship programmes, and/or capacity-building initiatives for SMEs is required.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with SMEs, entrepreneurship support organizations, innovation ecosystem actors, and/or public institutions is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of SME operational challenges, digital adoption barriers, and entrepreneurship ecosystem constraints in developing countries, acquired through relevant professional experience, is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and practical application of SME digital transformation frameworks, digital business tools, e-commerce, digital marketing, and innovation support mechanisms is required.
• Demonstrated analytical, research, coordination, and report-writing skills, evidenced through previous assignments, publications, reports, or similar outputs, are required.
• Experience working with governments, SMEs, universities, entrepreneurship support organizations, and/or international organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience implementing or supporting at least one (1) project, programme, training, advisory assignment, research initiative, or capacity-building activity in one or more Least Developed Countries (LDCs) is desirable.
• Fluency of English is required.

Skills

• SME Digitalization
• Digital Transformation
• Entrepreneurship Development
• Innovation Ecosystems
• ICT for Development
• Online Course Design
• Mentoring Programmes
• Capacity-Building Initiatives
• SME Engagement
• Entrepreneurship Support
• Innovation Support Mechanisms
• SME Operational Challenges
• Digital Adoption Barriers
• Entrepreneurship Ecosystem Analysis
• SME Digital Transformation Frameworks
• Digital Business Tools
• E-Commerce
• Digital marketing
• Analytical Skills
• Research Skills
• Report Writing
• Training Facilitation
• Curriculum Design
• Learning Material Preparation
• Virtual Workshop Facilitation

Languages

English