Green Business Expert – Circular Economy for Agri-Innovations for the BOUZOUR project by ILO

Context & Background

Berytech is a leading organization in the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Lebanon, providing a conducive environment for the creation and development of innovative startups. Through incubation, business support, funding, networking, and hosting services, Berytech plays a key role in job creation, economic growth, and talent retention in Lebanon.

The BOUZOUR project ‘Building Inclusive Markets and Decent Work for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees’ is funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The project aims to develop specific agricultural and agri-food value chains with potential for decent job creation and livelihoods of both Lebanese and Syrian vulnerable population groups and in particular women of both communities.The project makes use of the ILO’s Approach to Inclusive Market Systems (AIMS) to safeguard jobs and livelihoods of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian communities threatened by the crises and encourage decent job creation for both groups in sectors with potential. The BOUZOUR project is aligned with the idea of “doing development differently” and therefore applies a market systems development approach. This approach tackles the root causes of market issues affecting people in poverty, aiming for lasting, sustainable changes. Instead of delivering goods and services directly, the project looks at the overall system in which people live and make a living, asking why certain groups struggle to access economic opportunities.

Scope of Work

The consultant will work closely with the Bouzour Program team to provide training and tailored technical assistance for startups developing water, energy, and climate-smart innovations for agriculture and agri-food sectors.

1. Design and Deliver Training Module

• Develop and deliver an Introduction to Circular Economy, adapted to Lebanon’s agriculture and agri-food context.
• Present circular business strategies with real-world case studies.
• Highlight challenges and opportunities of adopting circular practices in the local context.
• Introduce and train participants on a suitable methodology or toolkit (e.g., Embrace Toolkit or similar) for circular transition and agricultural waste valorization.

2. Provide Technical Assistance

• Guide startups in identifying opportunities for resource efficiency, waste valorization, and employment generation.
• Conduct up to 20 hours of one-on-one coaching sessions to support startups in applying circular business models.
• Facilitate connections between startups and relevant experts, networks, and partners for circular economy practices.

Deliverables

• Training agenda and schedule.
• Comprehensive training package, including slides, exercises, and toolkit materials.
• Delivery of training workshop(s) to participating startups and agri-enterprises.
• One-on-one coaching sessions (up to 20 hours).
• Final report summarizing:
  • Training outcomes and participant feedback.
  • Details of technical assistance provided.
  • Recommendations for scaling circular practices among startups.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering, Environmental Management, Agriculture, Sustainability, Circular Economy, or related fields.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in Circular Economy, green business transformation, or sustainable agriculture.
• Demonstrated experience working with smallholder farmers and agri-enterprises in Lebanon or the MENA region.
• Strong knowledge of climate-smart agriculture, water and energy efficiency, and waste valorization technologies.
• Proven experience in training design, facilitation, and mentoring for startups and MSMEs.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and coaching skills in English and Arabic.