Market Assessment Consultancy

Market Assessment Consultancy

Project Location: Tripoli, Baalbek, and Jeb Jennine

Duration: 6 weeks

Contract Type: Short-term consultancy

1. Introduction

SHiFT is seeking a qualified consultant to conduct a participatory action research market assessment in Tripoli, Baalbek, and Jeb Jennine. This assessment aims to provide in-depth insights into local market dynamics and identify sustainable economic opportunities that support the development of resilient livelihoods and businesses in the targeted areas.

2. Objectives

The primary objective of the market assessment is to:

• Understand the current market context, including supply, demand, and employment trends.
• Identify viable livelihood and business opportunities, with a particular focus on women and youth from both host and refugee communities.
• Inform the design of vocational and digital business training programs tailored to local needs.

3. Scope of Work

The consultant will:

• Conduct participatory action research in the three target locations.
• Identify industries and market sectors with potential for youth and women-led micro and small enterprises.
• Map value chains and market linkages, assessing barriers and enablers for entry.
• Analyze the resilience capacities and constraints across different demographics.
• Profile existing businesses, including struggling ones that may benefit from support.

4. Methodology

The consultant is expected to apply a mix of quantitative and qualitative approaches, including but not limited to:

Desk Review

• Analysis of secondary data: market trends, policies, price controls, and socioeconomic indicators (past 5 years).

Primary Data Collection

• Key Informant Interviews (KIIs): With local authorities, trade associations, chambers of commerce, suppliers, and financial institutions.
• Focus Group Discussions (FGDs): At least one per area, including women, youth, and refugees.
• Surveys / Market Observations: With vendors, business owners, and consumers.

Market Mapping / Value Chain Analysis

• Explore supply chain structure, size, seasonality, and market actors.

Data Analysis

• Combine qualitative and quantitative data to produce actionable insights.

5. Deliverables

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Inception Report with detailed methodology and work plan.
• Draft Market Assessment Report for review and feedback.
• Final Market Assessment Report, including:
• Market supply and demand analysis.
• Mapping of livelihood opportunities for youth and women.
• Business profiling and resilience analysis.
• Value chain and market dynamics mapping.
• Strategic recommendations for vocational and business support.

6. Timeline

The consultancy is expected to be completed within a maximum of six (6) weeks from the signing of the contract. Key milestones and deadlines will be agreed upon in the inception phase.

7. Reporting

The consultant will report directly to the SHiFT Program Manager and work closely with the SHiFT project implementation team.

8. Confidentiality & Intellectual Property

All materials, data, and findings produced under this consultancy will remain the sole property of SHiFT. The consultant agrees to maintain the confidentiality of all project-related information.

9. Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Development Studies, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in market assessments, economic development, or livelihoods programming.
• Proven experience in participatory research methodologies.
• Strong analytical, report-writing, and communication skills.
• Fluency in English is required; Arabic is an asset.

10. Evaluation Criteria

Proposals will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• Technical Proposal (50%)
• Methodology and approach (20%)
• Understanding of scope and objectives (10%)
• Workplan and timeline (10%)
• Experience in similar assignments (10%)
• Financial Proposal (30%)
• Profile and Qualifications of Consultant (20%)