Cluster Connect Needs Assessment - ECF

About Berytech:

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.

About Euromed Clusters Forward:

Euromed Clusters Forward is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of Euromed Clusters Forward in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Connect Mission (CCM):

The Cluster Connect Mission is a short-term business support exchange activity that connects clusters and support organizations, offering clusters from the South Mediterranean temporary access to European markets. This program includes capacity building, matchmaking, knowledge sharing, a travel mission to the cluster's chosen country, and peer learning between the South Mediterranean cluster—referred to as the Visitor—and the European host organization, known as the Host.

The CCM will be implemented across 4 months both online and in person.

Clusters background information:

Clusters from the south mediterranean eligible countries (Lebanon, Jordan, Palestine, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco) are defined as a group of companies in a specific geographic area representing 1 industry and involving a network of different actors from the private sector, research institutions, and other stakeholders. These clusters often aim to boost regional competitiveness by fostering innovation, facilitating access to new markets, and enhancing the skills and capabilities of their members.

Many clusters in this region are currently seeking capacity-building services to strengthen their organizational structures, improve management practices, and enhance the skills of their members. In this activity, they particularly focus on upgrading their existing services for better market expansion. Additionally, these clusters often look for opportunities to collaborate with international partners to share best practices, access new technologies, and participate in global value chains.

During the Power X Summit happening in Lebanon in October 2024, the expert(s) will:

• Conduct in person or hybrid needs assessment meetings with 8 clusters separately to identify gaps in management needs, financial model, market access, and other areas that need to be addressed in the cluster connect mission to enhance the clusters' performance.
• Develop a tailored support roadmap for each cluster, outlining specific areas of needed intervention, the expertise required, and the types of services necessary for successful implementation of the Cluster Connect missions.
• Draft detailed TORs for the procurement of these services, including the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, budget and qualifications required.

• Needs Assessment Reports: 8 reports detailing the findings from the needs assessment for each cluster and identified services.
• Consultancy ToRs: Well-defined ToR documents for the consultancy services and expertise required to support the implementation of the cluster connect missions.

• Once selected, the expert(s)/ consultancy firm will meet with Berytech team to go over all the details of the activity and clusters.
• The experts will travel to Lebanon to attend PowerX summit from October 23, 2024 until October 25, 2024, where the physical needs assessment meetings will be conducted. If the travel is not possible, a hybrid option will be set in place.
• Following that, the expert will develop the TORs and validate with Berytech team from End October 2024 until Mid November 2024.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in needs assessment, strategic planning, and consultancy within similar contexts
• Proven track record in developing and implementing cluster development strategies
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and report writing