Consultant to Support SMEs to register on the App

SHiFT is currently implementing a project under SHABAKE 2, a program facilitated by Expertise France in Lebanon, and funded by l’Agence Française de Développement (AFD) and Denmark’s development cooperation (Danida).

SHiFT’s intervention is supporting 56 business owners that are struggling in their livelihoods with coaching and training, and is distributing in-kind grants or material to the 56 nano-enterprises based on their business needs. SHiFT is also providing needed technical support related to business recovery and crisis management and is empowering the selected businesses to access to new online and offline markets through branding materials design and small video advertisement production, along with access to market activities such as event, exhibitions or e-commerce platforms registration and linkage.

As a result, SHiFT has developed and established a social enterprise “The Grand Khan”, which is a marketplace initiative for businesses to showcase their products and services; under Shabake 1, SHiFT was able to launch a prototype, and the beneficiaries under SHABAKE 2 program will benefit from the Grand Khan services.

The business hub is a dynamic directory designed to connect and thrive businesses. It clusters enterprises by category, offering a streamlined ecosystem for easy access to markets. The directory is user-friendly, allowing businesses to easily navigate sectors, promote visibility, and facilitate strategic partnerships. It adapts to industry trends and user needs, with robust search functionalities and personalized filters. The directory serves as a powerful launchpad for businesses seeking market exposure, transforming categorization into connection, segmentation into collaboration, and isolation into a vibrant marketplace.

Services provided through the platform:

• Assessment: Tailored roadmaps for growth.
• Coaching: Ongoing mentorship and guidance.
• Online Platform: Showcase and sell products/services.

Outreach and Engagement:

1. Develop a strategy to engage SMEs interested in registering on our application.
2. Conduct activities to raise awareness about the benefits of registering on the app among SMEs.
3. Organize information sessions or workshops to educate SMEs about the registration process and the features and benefits of our application.

Registration Assistance:

1. Provide personalized assistance to SMEs in completing the registration process on the application.
2. Guide SMEs through the documentation and verification requirements.
3. Troubleshoot any issues encountered during the registration process and provide timely support to SMEs.

Follow-up and Support:

1. Follow up with SMEs to ensure their profiles are complete and up-to-date.
2. Provide support to SMEs, addressing any questions or concerns they may have.
3. Monitor SME engagement on the application and identify opportunities for improvement or additional support.

Reporting and Documentation:

1. Maintain accurate records of all interactions with SMEs and progress made in supporting their registration.
2. Prepare regular reports documenting the number of SMEs engaged, registered, and actively participating on the application.
3. Provide insights and recommendations based on data collected to improve the effectiveness of future outreach and support efforts.

Other General Functions

• Take ownership for the registration of the SMEs on the Application.
• Respect the SMEs’ experience, ideas, guidance and time
• Maintain good relationship and communication with the (MSME) and the organization.
• Participate in the meetings and trainings provided for the registration of the SMEs on the Application.
• Maintain confidentiality of SMEs the hosting entity and the organization.

• Experience working with SMEs, preferably in a capacity building or advisory role.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven track record of successfully supporting organizations or businesses in adopting new technologies or platforms.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
• Bachelor’s degree required
• At least 2 years of work experience.
• Coordination skills
• Familiarity with the Lebanese economy, market, Labor Market and Social Entrepreneurship.
• Integrity, fairness and impartiality.
• Ability to manage sensitive cases and confidential information.
• Knowledge of the Application functioning.
• Knowledge of the socio-economic circumstances in post Beirut blast zones
• Demonstrable understanding of the gendered dynamics of labor relations, and linkages to decent work
• Diplomacy, tact and negotiating skills.                                                                         
• Excellent interpersonal, influencing and communication skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Arabic.
   

Individual consultants and companies are both eligible to submit their applications to this call.

Needed documents for individual consultants:

• Financial number
• Portfolio
• CV

Needed documents for companies:

• Registration documents
• Company profile
   

• Program Manager,
• Program Coordinator
• Finance Coordinator

• Flexible working hours: depending on the action plan.
• Estimated start date: March 2024
• Length of contract: 1 month
• REQUIRES A COVER LETTER: yes
• APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS GUIDELINE:

Kindly submit your application to the following email address: [email protected]

Please mention " Consultant to Support SMEs to register on the App " on the email subject line.

Kindly submit your application by February 23, 2024.

CONTACT PERSON EMAIL : [email protected]