Call for an Expert for Field and Needs Assessment

1. General Information
Michel Daher Social Foundation (MDSF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the lives of
vulnerable communities in Lebanon. MDSF operates across four pillars: healthcare, social development,
economic and human development, and community development and sustainable livelihoods. Through
its programs, MDSF promotes resilience, sustainability, and social stability by addressing the needs of
individuals, communities, and local enterprises.

About Salam Project:
Salam Project is a project implemented by MDSF and funded by GIZ. It aimed at fostering economic
resilience and social stability in Southern Baalbek and West Bekaa. The project focuses on empowering
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) by addressing operational challenges, promoting
sustainability, and enhancing their capacity to withstand and recover from economic shocks. Through
tailored support and innovative solutions, Salam Project seeks to create sustainable livelihoods and
contribute to the overall development of the region.

 

2. Objective
The objective of this tender is to engage a qualified expert to conduct a comprehensive needs
assessment for the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in Southern Baalbek and
West Bekaa. This includes:
1. General Needs Assessment: Evaluating the overall MSME ecosystem in the region to identify
systemic challenges, inefficiencies, and opportunities across critical areas such as energy usage,
supply chain management, business continuity, and production processes.
2. In-depth Needs Assessments: Conducting one-on-one assessments for 30 selected MSMEs to
identify their unique operational challenges and requirements.
Based on the findings, the expert will develop tailored support packages to enhance the sustainability,
resilience, and operational efficiency of these MSMEs.

 

3. Scope of Work

The expert will be responsible for the following activities:
 

First Phase:

This phase involves conducting a comprehensive general needs assessment focused
exclusively on the Southern Baalbeck area to identify the specific challenges faced by MSMEs,
particularly in the aftermath of the recent war. The assessment will aim to uncover critical issues
impacting their operations, such as disruptions in supply chains, damage to infrastructure, gaps in
business continuity planning, and the availability of essential resources.

Second Phase:

This phase will start after the selection of 30 MSMEs; 15 in Southern Baalbeck and 15 in West Bekaa. It
consists of:
1. Conducting in-depth Needs Assessments for 30 MSMEs:
Conduct individualized needs assessments for the selected MSMEs.
Evaluate critical areas such as:

  • Energy inefficiencies.
  • Supply chain disruptions.
  • Business continuity gaps.
  • Equipment or tools required to enhance production efficiency.
  • Identify barriers to sustainability and resilience, and propose actionable recommendations to address these challenges.

2. Analyzing Findings

  • Document detailed findings for each MSME, emphasizing specific challenges and opportunities for improvement.
  • Categorize MSMEs based on eligibility for interventions:

- 17 MSMEs: Suitable for solar energy solutions.
- 13 MSMEs: Eligible for other in-kind grants (tools, equipment, or resources).

  • Develop a comprehensive summary report that consolidates key trends, challenges, and opportunities identified across all 30 MSMEs.

3. Tailored Support Packages:

  • Develop customized support packages for each MSME, including:

- Specific recommendations for enhancing sustainability.
- Solutions for improving energy efficiency.
- Strategies for strengthening supply chain management.
- Measures to build operational resilience.

  • Conduct cost-benefit analyses for all proposed solutions.

The expert is expected to collaborate with the project team to integrate findings and recommendations
effectively into the project’s broader objectives and to adjust the MSMEs training based on the
identified needs.

 

4. Deliverables

The expert is expected to deliver the following:

  • General Needs Assessment Report: Summary of key findings, systemic challenges, and recommendations for the MSME ecosystem in Southern Baalbek.
  • In-depth MSME Needs Assessments: Individual reports for each of the 30 MSMEs, including:

- Detailed findings.

- Recommendations for improvement and tailored support packages.

  • Categorization Report: Categorization of the 30 MSMEs into two groups: 17 eligible for solar energy solutions and 13 eligible for in-kind grants.
  • Comprehensive Summary Report: Consolidated findings, key trends, challenges, opportunities, and recommendations.
  • Tailored Support Packages: Findings and customized support recommendations for each MSME, including cost-benefit analyses.
  • Presentation to MDSF: Present key findings, challenges, and proposed solutions to the MDSF project team and relevant stakeholders.

 

5. Milestones and Timeline

  • Phase 1: Field Visits and Report Development.

