Experts in handicraft product development, marketing and export development

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Experts in handicraft product development, marketing and export development
Training Sector: Trade and development
Position Type: Short-term
Duration/Level of Effort: Part-time
Position Location: Remote
 
Background
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development (EDM) provides technical assistance to Official Development Assistance (ODA)-eligible countries to maximize the development impacts of trade and investment. Over seven years (2018-2026), EDM will invest CAD 16.5 million to support Canada's developing country trading partners to negotiate, implement, benefit from, and adapt to trade and investment agreements with Canada.
 
EDM is a demand-driven project that benefits partners – including governments, local private sector groups and local civil society organizations – through capacity building and technical advisory support on policy reform issues that have a high potential to reduce poverty and gender inequalities and support progress in trade and investment agreement negotiations.
 
Global Affairs Canada has identified Panama as a beneficiary of EDM technical assistance to help deepen the bilateral trade relationship and to increase the utilization of the Canada-Panama Free Trade Agreement.  Assistance is also intended to contribute to Panama’s export development strategy, which seeks to improve the quality of exports, take greater advantage of its free trade agreements and access new markets.  Panama’s exports are highly concentrated on copper and services (principally fees for the use of the Panama Canal) and the strategy seeks to diversify its exports, both in terms of products and markets.  Priority sectors for export diversification include agriculture, agrifood and fisheries/aquaculture.
 
Another priority of the Government of Panama is improving the socio-economic conditions of Indigenous Peoples.  Representing 12% of the population of Panama, Indigenous Peoples face significant challenges in accessing economic development opportunities, despite the country’s overall economic growth.  Poverty rates in Indigenous communities (comarcas) are high and there is limited access to basic services, including education and health services.  Women face even greater challenges in accessing economic development opportunities.  Nationally, Panama ranks 50th on the World Economic Forum Gender Equality Index, and women in Indigenous communities, face significantly greater inequalities than those in the general population.
 
In response to these challenges, the Government of Panama has articulated a National Plan for Integrated Development of Indigenous Peoples and an Economic Empowerment Plan for Indigenous Women.  With support from the Inter-American Development Bank and the World Bank, the government is working to improve access to services, promote economic development and strengthen governance in Indigenous communities.
 
In this context, the National Institute of Vocational Training and Training for Human Development (INADEH) is seeking expert advice and training for producers of traditional handicrafts and clothing among Indigenous women.  Based on an assessment of the products currently produced by Indigenous women and international market demand, experts would provide advice on: product development; improved production methods; and export marketing strategies including collective marketing and distribution mechanisms that could be established to support the growth of the sector.
 
Short description
This technical assistance will provide expert advice and training on product development and marketing for traditional handicrafts and clothing produced by Indigenous women in Panama.
 
Linkage to EDM Performance Measurement Framework
This assistance is consistent with the EDM Performance Management Framework, Immediate Outcome 1220:  Increased capacity of partner country ministries, departments and agencies to expand access to export-oriented economic opportunities for SMEs, particularly those led by women, indigenous or other under-represented groups.
 
Description of Technical Assistance Request/Key Responsibilities
Under this technical assistance activity, the technical expert(s) will: 

• Conduct a gender-sensitive assessment of the existing traditional handicrafts and clothing product offer in Indigenous communities in Panama, their market potential in the context of current market demands, and the principal barriers to growth of the Indigenous handicrafts and clothing sector.
• Design and deliver a gender-sensitive in-person workshop for Indigenous women producers on product design and innovation, export development and marketing strategies including digital marketing (e-commerce) and collective marketing models that could be established to support increased exports;
• Design and deliver a gender-sensitive workshop, supporting gender-sensitive and inclusive training materials and analytical tools, to prepare INADEH officials to undertake similar product development, export development and marketing training in other Indigenous communities.

 
The workshop for Indigenous women will be held in the Ngobe-Buglé Comara, in November 2025, as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.  Participants will include 50 Indigenous women producers of handicrafts and clothing, selected by INADEH based on criteria agreed with EDM experts, as well as industry stakeholders and INADEH officials.
 
The training and all related materials will be delivered in Spanish.   The costs of translation and simultaneous interpretation can be funded by EDM separately and do not need to be included in bidders’ proposals.
 
Consistent with Canada's inclusive trade approach, the EDM promotes gender equality and social inclusion, as well as environmental sustainability, as cross-cutting objectives of all technical assistance.  Proposals should explain how these objectives will be integrated into the planning/approach, content and conduct of the technical assistance. 
 
The direct beneficiaries of this technical assistance will be the participating INADEH officials and Indigenous women entrepreneurs.  In the longer term, the beneficiaries will be Indigenous women in communities across Panama and will be measured in increased economic activity, exports, job creation and poverty reduction.
 
Technical Expert Profile/Expertise Required
Bidders for this technical assistance activity must demonstrate expert knowledge and extensive experience in the following:

• handicraft product development, based on market and consumer trends;
• handicraft production methods and sustainability standards;
• effective handicraft product marketing strategies, including e-commerce strategies for MSMEs;
• the delivery of trade-related technical assistance in developing countries;
• the design and delivery of adult education activities;
• the integration of gender equality and social inclusion considerations in the design and delivery of trade technical assistance; and
• the integration of environmental sustainability considerations in trade technical assistance.

 
Note: The EDM includes a core focus on gender and social inclusion and environmental issues associated with trade activities.  Successful applicants must research and integrate specific good and emerging practices in these areas, partnering with other expert consultants if necessary.  Any prior experience providing TA on gender equality, social inclusion, and the environment will be considered a strong asset.   Before starting activities, the successful consultant(s) will be required to complete the Government of Canada's online Gender-Based Analysis Plus (GBA+) training (approximately 2 hours).
 
Timelines
The deadline to apply is June 6, 2025. The technical assistance activity is expected to be completed by December 30, 2025.
 
Deliverables
 

• A detailed work plan, work schedule and budget for the delivery of activities.
• Completed EDM Performance Measurement Framework template for the TA, including baseline data and targets against EDM indicators.
• Draft and final report on the existing product offer and potential in relation to international market demand;
• Draft and final training program and teaching materials (presentations, handouts, lesson plans, etc.).
• Final Narrative Report on Mandate: Due within 30 calendar days of completing all TA activities. The report shall describe activities delivered; results achieved (versus initial expected results and baseline); lessons learned relevant to future EDM activities, and expenses incurred by the Consultant in carrying out this mandate. This report will be reviewed and approved by EDM before being shared with Global Affairs Canada.

 
PROPOSAL SUBMISSION PROCESS
For your proposal to be considered, please name your document in the following format:
 
9.3 - Consultant Last Name, First Name
(Proposals can be submitted by a single consultant or a consortium of consultants).
 
Your proposal should be in English and contain the following sections:

• Cover letter
• Proposal that includes the following:
• Your approach to implementing this TA (up to 10 pages maximum);
• Your approach to ensure that gender equality and social inclusion are considered in all aspects of the TA, including approach, content, and delivery (up to 2 pages maximum);
• Your approach to ensure that environmental impacts are considered in all aspects of the TA, including approach, content, and delivery (up to 1 page maximum);
• Your project management and monitoring strategy for the implementation of the activities (up to 2 pages maximum).
• All proposed personnel to implement this project and their roles and responsibilities. Include all CVs of proposed personnel/experts (up to 20 pages maximum).
• Estimated level of effort (in days) and consulting rates (in CAD) for each proposed personnel member and/or expert implementing the project.

 
Please submit your proposal as one PDF document through the Cowater Career Page. Emailed proposals will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please email info@edm-mde.ca.
 
ABOUT US
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
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