1.1 - PU-AMI programming
Since 2012, PU-AMI has developed an integrated response to populations affected by the Syrian crisis. The PU-AMI mission is currently leading activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Saida and Akkar.
In 2019, in line with the LCRP 2017/2020, PU-AMI focuses on increasing self-sufficiency among vulnerable populations (both host and refugee), through safe, stable and sustainable livelihood opportunities. PU-AMI project designs and interventions include:
Identifying employment and self-employment opportunities for vulnerable target groups
Provision of short-term employment opportunities through labour intensive construction and rehabilitation of public infrastructure and community assets
Support in launching and developing income generating activities based on market assessment findings, along with the provision of technical support and material assistance
Provision of employment support services through facilitating access to vocational training and soft skills development
Business development services (seed funds, trainings and coaching) to small entrepreneurs
1.2 - PU-AMI programming in Lebanon
PU-AMI has been implementing activities in Lebanon since 1996, first supporting Palestinian refugees with targeted livelihood activities (professional toolkits, trainings, support to small business development) living in the Southern Palestinian camps of Saida.
Since 2016, PU-AMI has provided Emergency Cash Assistance to target vulnerable populations in the Saida, Jezzine and Nabatieh districts, and throughout Akkar governorate. Results of these interventions showed that the existing needs are high, and stressed the importance of improving resilience capacities of displaced Syrians and vulnerable Lebanese given their high vulnerability to shocks.
More recently, PU-AMI has developed an integrated assistance focused on the Syrian refugee population, vulnerable Lebanese, Palestinian refugees from Lebanon (PRL) and Syria (PRS). Interventions include WaSH, Shelter, Infrastructure, Health, Livelihoods and Protection activities.
In 2019, PU-AMI is implementing two projects funded by BPRM and WFP to support access to employment and income generation for vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian nationals. In the frame of these projects, PU-AMI provides Market-Based Skill Trainings, Work Based learning opportunities and Job Counselling services.
In addition, PU-AMI also support interested beneficiaries to develop Small Scale Income Generating Activities or Nano Enterprises through:
Provision of a 54 hours course on business management
Provision of seed funds
3 months coaching phase
2.1 – Background to the assignment
As per the Lebanese Crisis Response Plan, one of the main objectives of the humanitarian assistance is to “Reinforce Lebanon’s economic, social and environmental stability” by promoting job creation and business income generation, enhancing the productive capacities of MSMEs and cooperatives, and promoting of sustainable agriculture production (among others).
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) employ over 50 percent of the population, in particular with 30 percent of the employed population being self-employed (source: LCRP 2017-2020). MSMEs represent a large potential for improving the demand side of labour through job creation.
On the other hand, MSMEs have suffered from the wider economic downturn and face challenges due to factors including access to capital, inadequate labour market information or skill gaps, and limited opportunities for value addition and vertical integration (LCRP). Weak regulation, lack of registration, limited access to financial services, skills gap in labour force are issues regularly faced by MSMEs.
Supporting the capacity of small businesses and entrepreneurs in vulnerable areas, which are, as underlined above, the main job creators in Lebanon, is the priority of the Livelihood Sector. In line with the LCRP, PU-AMI then aims at developing its interventions by providing support packages (including business management training, access to finance, grants) to the creation of new businesses and expansion of existing ones.
2.2 – Purpose of the assignment
The study will aim at providing evidence-based strategic and programmatic recommendations for PU-AMI to develop and support its interventions toward micro and small businesses development.
The study will then analyse the local context for micro-entrepreneurship in Akkar, looking into market specificity and representativeness per economic sectors (agriculture, services, food industry, etc.).
More specifically, the assignment should analyse the opportunities, constraints and challenges faced by new-entrepreneurs or existing nano businesses. The scope of study will focus on micro and nano-businesses but will also include home based income generating activities, whether formal or informal.
The assessment should formulate recommendations for PU-AMI to provide support for nano and small businesses, leading to sustainable changes in terms of self-employment of job creation.
2.3 – Focus of Assignment
To provide analysis regarding national and local specificities in the entrepreneurship environment
Local and National regulations
Regional and local initiatives and programs
Perception of local stakeholders
To assess challenges and constraints faced by micro-enterprises and entrepreneurs willing to start or develop their enterprise
Regulations and business environment
Specific barriers linked with the personal legal status of the entrepreneur
Access to funding and financial services
Business management skills and capacities
Challenges linked to recruitment and human resources
Challenges linked to marketing and digital skills
Specific challenges of home based activities for income generation
To identify sectoral opportunities for business development resulting in income generation and job creation
Main strengths and opportunities for business development at local level
Value chains or specific sectors providing better economic opportunities for small scale enterprises (agriculture, food processing, service, etc.)
To provide recommendations for PU-AMI intervention logic in livelihoods and related programs.
Beneficiaries / enterprises to target
Sectors / value chains to prioritize
Type of interventions and methodologies to promote (coaching, training, access to financial services, grants, etc.)
2.4 – scope of work
Specifically, the assessment should:
Depending on other opportunities identified during the initial stage of the consultancy, additional sectors and geographies may be investigated as appropriate.
The methodology will be proposed by the consultant and shall include FGDs and key informant’s interviews, quantitative assessments, etc.
2.5 - key tasks
For more information on this, kindly check the attached pdf.
2.6 - Expected deliverables
The consultant will present the preliminary findings to the stakeholders as part of the validation process and upon completion of the report.
3.1- Duration of the Assignment
The duration of the assignment 1 month (1st September 2019 – 1th October 2019), including an estimated
35 working days (including travel days).
3.2- Start Date of the Assignment
1st September 2019
3.3- Base Location
Akkar
3.4- Assignment costs
All costs incurred during the assessment (transport, insurance, accommodation, equipment, data collection, procurement, translation, etc.) should be covered by the consultant, and included in the financial offer.
3.4- Assignment human resources (hr)
The Consultant may involve and manage additional human resources as desired in order to achieve the required deliverables. Costs for these additional human resources should be covered by the Consultant under the overall financial offer.
3.5- Reporting
The consultant will work closely with other PU-AMI representatives Akkar Field Coordinator and MEAL Team).
4.1 – Selection criteria
4.2 – Offer
Consultant offer should include:
4.3- Intellectual property rights and beneficiaries of the study
All documents related to the assignment/consultancy shall remain the sole and exclusive property of PU-AMI and may be used for any purpose whatsoever without the need to consult with the author.
The key beneficiaries of the study are the local communities, local authorities, donors and other NGOs working on Food Security and Livelihoods.
If you are interested by this mission, please send application by COB the 31st of July 2019 , both technical and a financial offers to: [email protected] [1].
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روابط
[1] mailto:[email protected]
[2] https://daleel-madani.org/sites/default/files/calls_documents/201907_pu-ami_msmes_study_tors_akkar_vf.pdf