Cluster Booster- ECF

About Berytech:

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system 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 Euromed Clusters Forward:

Euromed Clusters Forward is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of Euromed Clusters Forward in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Booster:

Cluster Booster is a technical assistance activity under the Euromed Clusters Forward led by Berytech. It aims at strengthening the skills of cluster managers, staff, and SME members in the South Mediterranean region. This 18-month program offers training and technical help to help clusters grow and succeed.

Key focuses include establishing and improving the governance and sustainability models; developing strategies to attract new members; analyzing value chains for better market positioning; scaling-up their business performances and enhancing technological and innovation capabilities to foster North-South Mediterranean collaboration. 

Clusters Overview:

• A new Lebanese cosmetics cluster with 16 members, some on the board. They aim to improve governance and finances and help members meet EU and international production standards to boost exports.
• A Lebanese ICT association with 120 members, 90 active, founded 20 years ago. It offers services and participates in global exhibitions. They seek to better organize as a cluster, form a management team, and enhance members' access to regional and international markets.
• An Egyptian NGO, founded in 2012, focused on sustainable energy. They aim to improve their financial model, form a management team, and create a renewable energy innovation center to support members.
• An Egyptian export council under the Ministry of Trade and Investment, operating since 1997 with 150 active members. They aim to strengthen the engineering and construction sector by improving member capacities, product quality, and export channels, while also diversifying income sources.

The expert will:

• Conduct needs assessment meetings with 4 clusters separately to identify gaps in capacity, financial model, market access, and other areas that need to be addressed in the technical assistance to enhance the clusters' performance.
• Develop a support roadmap highlighting areas of interventions needed and type of interventions, timeline and budget allocation per service for each cluster, prioritizing key interventions based on the needs assessment findings.
• Identify the specific areas where the consultancy or expertise and the type of service is required for the successful implementation of the roadmaps.
• Draft detailed TORs for the procurement of these services, including the scope of work, deliverables, timelines, budget and qualifications required.

• Needs Assessment Reports: 4 reports detailing the findings from the needs assessment for each cluster.
• Cluster Roadmaps: Detailed and actionable roadmaps for each of the 4 clusters, including a budget allocation plan and monitoring framework.
• Consultancy ToRs: Well-defined ToR documents for the consultancy services and expertise required to support the roadmap implementation.

• Once selected, the expert will meet with Berytech team to go over all the details of the activity and clusters.
• Following that, the expert will meet with the clusters and submit the deliverables from Mid September 2024 until mid October 2024.

• Advanced degree in a relevant field (e.g., Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration)
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in needs assessment, strategic planning, and consultancy within similar contexts
• Proven track record in developing and implementing cluster development strategies
• Excellent communication skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and report writing.