Duration: January 27 - February 7, 2025
Completion of field visits and preparation of the field visit report.

  • Phase 2: MSME Needs Assessments.

Duration: March 21 - April 11, 2025
Completion of all 30 MSME needs assessments by April 7, 2025.
Submission of individual assessment reports by April 9, 2025.
Final submission of the summary report packages by April 11, 2025.

 

6. Required Qualifications and Experience

  • Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
  • Experience: Minimum of 7 years of experience in MSME consulting, needs assessment, or business development.
  • Expertise: Strong expertise in energy efficiency, supply chain management, business continuity planning, and MSME operations.
  • Proven ability to develop tailored business solutions and technical support packages.
  • Skills: Excellent analytical and reporting skills; strong communication and interpersonal skills for stakeholder engagement.
  • Familiarity with the economic and operational challenges faced by MSMEs in South Baalbeck and West Bekaa.

 

7. Duration and Contract Terms

  • Contract Duration: 4 months
  • Start Date: January 27, 2025
  • End Date: April 30, 2025

8. Supervision and Reporting
The expert will report directly to and work under the guidance of the project manager. Regular progress
updates will be required to ensure timely completion of milestones.

9. Payment Terms

  • Payment Method: All payments under this agreement shall be made via bank transfer, or Telegraphic Transfer (TT).
  • Payment Terms: Payments will be made in installments following the successful completion and approval of the deliverables listed below. An invoice must be submitted for each service upon completion, in accordance with the schedule, for payments to be processed:

- Field assessment (15%)
- 30 Individual MSME Needs Assessment Reports (35%)
- Summary Report (15%)
- Customized Support Packages (35%)
Note: If the supplier does not provide a valid MOF certificate, they will be subject to a deduction of 8.5% on services, in accordance with the applicable tax rules and regulations.

10. Selection Criteria
The selection of the expert/consultant for this project will be based on a two-stage evaluation process:
Technical Evaluation and Financial Evaluation, with the overall evaluation weighted as follows:
Technical Evaluation (60%)

  • Relevant Education background (10%): Bachelor’s in Business, Economics, or related field.
  • Experience with MSMEs (15%): Proven track record of working with MSMEs in similar contexts, especially in areas such as business continuity planning and sustainability.
  • Expertise and Methodology (20%): Demonstrated ability to effectively conduct field assessments, identify needs and develop tailored interventions.
  • Relevant Project Experience (10%): Previous projects focused on enhancing MSME resilience, sustainability, and efficiency.
  • Team Composition and Qualifications (5%): The qualifications and relevant experience of the expert(s) involved in the project.

Financial Criteria (40%)

  • Cost Proposal (40%): Competitive pricing structure with a clear breakdown of costs related to field assessments, reporting, and development of support packages.

 

How to apply

Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to submit the following documents as part of their application:

 

  • Updated CV: Clearly outlining relevant experience and expertise, particularly in working with

MSMEs.

  • Technical proposal: A technical proposal/concept note, not exceeding 5 pages, that clearly outlines the expert's understanding of the TOR, proposed methodology, and approach to conducting the general and in-depth needs assessments. This should include specific tools and techniques for data collection, stakeholder engagement, and analysis, as well as a work plan with milestones aligned with the timeline.
  • Financial Proposal (ANNEX 1): A detailed financial offer in USD, including taxes, with a clear breakdown of costs associated with the project deliverables.
  • Legal Documents: A copy of identification (ID), Ministry of Finance (MOF) registration certificates, and any relevant legal documentation confirming the applicant’s eligibility.
  • References: Contact information for at least two professional references.

Submission Instructions:

  • Submit your Bid: via email to procurement@daherfoundation.org (only) by January 26, 2025
  • Subject: The subject line of the email must include the title of the TOR (Expert for Field Assessment & MSMEs Needs Assessment), and all required documents should be attached. Incomplete submissions or those missing the subject line will not be considered.
  • Offer Validity: The submitted offer must remain valid for 30 days from the submission deadline.

منتهية الصلاحية
آخر مدة للتقديم
الأحد, 26. يناير 2025
نوع الدعوة
دعوة لتقديم الاستشارات
قطاع(ات) التدخل:
زراعة, تنمية
Remuneration range:
> 6000 (USD)
Duration of Contract:
4 Months - Starting January 27, 2025
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