Field Assessment Expert – REAF Program

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

The Rural Entrepreneurs in Agri-Food (REAF) program aims at strengthening the business and product viability of innovative startups tackling sustainable rural economic development operating in South Mount Lebanon, Central and West Bekaa, and now with our extension to target Youth and Start-ups in Norther Bekaa (Riyaq to Baalbeck) and Hasbaya. The program will provide the startups with the tools to transform their ideas into sustainable and profitable businesses. REAF’s youth training will enhance their entrepreneurship mentality and entry into the job market.

We are seeking 2 experienced experts to conduct field assessment, one for each targeted area (area 1: Riyaq to Baalbeck, Area 2: Hasbaya) while working under the scope and deliverables mentioned below.

The expert(s) will be responsible for conducting a comprehensive series of assessments over a 1 month.

Stakeholder Mapping Report:

1. Research and Data Collection:
   • Identify relevant stakeholders through research and consultations.
   • Gather information on roles, interests, and past involvement.

1. Stakeholder Profiling:
   • Develop profiles for government, industry, NGOs, etc.
   • Highlight characteristics and potential contributions.
2. Insights and Analysis:
   • Provide insights on stakeholder dynamics.
   • Analyze synergies and conflicts.
3. Report Development:
   • Compile findings into a comprehensive report with visualizations

Stakeholder Mapping:

a. Identify and map potential partners, including local businesses, NGOs, government agencies, and community leaders.

b. Assess the interest and capacity of identified stakeholders to actively participate in and support the youth-led start-up incubation program.

Youth Group Focus Discussions:

a. Conduct focus group discussions with youth groups in the targeted areas.

b. Explore their current skills, aspirations, challenges, and training needs related to entrepreneurship in the specified sectors.

Business Landscape Assessment:

a. Evaluate existing businesses in agri-food (downstream of agriculture including water, energy, food nexus), waste management and valorization, renewable and efficient energy, and circular economy sectors.

b. Identify successful models, challenges faced, and potential areas for innovation and improvement.

Problem Mapping and Solution Proposal:

a. Identify and analyze key challenges faced by businesses in the specified sectors.

b. Propose potential solutions and interventions to address identified challenges.

Stakeholder Mapping Report:

• Identify and profile key stakeholders including government agencies, industry associations, NGOs, educational institutions, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Provide insights into their roles, interests, influence, and potential contributions to the target areas.

Youth Engagement Report:

• Summarize findings from discussions, surveys, or focus groups conducted with youth in the target areas.
• Capture their perspectives on industry opportunities, challenges, aspirations, and needs.
• Highlight potential areas for youth involvement, empowerment, and skill development within the industry sectors.

Industry Mapping Report

• Map out existing businesses, organizations, and institutions relevant to the target industry sectors.
• Categorize and analyze the types of businesses, their sizes, specialties, and areas of operation.
• Identify gaps, strengths, and opportunities within the industry ecosystem.

Partnership Opportunity Report:

• Identify potential partnership opportunities among stakeholders based on shared goals, complementary strengths, and mutual interests.
• Outline strategies for collaboration, resource sharing, and collective action to address industry challenges and capitalize on opportunities.

Problem Solution Mapping Document:

• Identify and analyze key challenges and pain points within the industry sectors through stakeholder consultations, interviews, and data analysis.
• Map potential solutions, innovations, and initiatives proposed by stakeholders to address identified problems.
• Prioritize solutions based on feasibility, impact, and alignment with stakeholder interests and goals.

Recommendation and Action Plan:

• Summarize key findings, insights, and recommendations arising from the field assessment process.
• Provide actionable steps and strategies for stakeholders to enhance collaboration, address industry challenges, and support youth engagement and empowerment.
• Outline a roadmap for implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of proposed initiatives and partnerships.

• 5+ years of demonstrated experience in conducting field assessments, preferably in rural development or entrepreneurship contexts.
• Familiarity with the agri-food, waste management & valorization, renewable energy, and circular economy sectors.
• Strong qualitative and quantitative research skills
• Ability to analyze and synthetize complex information into clear and actional insights.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders, including youth groups, local businesses, and government representatives.
• Familiarity with the cultural, social, and economic context of the targeted areas.