The European Institute of Cooperation and Development (IECD) is a French non

governmental organization founded in 1988 and operating in the field of social and

economic development in partnership with local institutions. IECD’s main sectors of action

are vocational training, education, and support to micro and small enterprises. IECD is active

in 16 countries. More information on www.iecd.org.

IECD, as lead contractor of an international consortium, is implementing an EU-funded project to develop sustainable

wood processing and forest-based value chains in Liberia, managed by Expertise France. The project spans 48 months

with a budget of approximately €4M.

The project is structured around six complementary workstreams:

– WS1 – Baseline & mapping (lead contractor)

– WS2 – TVET & skills development (lead contractor)

– WS3 – FLEGT compliance & traceability (co-contractor)

– WS4 – Community forestry (co-contractor)

– WS5 – Market development (lead contractor)

– WS6 – M&E, reporting & governance (lead contractor, cross-cutting, lump-sum)

IECD leads the consortium. Implementation is driven by Purchase Orders (POs) issued by Expertise France. WS1 and WS6

are lump-sum; WS2 to WS5 are activated by PO.

YOUR MISSION

The Business & Market Development Expert is a key profile for workstream 5 (WS5). They provide direct support to wood

processing enterprises (MSMEs), cooperatives, and sector associations to strengthen commercial performance, diversify

market outlets, and structure access to local, regional, and international markets.

They work in close coordination with the Wood Processing & Industrial Development Expert, contributing to an

integrated approach to technical and commercial upgrading of targeted enterprises.

1) Main Responsibilities

1.1 Market Analysis & Market Systems

• Conduct sector market analyses (wood products, furniture, construction timber, bamboo, rattan) at local,

regional, and international levels;

• Map key value chain actors, trade flows, and price dynamics;

• Identify high-potential market segments for Liberian MSMEs and product diversification opportunities.

1.2 Business Support to MSMEs

• Support enterprises in developing business plans, market positioning strategies, and commercial

management tools;

• Provide advisory support on costing, pricing, and commercial negotiation;

• Strengthen enterprise capacities in marketing, product presentation, and compliance with buyer

requirements

1.3 Partnership Development & B2B Linkages

• Facilitate connections between Liberian producers and potential buyers (importers, distributors, institutional

buyers);

• Support MSME participation in trade fairs, professional exhibitions, and networking events;
• Contribute to strengthening wood sector professional associations in their market development and

advocacy roles.

1.4 Integration of Cross-Cutting Themes

• Ensure inclusion of women, youth, and vulnerable groups in market development activities;

• Integrate environmental considerations into commercial strategies (eco-design, sustainable valorisation);

• Contribute to WS6 M&E activities by reporting on market and commercial performance indicators.

IECD – Sustainable Wood Sector Project, Liberia

Terms of Reference

Business & Market Development Expert

International / Regional Expert

Contributions to Deliverables

• Sector market studies and analyses (by phase and by PO);

• Business plans and commercial management tools for supported MSMEs;

• Field mission reports and coaching session minutes;

• Synthesis notes on market opportunities and wood sector dynamics;

• Contributions to programme mid-term and final reports

Assignment Modalities

The assignment will be carried out primarily remotely, with field missions to Liberia according to the schedule of

Purchase Orders activated by Expertise France. Field missions will include enterprise visits, commercial training

workshops, networking events, and meetings with institutional stakeholders.

The expert will work in close coordination with the Team Leader, the Deputy Team Leader, the Wood Processing Expert

(WS2), and the M&E Specialist (WS6). A detailed mobilization schedule will be agreed with the selected consultant.

EXPECTED PROFILE

Qualities and skills:

• Strong analytical skills and ability to produce operational market studies;
• Ability to work with small and medium-sized enterprises in resource-constrained environments;
• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to facilitate partnerships and networking between economic actors;

Excellent written and spoken English (professional level required); knowledge of French is an asset

Education: Advanced degree (Master’s or equivalent) in economics, international trade, business administration,

rural development, or a related field.

Professional Experience:

• Minimum 7 years of experience in market development, MSME business development, or support to

agricultural/natural resource value chains;

• Demonstrated experience in market analysis, commercial partnership facilitation, and enterprise coaching;

• Experience in sub-Saharan Africa required; experience in West Africa or Liberia strongly preferred;

• Experience in the wood sector, crafts, furniture, or forest-based value chains is a significant asset;

• Knowledge of regional market dynamics (ECOWAS, AfCFTA) and international standards is an asset.

SUMMARY OF THE MISSION

Position Title: Business & Market Development Expert-Wood Sector

Level: International/Regional

Scope: Market Development & Market Systems Strengthening-Wood Sector

Reports to: Team Leader

Duration: 30-40 days/ year over 4 years

Functional Link: Project Manager (IECD)

Start Date: Late June/Early July 2026 (Indicative)

Application Process

• A detailed CV highlighting relevant experience

• Two examples of relevant achievements (reports, market studies, tools)

• Two relevant professional references (name, organization, contact details)

• Cover letter or positioning note (maximum 1 page)

• Confirmation of availability for the start date

APPLICATION DEADLINE IS March 13, 2026, 5:00 PM

SEND APPLICATIONS TO: RH.liberia@iecd.org