Call for Business Model Expert

The Rene Moawad Foundation is seeking Business Model Expert to support 10 Lebanese MSMEs in their business development through capacity building and business linkages to generate 2000 direct and indirect jobs. 

GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

• Identifying key challenges faced by table grapes farmers and exporters in their current relationships.
• Exploring potential areas for improvement through effective change management.
• Developing a roadmap and guidelines for implementing change management strategies.

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE OF THE CONSULTANCY

The type of business agreements that table grape farmers and exporters have today hinders them from reaching sophisticated markets with premium prices. Currently, packers and exporters negotiate price and collection of grapes towards the very end of the harvest time to minimize price and farmers also wait last minute to maximize price.

After benchmarking countries that export grapes to US, UK or other sophisticated markets, the project has seen that the best practices in the value chain are that packers and exporters work closely with farmers in long term relationships to comply with the demands of retailers such as Waitrose, Whole Foods or others. In this regard, the packers provide agronomists that help farmers throughout the year in on the field, harvesting and post-harvest practices to reach the desired qualities. Packers/exporters often provide a payment calendar that allows farmers to have the supply of the right inputs. The farmer in exchange has a compromise to supply the farmer/ exporter. Also, farmer and exporter work together in planning future varieties that may be more attractive for the market trends.

In the quest of Lebanese grapes to reach these markets, this aspect is fundamental.

SCOPE OF WORK

• Designing and conducting focus group discussions among lead farmers and exporters.
• Collecting qualitative data on existing challenges and opportunities.
• Analyzing the gathered information to identify common themes and areas for improvement.
• Developing a comprehensive roadmap and guidelines for implementing change management.
• Presenting findings and recommendations to the group.

DELIVERABLES

• A detailed plan for conducting focus group discussions.
• Comprehensive qualitative data analysis report.
• Roadmap and guidelines for implementing change management strategies.
• Presentation materials summarizing key findings and recommendations.

DURATION AND DATES

This evaluation will begin on 19 February 2024

PROFILE OF THE CONSULTANT

• Extensive experience in facilitating focus groups and stakeholder consultations within the agricultural sector.
• Strong background in change management strategies.
• Knowledge of the challenges and dynamics within the farmer-exporter relationship.
• Excellent communication and analytical skills.
• Familiarity with the agricultural industry and market trends.