Regional East Africa Summer Fancy Food (SFF) Trade Show Consultant at DAI Kenya - Development Alternatives, Inc.

• In order to assist USAID Africa Trade and Investment KEA Misson to effectively create export trade linkages between US buyers and African exports, the Activity requires the services of a Regional East African SFF Trade Show Consultant. He/she will deliver these services from Kenya.

RESPONSIBIITIES AND TASKS

The Regional East Africa SFF Trade Show Consultant will provide support to recruit, screen, prepare firms to exhibit in-person at SFF Show and follow-up on post show activities and reporting in collaboration with ATI as follows:

• Support and coordinate with ATI and the KEA Regional Mission to identify, screen and select export ready and near export ready firms, prepare selected firms to exhibit in-person in advance of the SFF 2024 trade show.
  • Identify East African food sector firms that are Export Ready and Near Export Ready.
  • Raise awareness of the Summer Fancy Foods Show opportunity with export firms and trade associations (Share market opportunities to signal trade prospects – commodities, preferences, terms of trade. etc.)
  • Assist firms to complete the SFF show application form.
  • Collect and coordinate submission of relevant information from exhibitor firms including logos, contact information, addresses, profiles, and photos for Africa Pavilion Look Book.
  • Ensure individual Deal Notes are signed and submitted to ATI in a timely manner.
  • Facilitate visa letter requests.
  • Facilitate insurance payments by export firms.
  • Coordinate the payment of co-contributions from the export firms.
  • In collaboration with the ATI Trade and activity teams provide overall support to exhibitor firms from the region.
  • Coordinate the participation of firms in preparatory webinars.
  • In collaboration with ATI, follow up with firms post the Trade show on generated leads and potential deal pipelines.
• Reports
  • Deliver cumulative Bi-weekly, quarterly, and terminal activity and status reports on progress achieved, challenges, and next steps pre ad post SFF Participation.

DELIVERABLES

• Report on activities undertaken to raise awareness of the SFF Show opportunity with export firms and trade associations.
• A report on activities carried out to reach and inform about SFF show opportunities including list of firms and trade associations. Due date: April 15, 2024.
• A list and profiles of selected food sector firms from countries covered by USAID Kenya East Africa Regional Mission.

In collaboration with ATI and the Kenya East Africa Regional Mission, prepare a list and profiles of at least 30 firms with completed selection checklist. Due Date: April 15, 2024

• Application forms from East African export firms. Due Date: May 1, 2024
• A final list of signed Deal notes, by selected firms.
• Co-ordinate, assist and finalize signing of deal notes. Due Date: May 1, 2025
• Deliver required information to produce the Africa Fine Foods Pavilion Look Book
• Collect and coordinate submission of relevant information from exhibitor firms including logos, contact information, addresses, profiles, and photos. Due Date: May 15, 2024
• Report on facilitation provided for Visa applications lodged by exhibitors with relevant U.S. Consulates
  • Coordinate with ATI and the Regional Mission to facilitate visa support requirements. Due Date: June 1, 2024
• Bi-Weekly updates and final activity and status report.

Reporting on status of various support activities and key accomplishments, plus status as stated in the SOW (Scope of Work). Share a biweekly written recap (such as via email) on updates or progress, culminating. Due Date: Starting May 30,202 and Ending August 31, 2024

• Post Show monitoring Activities. Due Date: On the 15th and last day of the month.
• Post webinar reports.
• A monthly deal pipeline summary.
• Report on Success Stories. Due Date: July 15, 2024

Important Note: Where contact with any government agencies is required, only a designated USAID officer can initiate communication with the government agency.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in agriculture, business, marketing, economics, or related field.
• 10 years progressively responsible work experience in the food sector including some years in promotion and/or buying function.
• Senior level experience with Kenyan and East African food sector firms, managing trade promotion, export sales, supply chain, merchandising, production, or logistics.
• Able to write reports and presentations using MS Office Suite applications.
• Fluency in spoken and written English.

Desirable

• Post graduate degree or professional qualification in business administration, agriculture, marketing, economics or another relevant field.
• International work experience, particularly in Kenya and East African countries.
• Training and public speaking experience.
• Relevant specialized experience in specific food products.
• Fluency in Spoken and written French.