GIL STARTUPS ACCELERATION PROGRAM LEAD

About the program: “The Generation of Innovation Leaders/GIL” is a program by UNICEF designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth in Lebanon & their lack of access to the knowledge economy. UNICEF is implementing this project in partnership with Berytech.

About Berytech: 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 the 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.  Under the GIL project, Berytech aims to Increase access of Lebanese and Non-Lebanese youth (17-25 years) to technical and vocational training and innovative skills building programs for improved professional readiness and employability.

About GIL Innovation Labs: UNICEF Innovation Lab Network Programme (GIL – Generation of Innovation Leaders) is a network of 13 innovation labs all over Lebanon that aims at the provision of two sets of skills: Design Thinking and Business Development Skills (Social Entrepreneurship) and Digital Skills training tailored for youth in Lebanon. Engaging young people in their communities is a priority for UNICEF to address social cohesion challenges among different communities, and to support and empower youth to engage in healthy lifestyles and become more civically engaged. Since 2017, UNICEF has reached over 50,000 adolescents and youth with integrated and structured life skills, sports for development, and positive leadership programs.

About Gil Startups: The GIL Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program is a follow-up to the Incubation program provided  to some of the GIL startups and goes in line with the entrepreneurial trainings provided to the. youth who have successfully piloted and tested their projects in an attempt to build their own startup/busines.

The Acceleration Program, designed and developed by the Berytech team, is a business support initiative aiming at selecting three startups from the GIL Beneficiaries with promising MVPs and validated business models. This program is intended to rapidly scale these startups and properly prepare them for the next growth phases of their journey.

Throughout this acceleration program, the selected startups will have access to a wide range of resources, including materials, equipment, markets, and more. They will also benefit from comprehensive training workshops, expert mentorship, and continuous support. Additionally, the program will provide them with matchmaking opportunities, will facilitate their export to international markets, and shall ensure their growth and success.                                                                                     
 

The Accelerator Program Lead will be the focal support point for the selected GIL Startups and will oversee the acceleration program to ensure the effective support and growth of these selected startups, while fostering a collaborative and innovative environment for them all and ensuring their business sustainability and impact.

• Business graduate from an accredited university. MBA or master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 4-6 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, start-ups, seed funding programs, learning labs, incubators or incubation consultancy.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, build, and maintain strong working relationships with start-ups, entrepreneurs, mentors, universities, research institutions, industry experts, associations, and angel investors.
• In-depth knowledge and good technical understanding of the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Lebanon, in addition to previous and current acceleration programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent Computer literacy is a must.
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format.
• Public relations, marketing, and community management experience.
• Excellent mentorship and coaching skills, with the ability to guide startups through various growth stages.
• Extensive network within the entrepreneurial and investment communities.
• Ability to identify and address the unique needs of startups, in order to ensure tailored support and resources.
• Analytical mindset to evaluate startups’ progress and make data-driven decisions.
• Team player, with the confidence to take the lead.

• Manage the day-to-day interaction with the GIL selected startups.
• Ensure the completion of set milestones and the progress of start-ups.
• Develop the team, mentors, and trainers’ network for the acceleration venture and work collectively to make it successful. This includes writing TORs, recruiting, and onboarding the team of advisors and coaches to support entrepreneurs.
• Oversee the selection process for startups entering the acceleration program.
• Develop and implement comprehensive acceleration plans tailored to each startup's needs.
• Facilitate access to resources, including materials, equipment, markets, and networks.
• Organize and deliver training sessions, workshops, and seminars on relevant topics.
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, industry experts, and partners.
• Monitor and evaluate the progress of each startup, providing feedback and adjustments as needed.
• Coordinate matchmaking opportunities to help startups expand to international markets.
• Report on program outcomes and successes, highlighting the impact on participating startups