Market Intelligence (MI) consultancy firm

RMF is seeking a Market Intelligence (MI) consultancy firm to develop the next phase of Lebtrade Platform, under SADDER project funded by the Kingdom of Netherlands implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation.

About “SADDER”

SADDER - Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally (2023-2027) is funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF).

"SADDER" will incorporate enhanced methodologies and best practices. It will aim to support Lebanon's economy through the agriculture sector by assisting stakeholders within the selected value chains, Table Grapes, Avocados, Cherries, and Apples, in meeting both local and export market requirements, ultimately leading to increased income, self-sustainability of various agricultural sectors, as well as job creation and retention.

SADDER" will entails working with multiple concerned stakeholders in a comprehensive WEF approach with the objective of:

• Improving water and energy efficiency in agriculture: investment in efficient irrigation systems, and guidance of proper water management.
• Promoting renewable energy sources: solar and renewable resources in farms and post-harvest facilities.
• Enhancing management of water resources.
• Increasing access to food and food security increased production, access to sustainable livelihoods.
• Reducing food waste through sustainable agricultural practices, and support to small-scale farmers through investment in second grade produce and agri-food, along with intercropping.

 Terms of Reference

RMF is seeking a Market Intelligence (MI) consultancy firm to develop the next phase of Lebtrade Platform.

1. Background

Lebtrade is a national trade platform supporting Lebanese exporters by providing up-to-date trade information, market insights, and practical tools. Under the “SADDER – Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally” project, funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF), the Ministry of Economy and Trade (MoET) aims to enhance Lebtrade’s functionalities to broaden its reach and impact on Lebanon’s trade performance.

Financing

All activities under this ToR are financed through the SADDER project, managed by RMF.

Responsibilities

• RMF
  • Hire and coordinate the Market Intelligence (MI) consultancy firm.
• Consultancy Firm
  • Provide expert support in updating trade data and refining Market Intelligence reports.
  • Offer recommendations to ensure the accuracy and relevance of updated content.
  • Develop customized assessment tools for producers to gauge their export readiness
  • Support with development of procedures, regional promotion and strategic partnerships
• LEBTRADE Team at the MoET
  • Integrate updated data and content into the platform.
  • Validate information with the support of MI consultancy.

All activities shall adhere to the regulations, rules, policies, and procedures of the Ministry of Economy and Trade.

2. Objectives

1. Updated Trade Reports (2024 Data)
2. Regional Promotion
3. Introduce New Value Chain (Apples) and Commercial Roadmaps
4. commercial roadmaps
5. Export Readiness Checker
6. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
7. Public-Private Export Committee

3. Proposed Activities

Activity 1: Updating Trade Reports (2024 Data)

Description
Focus on gathering and analyzing trade data from 2024 for key agricultural products (e.g., potatoes, table grapes, avocados, cherries). Collaborate with relevant governmental agencies and international organizations to ensure data accuracy, analyse export/import trends, and present findings in user-friendly reports.

Deliverables

1. Data Collection & Analysis
   • Comprehensive dataset of 2024 export and import figures for targeted commodities.
2. Trade Reports (4 products)
   • Updated reports highlighting trade balances, top trading partners, and sector-specific insights.
3. Validation & Finalization
   • Incorporation of feedback from the MoET Lebtrade Team and consultancy firm into final reports.
4. Platform Integration
   • Publication of the updated reports on the Lebtrade platform.

Activity 2: Regional Promotion

Description
Increase Lebtrade’s adoption and awareness among businesses across multiple regions in Lebanon. This involves outreach events and online webinars.

Deliverables

1. Workshops & Training Sessions (4 total)
   • Collaboration with regional chambers of commerce to showcase Lebtrade’s features, benefits and success stories.
2. Online Webinars & Presentations (4 total)
   • Virtual sessions targeting local and international audiences, highlighting platform updates and usage tips.
3. Promotional Materials
   • Brochures, digital flyers, and video tutorials disseminated through social media and partner networks.

Activity 3: New Value Chain Apple and Commercial Roadmaps

Description
Expand Lebtrade’s product offerings by incorporating apples. Conduct market research, develop commercial roadmaps, and outline legal requirements for entering new markets.

Deliverables

1. Market Research (4 targeted markets)
   • Analysis reports detailing global demand, competitive landscape, and potential entry barriers for apples and processed derivatives.
2. Commercial Roadmaps (10 total)
   • Step-by-step guides for both existing and new value chains, detailing strategy, pricing, promotion and logistics.
3. Legal Requirements Reports (10 total)
   • Documentation of certifications, labelling rules, and regulatory processes for identified potential markets.
4. Platform Integration
   • Publication of value chain information (fact sheets, best practices, etc.) on Lebtrade.

Activity 4: Export Readiness Checker

Description
A digital tool enabling businesses in five prioritized value chains to assess their export preparedness (product quality, certifications, logistics and market knowledge).

Deliverables

1. Tool Development
   • Customized online framework with clear scoring and automated recommendations.
2. Pilot Testing & Refinement
   • Collection of exporters feedback, leading to iterative improvements.
3. Final Launch on Lebtrade
   • Integration of the readiness checker into the platform, accompanied by user instructions and tutorials.
4. Training & Support Materials
   • Webinars or quick guides on how to utilize the checker and interpret results.

Activity 5: Public-Private Export Committee

Description
Establish a LebTrade Public-Private Export Committee to oversee strategic direction and foster collaboration among multiple stakeholders.

Deliverables

1. Committee Structure Document
   • Define roles, responsibilities and composition of the committee.
2. Regular Meeting Schedule & Minutes
   • Clear record of decisions, action items, and follow-up activities to ensure accountability.

4. Additional Activities

4.1 Visitor Data

Description
Collect and analyse user metrics to inform platform enhancements and measure engagement.

Deliverables

1. Quarterly Analytics Reports
   • Summaries of traffic, user demographics, and usage patterns.
2. Improvement Action Plan
   • Recommendations for platform updates based on analytics insights.

5. Human Resources

5.1 MoET Lebtrade Team

Role

• Update trade reports, develop new resources, and manage daily operations.

Deliverables

1. Content Updates
   • Accurate, timely information uploaded to the platform.
2. Coordination
   • Effective communication with the MI firm and web developer, ensuring a fully functional platform.

5.2 MI Company

Role

• Provide technical and advisory services on data updates, market intelligence, and commercial roadmap creation.

Deliverables

1. Reviews & Feedback
   • Critical input on updated reports and overall platform strategy.
2. Capacity Building
   • Hands-on training and coaching (e.g., commercial roadmap development) for the MoET team.
3. Promotion Materials
   • Enhanced materials for outreach via chambers of commerce and other stakeholders.

The Key Experts

• Lead Coach (15+ years of Market Intelligence, Export Development & Training and Coaching)

Qualifications:

• Specialist in international market research with up-to-date knowledge of international market dynamics and trends in the fresh produce market, in particular in the regional and European market and ample experience in trade data analysis and development of market reports.
• Expertise in training and coaching of professionals in public institutions and ability to build report with professionals at different levels and drive collaboration among different parties in both public and private sector
• Working experience with MoET and online platforms is a strong asset.

• Senior Buddy Coach (10+ Business & Export Tool Development Experience)

Qualifications:

• Specialist in development of digital assessment tools, guidelines and manuals to support businesses with improvement of market performance
• Expertise in the area of training and coaching of professionals in public institutions

Working experience with MoET is an asset.