Request for Proposals for Food Technology Consultant Services Under the Promoting Sustainable Livelihoods (PSL) Activity

The Rene Moawad Foundation under the PSL activity is seeking a Food Technology Consultant.

Background

The PSL activity is a USAID-funded project implemented by RMF over the course of five (5) years, ending September 16, 2025 and aims to improve the livelihoods of residents of target municipalities through training, technical assistance, infrastructure rehabilitation, and marketing, and improve and upgrade existing assets in their municipalities. The PSL goal is to sustain the livelihoods of 31,500 households across seven (7) clusters joining 105 municipalities in the North, Beqaa, South, and Mount Lebanon areas.  RMF is implementing PSL in partnerships with local and international organizations with diverse specialties including: 1. The Lebanese Maronite Order (OLM); 2. The Maronite Foundation of the World (MFW); 3. The Association for Forests, Development and Conservation (AFDC); 4. the Michel Daher Social Foundation (MDSF); 5. The Atayeb Al Rif (AAR) Cooperative; 6. NoGarlicNoOnions (NGNO); and, 7. Keylime.

Scope of Work

Under the PSL activity, the Food Technology Consultant Scope of Work comprises:

Community Assessment of the targeted clusters / areas:

Food Industry Assessment:

• Analyze the current state of the local food industry in the targeted clusters/areas.
• Identify potential opportunities for food technology interventions that align with the region's resources and cultural context.
• Assess the challenges and strengths of the local food sector.

Product Development and Innovation:

• Collaborate to develop innovative food products or processes that utilize local ingredients and cultural influences.
• Create prototypes and conduct taste tests or feasibility studies for proposed food products.
• Explore options for value-added food processing that can enhance the economic prospects of the local community

Capacity Building and Training:

• Identify training needs in the food technology sector for local entrepreneurs and community members.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops and training sessions to transfer knowledge and skills related to food processing, safety, and quality standards.
• Develop operation and management plans for food technology interventions in coordination RMF PSL Team.

Project Proposal Development:

• Prepare comprehensive project proposals, in coordination RMF PSL Team. including detailed descriptions of food technology interventions, feasibility studies, expected short-term and long-term impacts, beneficiary numbers, timelines, and budgets.
• Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders to ensure alignment with project goals and objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration:

• Engage with all relevant stakeholders, including local food producers, suppliers, and government agencies, to ensure the successful implementation of food technology interventions.
• Collaborate closely with project consortium members and partners to share findings, technical recommendations, and progress updates.

Product Development and Marketing:

• Work with local food producers, farmers and sellers to create and develop marketable food products that reflect the cultural and natural heritage of the region.
• Assist in the design and packaging of food products suitable for local and potentially wider markets.
• Develop marketing strategies to promote these products to tourists and consumers.

Monitoring and Documentation:

• Conduct regular field visits to gather data, assess progress, and address any challenges or issues that may arise.
• Ensure proper documentation of all activities, studies, trainings, and interventions related to food technology consulting under the project.

Sustainable Practices:

• Promote sustainable and environmentally friendly food processing practices.
• Encourage the adoption of eco-friendly packaging and waste management methods.

Quality Assurance and Food Safety:

• Implement quality assurance and food safety standards to ensure the production of safe and high-quality food products.
• Assist local producers in obtaining necessary certifications if applicable.

Community Empowerment:

• Work towards improving the livelihoods of local communities by creating income-generating opportunities in the food technology sector.
• Foster a sense of ownership and entrepreneurship among community members.

Technical Support:

• Provide ongoing technical support to local food producers and entrepreneurs as they implement food technology interventions.
• Offer solutions to any technical challenges encountered during implementation.

Other services:

1. Conduct field visits as needed in addition to meetings with key stakeholders and town hall meetings for proper collection of data and assessment and for adequate concepts elaboration and execution of interventions.
2. Participate in PSL Consortium meetings as needed to present and discuss their findings, proposed interventions and technical recommendations within their domain of expertise.
3. Follow up with municipalities / stakeholders on proper management and operation of interventions /projects, upon request from RMF.
4. Coordinate closely with RMF and its partner(s) to ensure proper implementation of PSL activity and work on providing solutions to possible problems encountered during course of implementation, upon request from RMF.
5. Collaborate with RMF at the field level to engage municipalities and local and national private sector actors.
6. Ensure proper documentation of all tasks/studies/trainings completed under the PSL activity.