Social and labour remediation framework development Consultant

Result of Service

EXPECTED OUTPUTS AND TIMELINES / RESULT OF SERVICE
• Output 1 [by 28 February 2026] Desk research and stakeholder interviews (or online surveys) carried out, as needed and agreed with ITC team A draft Framework Document developed and submitted, covering: - Refined strategic rationale, theory of change, expected impact pathways and funding structure/feasible fundraising options - Reviewed governance and management structure, including roles of ITC, steering/technical committees, and implementing partners ITC coordination calls attended
• Output2 [by 30 April 2026] A report with options for Financial and Implementation Modalities (including options and their assessment) developed and submitted Stakeholder presentations (webinars, in person) carried out, as needed A report with a Stakeholder Validation process summary prepared and submitted All feedback incorporated & Final Framework Document, including a full-fledged risk and challenges analysis, completed and submitted to ITC ITC coordination calls attended Outputs will be actionable and implementable, not theoretical in nature. Outputs may be further refined/updated/revised based on discussions with consultant.

Work Location

Home-based

Expected duration

Duties and Responsibilities

BACKGROUND The International Trade Centre (ITC) is a joint agency of the United Nations and the World Trade Organization supporting the internationalization of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Its joint mandate combines a focus on expanding trade opportunities with the aim of fostering sustainable development. This position is located within Green and Inclusive Value Chains (GIVC) section, Trade for Sustainable Development Programme (T4SD), that provides trade intelligence and technical assistance to strengthen the competitiveness of MSMEs through a portfolio of related sustainability-related tools and approaches. The position supports the delivery of outputs under the ITC project 'Enhancing Transparency and Traceability of Sustainable Value Chains (Phase II)', which aims to enhance sustainability in global value chains through improved traceability and transparency. Objective The international consultant will support ITC in advancing the design and operational and funding framework of a new innovative social and labor remediation mechanism to be developed under the aforementioned project. The funding framework aims at improving social and labor practices in facilities participating in existing ITC initiatives and partnerships in the textile, apparel and footwear sectors. The consultant will help refine the framework's strategy, structure and remediation approach, governance, operational model, and implementation roadmap to ensure that it is technically sound, scalable, and aligned with ITC's mandate, and partner expectations. The consultant will consider existing initiatives in this space as well as the learnings from previous (unsuccessful or non-scalable) approaches. DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES The consultant will work under the direct supervision of the Head of the Trade for Sustainable Development Programme and in conjunction with T4SD programme officers. The Consultant will fulfil the following duties and responsibilities: 1. Strategic Design and Conceptual Refinement
• Review and refine the existing framework concept, ensuring clarity of purpose, logic, and coherence based on practical experience in continuous improvement of social and labor practices in the textile and apparel sector.
• Define the framework's theory of change and key impact pathways linking facility-level interventions to systemic improvement.
• Recommend an appropriate funding and capitalization structure for Phase 1 (pilot), Phase 2 (scale-up), including potential sources of capital (brands, donors, multilateral funds). 2. Operational Framework and Governance
• Propose a detailed governance structure, including the roles and responsibilities of ITC, steering and technical committees, and implementing partners.
• Comment on/improve upon existing operational framework describing framework's management processes, eligibility criteria, feasible selection mechanisms for implementation and remediation providers, and practical monitoring/reporting arrangements.
• Suggest mechanisms for alignment and coordination between framework activities and other readiness, training, and verification systems. 3. Financial and Implementation Modalities
• Define various possible options for funds disbursement, cost-sharing, and sustainability models, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Identify pilot country selection criteria and a phased approach for rollout and scaling.
• Outline potential partnership modalities with local institutions and service providers, emphasizing inclusivity (e.g., women-led facilities). 4. Stakeholder Engagement and Validation
• Conduct structured consultations (virtual or written) with key stakeholders (brands, local partners, SSOs, etc.) to validate the proposed model.
• Incorporate stakeholder feedback into the final design proposal. 5. Risk and Impact Considerations
• Identify key risks and mitigation strategies related to fund governance, competition law, coordination with existing partners, and local delivery capacity.
• Propose a results and impact framework, including measurable indicators for facility-level improvements and system-wide change. 6. Coordination
• Participate in regular and ad hoc coordination calls or in-person meetings as needed and agreed Copyright Clause: The consultant has to ensure that she has obtained the necessary permissions with regard to intellectual property rights required to perform 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. 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

Postgraduate degree (MA/MSc/MBA, PHD or other) in economics, social sciences, development studies, finance, sustainability, or related field. Extensive relevant experience may be accepted in lieu of the university degree.
• At least 10 years of experience in fund or mechanism design related to sustainability, social compliance, remediation, labor rights, or supply chain development in the textile and apparel sectors.
• Proven experience in developing operational frameworks for blended finance, grant-making, or donor-funded mechanisms in emerging markets.
• Strong understanding of responsible business conduct (RBC), human rights due diligence (HRDD), remediation and social compliance systems in textile and apparel value chains.
• Demonstrated experience engaging with private sector partners, donors, and institutional stakeholders at global and local levels in the textile and apparel sectors.

Languages

Full professional fluency in 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.