Result of Service

Expected outputs and timelines Output 1: 1. List of key questions for meeting and interviews prepared 2. Based on the inputs from the field research and interviews, as additional desk research, prepare a draft detailed report on the Nigeria Furniture Sector, including production, market trends, stakeholder mapping, regulatory insights, and training and education needs. The report will also describe key trends, opportunities, and challenges. A part of the report will identify expected income and start-up costs. Output 2: 3. A finalised list of persons and institutions interviewed 4. Feedback and comments from ITC HQ incorporated into the final report 5. Developed a PowerPoint presentation on the sector brief for use during public engagement. Timeline: All above duties need to be completed by 28 February 2025.

Work Location

Home-based Nigeria Possible travel within Nigeria

Expected duration

06.01.25 – 20.02.25

Duties and Responsibilities

Background: The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the United Nations (UN). It is the only multilateral agency fully dedicated to supporting the internationalisation of SMEs. ITC aims to foster inclusive and sustainable growth and development through trade and international business development. Thus, the organisation contributes to creating jobs at the level of segments of agricultural value chains and promising services, especially for young people and women. Its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland. About the Project: Assisting the Reintegration of Returnees through Integrated Vocational and Entrepreneurship Support (ARRIVES) in Nigeria This project aims to create job opportunities for migrants returning from Germany, contributing to Nigeria’s economic development. It covers the entire return process, from pre-return coaching in Germany to post-arrival reintegration support. The intervention will support the creation of a stronger and more supportive business ecosystem in Nigeria for businesses of the returning migrants. The project focuses on two areas of intervention: • Designing and implementing an entrepreneurship coaching component post-return in Nigeria. • Enhancing the capacity of institutional support to provide customised support to returnee-led MSMEs better. • Improving the knowledge of the needs of returnees and recommendations for economic support activities by providing structured learnings to project partners and returnees. ITC implements the ARRIVES project in collaboration with NGO partners, such as Social Impact, which focuses on preparing returnees for their return) and IRARA, which focuses on managing their reintegration. Duties/Responsibilities The local expert will work directly with the project coordinator of ARRIVES in Nigeria under the overall guidance and supervision of the trade strategy advisor. The expert will provide specialised knowledge and guidance in the Nigeria Furniture production sector, enhancing understanding and identifying opportunities for returnees in Nigeria. I- Conduct comprehensive research and interviews to gather sector-relevant information, including: 1. Data Collection: Collect data on furniture production volumes, installed manufacturing capacities, types of furniture produced (e.g., residential, commercial, export-grade), revenue generated, export figures, import dependency, employment statistics, and price trends within the sector. 2. Sector Mapping: Identify key sector support institutions (both public and private) such as government ministries, trade associations, and furniture manufacturing clusters. Detail their roles, influence, interests, and capabilities in driving growth and innovation in the furniture sector. 3. Market Analysis: Conduct an in-depth analysis of market trends, consumer preferences, and growth opportunities. Identify barriers to market entry, potential for international exports, and areas requiring technological advancement. Include insights into the regulatory environment, incentives for local production, and demand for sustainably sourced materials. ITC will provide a template and guidance on filling in the sector profile. 4. Supply Chain Evaluation: Analyse the supply chain, including sourcing of raw materials, availability of skilled labour, and access to modern manufacturing equipment and technologies. Assess the impact of fluctuating raw material prices on profitability. II- Interview/group meeting with relevant sector informant 5. Stakeholder Engagement: Assist in identifying and interviewing key stakeholders in the furniture sector, including furniture manufacturers, retailers, regulatory bodies, trade associations, business managers, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programmes, specialised agencies, and potential investors across Nigeria. 6. Sustainability and Innovation: Evaluate the growing role of sustainability in furniture production, including adopting eco-friendly materials and innovative design processes to meet global quality standards. 7. Policy and Export Potential: Investigate government policies and incentives promoting local furniture production and exports to markets such as South Africa, Saudi Arabia, and Arab nations. Identify export barriers and areas where support is needed to boost competitiveness. 8. Regular Engagement with ITC: Participate in regular online calls with the ITC project team to provide updates on the research. Copyright: The Consultant must ensure that s/he has obtained the necessary permissions regarding intellectual property rights required to perform his/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. S/he has further to ensure to 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. 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 degree in building engineering, architecture, civil engineering, material engineering, business administration, or a related field. • Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree. • A minimum of 5 years of experience in the Nigerian furniture sector, focusing on entrepreneurship and business development, is highly desirable. • A good understanding of Nigeria’s MSME landscape and peculiarities. • Additional: Experience in delivering business development services. • Strong analytical and strategic planning skills, excellent communication and presentation abilities • Entrepreneurship Knowledge: A deep understanding of business planning, financial management, and market analysis is essential for supporting returnees in starting and growing their businesses. • Effective Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts clearly and build rapport with diverse audiences.

Languages

• Advanced English is required

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.