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INTERNATIONAL SILK PRODUCT CONSULTANT

5:22:00 PM
We are seeking an International Silk Product consultant for our USAID-funded Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives for the North (IDEA-NEW) in Afghanistan. The purpose of this five-year program is to build on the initiatives of the preceding Alternative Livelihoods Programs to assist Afghan farmers in eliminating their dependence on the opium poppy economy. Primary target beneficiaries are farmers located in poppy prone districts of Balkh, Samangan, Saripul, Jawzjan and Faryab Provinces. The development of a thriving non-poppy economy will be assisted by increasing the competitiveness and diversity of regional sub-sectors with clear comparative advantages in fruit and vegetable production, poultry, carpets and textiles.

The project intends to promote and analyze the silk industry with a specific focus on a local silk vendor as she looks to expand her business and engage in more regional and international trade markets. The project proposes to appoint an international silk consultant to provide short-term technical assistance in providing an in-depth analysis of a specific vendor’s business. The consultant is expected to assist in both identifying gaps and weakness within her own company while also identifying opportunities that will allow her to expand her products to more regional and international markets.

This consultancy will be based in Mazar-e-Sharif, Afghanistan with local travel to the premises of Rabia Maryam’s store, local silkworm producers (as needed) and DAIL Balkh Sericulture Center and selected Silk Rearing Centers in other provinces in the North Central of Afghanistan (as needed). The duration of assignment will be from four (4) to six (6) weeks. The dates will be on or around, August 7th through September 23th, 2013.

Deliverables:
  • Train, coach, and assist Rabia Maryam Handcraft Co. (RMHC) in creating a sustainable business through market driven product development; management procurement of her products; brand development; appropriate profit driven business structure; how to access market information; manage buyer relationships; and link to international buyers/ markets
  • Research and provide a synopsis to RMHC regarding international textile trade shows that can identify potential outside markets to increase her sales market.
  • Provide trainings on how to manage the samples process for international buyers that includes tagging and identifying the buyer, pricing for first samples, developing a “brand identify” and how to manage product samples.
  • Complete presentations on marketing trends that including identifying websites that will assist RMHC to develop a “brand identify” and increase her sales;
  • Train and coach RMHC on buyer relationships and expectations, identify new buyers, using the internet as a marketing tool and designing of marketing materials;
  • Coach and train Rabia Maryam on how to present her business at international trade shows which includes booth setup, marketing materials (hand-outs), buyer protocol and budget and finance procedures.
  • Provide a final report that identifies opportunities, gaps and suggestions.  This should include in-depth analysis of her procurement system, operational costs, HR costs, marketing activities, pricing structure, cash flow and profit/loss analysis along with any other areas identified during your assignment that could potential limit Rabia Maryam’s business.

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 5-10 years’ experience working in the private sector of the fashion and/or international textiles industry.
  • Previous experience working with USAID or USG agencies are preferred.
  • Degree in business, design, fashion management is required, M.A is preferred but not required.
  • Fluency in English is required.

Contact Details


Application Instructions

Please apply online at http://acdivoca.maxhire.net/cp/?E55568361D43515B7E59192F77571F6F0262774B. No phone calls please. Only finalists contacted. Women and minorities encouraged to apply. EOE.

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