Call for Export Readiness consultant- ARYAF

Context & Background

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem 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 ARYAF PROJECT

ARYAF serves Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises operating in food processing, local hospitality, tourism, the restaurant industry, eco-tourism, and agri-tourism within west Bekaa, Zahle and South Mount Lebanon.  

The program aims to empower sixty MSMEs (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) to increase their sales volume, implement a business continuity plan, and provide training to their staff, including youth, women, and disabled individuals. The program is funded by The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), in partnership with Berytech, within the framework of Strengthening Agriculture, Local Communities and Small and Medium Enterprises project (ACE). 

Objective 

Berytech, through ARYAF Project, is dedicated to empowering and guide ARYAF’s program SME beneficiaries through export readiness trainings. We will hire experts and trainers who will be able to deliver these trainings to the SMEs operating in the food processing sector within the West Bekaa, Zahle and South Mount Lebanon. These SMEs often face developmental constraints, such as limited resources and infrastructure adding challenges to their operations. These workshops will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the SMEs in Lebanon’s economy. Their aim is to equip the beneficiaries with the necessary skills and knowledge for successfully venturing into international markets by gaining hands-on expertise in export processes, understanding the essential export prerequisites, exploring potential markets for their products, and coming up with a sustainable strategy.

Scope of work and Deliverables

Scope of work:
The export readiness sessions should cover the following topics:

1. Export Readiness and introduction to the export plan
2. Market Research
3. Export marketing strategy and digital marketing plan
4. Technical requirements and standards
5. Freight and logistics
6. Export procedures and documentation

1- Export Readiness and introduction to the export plan

Understand export key concepts, terminology, and processes: key elements of an export plan, setting export goals and objectives.

2- Market research

1. Understand the importance of market research and how to conduct it to make an informative decision regarding the selection of export markets.
2. Learn how to use the collected data for insights about international markets to be able to rank them by priority.
3. Learn how to use various online market research tools.
4. Learn about Free Trade Agreements and how to benefit from them.
5. Learn how to research about the various market channel partners in your target markets.

3-Export Marketing Strategy and digital marketing plan

1. Understand the key marketing insights required to start your export marketing journey.
2. Learn how to devise an export marketing strategy and a Unique Selling Proposition (USP) that builds on your core capabilities and efficiently serves your targeted customer needs.
3. Learn how to draft an export marketing plan that empowers you to achieve your highest export potential based on a clear consumer persona.
4. Understand the role of innovation in enhancing your product differentiation and boosting your brand profitability.
5. Learn about key export value chain and the role of sales partners in delivering value to your customers.
6. Learn about export trade shows success factors and how they can help you gather the marketing insights for your export marketing strategy.
7. Develop your online marketing business goals, subgoals and strategy.
8. Identify your niche online market.
9. Develop a strong visual and verbal brand.
10. Discover the online sales cycle to drive sales.
11. Identify the right key performance indicators for your digital marketing campaigns.

4-Technical requirements and standards

1. Understand and learn how to draft and develop a basic export plan.
2. Understand the difference between voluntary standards and mandatory/regulatory standards.
3. Provide an overview of all export procedures, regulations, and compliance requirements (different certifications and accreditations needed, their usage and benefits, labeling, and packaging requirements…).
4. Understand all customs procedures and customs clearance documentation.

5- Freight and logistics

1. Understand the basics of shipping.
2. Cover all freight modes and transportation options.
3. Learn all about INCOTERMS (International commercial terms)
4. Learn how to calculate the overall costs related to shipping and logistics.
5. Elaborate best practices for working with freight forwarders and customs brokers.

6-Export procedures and documentation:

1. Identify the type of documents requested for export of agriculture or processed products and the authorities that issue them.
2. Learn about custom duties and taxes related to exporting from Lebanon.
3. Learn about free trade agreements and how to benefit from them through the right documentation.
4. Choose the right custom broker for your business.

All concerned SMEs are required to assist in all training modules. The planned number of participants ranges between 25-60 participants.

Deliverables and outputs:

The following deliverables will be provided as part of the export readiness session:

• The trainer/s should provide a detailed project proposal outlining the scope, the objectives, methodology and the timeline for the workshop and the coaching sessions.
• The trainer/s should provide all course materials, including training tools, resources, handouts, presentations, and relevant case studies that can be used to sustain the learning outcomes of the beneficiaries.
• The trainers should provide practical exercises and simulations enabling beneficiaries to apply the acquired knowledge and skills effectively.
• The trainer/s should provide an evaluation document of beneficiaries based on their participation, engagement, and performance during the workshop, along with feedback and recommendations for continuous improvement.

Trainer’s qualifications:

To deliver the export readiness session for ARYAF Berytech beneficiaries, it is imperative that the selected trainers meet the following criteria:

• In-depth subject Knowledge: The trainers should have a deep understanding of the export process and requirements, including relevant laws, regulations, and best practices. They should be able to provide practical guidance and support to beneficiaries drawing from their own experience and expertise.
• Familiarity with the specific industry or sectors the ARYAF Program is targeting and knowledge of industry-specific export challenges and opportunities while staying current with changes in export regulations, trade agreements and global market trends related to the sector.
• Teaching competence: While formal teaching qualifications are not obligatory, the trainers should demonstrate the necessary skills and experience for delivering effective training sessions.  This may include the ability to communicate information clearly and concisely, engage with diverse learners and diverse audiences, and adapt to different learning styles and needs.
• Relevant practical experience: The trainers should have relevant experience in exporting products, either as active exporters themselves or as instructors specialized in export-related training. They should be able to provide real-world examples and case studies to help beneficiaries understand the challenges and opportunities associated with product exportation.