International B2B Facilitation Expert: DokuTech Berlin Edition

Job Description

Description of project

USAID Kosovo Compete Activity (“USAID Compete”) is a five-year project funded by the United States Agency for International Development. It is implemented by DT Global in consortia with Kosovo-based Recura Financials and US-based Canopy Lab.

USAID Compete seeks to sustainably improve competitiveness in three key export-oriented sectors of wood processing (including the prefabricated buildings subsector) food processing and ICT.

USAID Compete works to empower firms, organizations, and institutions to improve market systems.

By working to address constraints across the system, USAID Compete seeks to enable scalable and systemic change to occur, stimulating job creation and the private sector’s increased ability to engage in local, regional, and international markets.

The expected results of USAID Compete across all three sectors are:

• Market systems are strengthened to increase sector competitiveness; and
• Market actors within those market systems are more productive and competitive.

Background of the assignment:

USAID Compete is supporting IPKO Foundation to enhance the international exposure, inclusivity, and competitiveness of ‘s Information and Communication Technology (ICT) companies through their participation in DokuTech Berlin and its B2B meetings.

This initiative is designed to support Kosovo’s diverse ICT sector, with a specific focus on women-led and underrepresented companies in market access activities. Organized by the IPKO Foundation, DokuTech is an annual event that brings together tech talent from Kosovo with top international innovators, executives, and thought leaders.

Previous editions have attracted over 7,000 attendees and more than 90 renowned speakers at live events. In December 2024, the IPKO Foundation will organize its first-ever DokuTech event in Berlin. The USAID Kosovo Compete Activity is supporting the IPKO Foundation by engaging a short-term international expert to facilitate the B2B session as part of DokuTech Berlin.

This event will serve as a critical platform for Kosovo’s ICT companies to establish new partnerships, gain insights into international markets, and explore business opportunities with companies from Germany and other European countries.

General Responsibilities

The Expert will be responsible for supporting the coordination and execution of IPKO’s B2B Berlin event, scheduled for November 2024. His/Her tasks and responsibilities involve finding and engaging with companies in Berlin, coordinating with partners, and ensuring the smooth organization of the event.

IPKO Foundation will handle elements such as renting the venue, managing vendors, and sending invitations to ensure there is no confusion about the role requirements.

Specific Tasks and Responsibilities

The specific tasks of the Expert are:

• In collaboration with USAID Kosovo Compete Activity and the IPKO Foundation, review the confirmed list of participating Kosovo-based companies and conduct a stakeholder mapping to identify ideal counterparties from the German market for B2B engagement.
• From the stakeholder mapping, identify at least 10 ICT companies in Berlin suitable for participation in B2B meetings with participating Kosovo companies, focusing on those companies that align with DokuTech’s inclusivity and market access objectives.
• Establish initial contact with the identified companies in Germany, secure their commitment to participate in the B2B Berlin event, and maintain ongoing communication to ensure their needs and expectations are met.
• Develop a detailed project plan for the B2B Berlin event, including timelines, key milestones, and deliverables from September to November 2024.
• Assist the IPKO Foundation team to identify suitable venues in Berlin for the B2B events and propose potential speakers and partner organizations for the DokuTech Berlin event to enhance the event’s impact and reach.
• Attend the event to help connect companies, facilitate meetings and discussions, and support on-the-ground coordination during the event itself
• Develop and implement a feedback mechanism to evaluate the effectiveness of the B2B meetings and overall event experience, gathering insights from both Kosovo and German participants to inform future improvements.
• Facilitate follow-up online or in-person meeting between German and Kosovo companies where potential exists for collaboration.

Key Deliverables

• B2B Session Stakeholder Mapping Report: A report identifying and confirming the relevant German counterparties for the B2B sessions, including profiles of at least 10 ICT companies in Berlin, their fit with DokuTech’s objectives, and a strategic plan for their participation in the B2B meetings.
• B2B Berlin Event Project Plan: A comprehensive project plan for the B2B session, outlining timelines, key milestones, and deliverables.
• B2B Session Feedback and Evaluation Report: A report including a feedback mechanism to assess the effectiveness of the B2B sessions. This should capture insights from both Kosovo and German participants, analyse the feedback, and provide recommendations for improving future B2B engagements.

Minimum Education Requirement

• Relevant University Degree (preferable in Economics, Business Management and/or ICT)

Minimum Professional Experience

• Demonstrated experience of at least 6 years working within the ICT sector, particularly in international or cross-border contexts, with a strong understanding of market dynamics and business development in Germany.
• A proven track record of engaging with and managing relationships with high-level stakeholders and partners, including experience in securing commitments and maintaining ongoing communication with diverse business entities.
• Strong interpersonal skills and exceptional ability to motivate teams.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate, negotiate and partner with different partners, from public and private sector, and other possible stakeholders.

Period of Performance:

• September 2024 – November 2024

Reporting:

• The Expert is required to submit regular/weekly reporting to USAID Compete on key updates.

Level of Effort:

• Approximately 20 working days

Supervisor:

• ICT Sector Lead of USAID Kosovo Compete Activity

Supervisory role:

• None

Application:

To apply please submit your CV and a one-page cover letter in English.
Please send the requested documents electronically to the following email: CompeteActivity@dt-global.com

All submissions must be received on or before Friday, September 21, 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be interviewed.

Deadline: September 21, 2024

About the Organization

DT Global is shaping a future where sustainable development and innovation empower individuals, communities, and nations. We work in partnership with local stakeholders to foster inclusive prosperity, social equity, and environmental stewardship. Our global team of 2,500 staff and experts work in over 90 countries to solve complex problems in the peacebuilding, governance, economic development, environment, and human development sectors. With a track record of technical excellence and more than 60 years of international development experience and relationships, we deliver innovative solutions that transform lives.

For more information, please see www.dt-global.com

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