TIF - Knowledge Economy Sector Expert

Background and Context

The USAID-funded Lebanon Trade and Investment Facilitation (TIF) project’s goal is to facilitate exports of Lebanese goods and services and investments that simultaneously promote job creation, income generation, and improved livelihoods throughout the country. TIF focuses on four targeted business sectors: Knowledge Economy & Services, Manufacturing, Agro-Food Processing, and Tourism & Hospitality.

The Knowledge Economy & Services sector, particular, represents the combination of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), Media, and Business Services. TIF previously conducted a Sector Analysis and developed an Action Plan which resulted in the identification of key challenges, opportunities, and potential areas of interventions to grow trade and investment in each sub-sector. Beginning in its second year, TIF has been implementing these areas of intervention through partnerships with ecosystem players and stakeholders using two channels: grants and Requests for Proposals (RFPs). As TIF enters its third year, it is time to assess and reevaluate previously established objectives for the Knowledge Economy & Services sector to continue reaching TIF’s targets. The latter are based on three main indicators which are vital to TIF’s success:

• Number of private sector firms that have improved management practices or technologies
• Number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) jobs created
• Value of Incremental sales (domestic and export) collected at firm level for enterprises

Accordingly, TIF seeks to hire a sector expert to assist TIF’s staff in implementing a variety of tasks that promote the Knowledge Economy & Services sector track. These include updating the Sector Analysis and Action Plan, monitoring and assessing ongoing partnerships (Grants, RFPs, etc.), and conducting outreach to identify new and viable partners, sub-sectors, and export markets, through one-on-one meetings, webinars, roundtables, and other similar events.

Tasks

The tasks of the sector expert will be undertaken in coordination with TIF Business Development team.

Update the Knowledge Economy Sector Analysis & Action Plan

• Review and update the different sections of the Knowledge Economy Sector Analysis and provide recommendations for improving the document as needed.
• Review and update the Knowledge Economy Action Plan and make suggestions for refining the document based on current needs

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Conduct Stakeholder Outreach & Develop Relevant Reports

• ​​​​​​​Identify and engage local stakeholders that can contribute to achieving TIF’s targets through new partnerships (Grants, RFPs, etc.). This should be done through regular outreach in the form of one-on-one meetings and/or roundtables, as needed.
• Research and identify promising sectors/sub-sectors within the Knowledge Economy that have the potential to grow exports and investments.
• Identify promising export markets for each sector/sub-sector based on thorough market research and pre-defined selection criteria.
• Formulate new measures for the development of the Business and Investment Enabling Environment (BIEE) framework.
• Assist in the drafting of new RFPs as needed.

Provide Advisory Services on Various Technical Tasks and Assessments

• ​​​​​​​Provide general advice and expertise on various tasks and activities being implemented under the Knowledge Economy & Services sector track at TIF.

Assist in Events Preparation

• Assist the TIF team in organizing, coordinating, and moderating relevant sector events and roundtables in support of TIF’s objectives, by engaging relevant stakeholders and partners.
• Suggest a list of potential topics to be covered under each event.

Location of Assignment

The location of this assignment is predominantly at TIF’s office in Sin El Fil and may require local travel across Lebanon for certain tasks, as needed.

Level of Effort and Period of Performance

60 days from July 2022 till July 2023

Deliverables

The list below is illustrative and non-exhaustive. More deliverables may be requested throughout the period of performance:

Task 1: Update the Knowledge Economy Sector Analysis & Action Plan

• Final drafts of the Sector Analysis and Action Plan

Task 2: Assist in Stakeholder Outreach & Develop Relevant Reports

• ​​​​​​​Monthly report on new identified stakeholders willing to partner with TIF, locally and abroad
• Reports on promising sub-sectors and export markets
• Other deliverables as required

Task 3: Provide Advisory Services on Various Technical Tasks and Assessments

• ​​​​​​​Weekly progress reports on the implementation of activities under existing partnerships

Task 4: Assist in Events Preparation

• Events agenda
• Final lists of participants

Reporting and Supervision

The sector expert will take direction from the TIF Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and the Business Development and Trade Lead in collaboration with the TIF Business Development Specialist to implement each task.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in management, business, finance, ICT or other relevant field.
• At least 12 years of professional experience in the ICT and/or Media sectors, or related field
• Extensive knowledge of the ICT/Media ecosystem in Lebanon, and connections with major stakeholders.
• Demonstrated professional experience creating, reviewing, and analyzing business plans and sector strategies, with proven business acumen and strategizing skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to liaise with diverse stakeholder groups
• Strong communication skills – both written and oral – in English and Arabic.
• Knowledge and expertise in software development is a plus.