Fundraising Strategy Expert(s)/ Consultants - Cluster Booster EuroMed Clusters Forward – Call for experts

About Berytech:

Berytech is a leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Eco-system in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and company hosting, hence taking part in the economic revival of the country, participating in wealth and job creation, and retaining graduates and high-level skills in Lebanon.

About Euromed Clusters Forward:

Euromed Clusters Forward is a 4-year project that aims at establishing and improving clusters legal policies, strengthening clusters capacity & regional cooperation, and strengthening regional value chains. Berytech is the implementing partner of Euromed Clusters Forward in Lebanon, that is funded by the European Union and coordinated by Anima Investment Network with 3 implementing partners and 9 affiliates from the Euromed region.

About Cluster Booster:

Cluster Booster is a technical assistance activity under the Euromed Clusters Forward led by Berytech. It aims at strengthening the skills of cluster managers, staff, and SME members in the South Mediterranean region. This 18-month program offers training and technical help to help clusters grow and succeed.

Key focuses include establishing and improving the governance and sustainability models; developing strategies to attract new members; analyzing value chains for better market positioning; scaling-up their business performances and enhancing technological and innovation capabilities to foster North-South Mediterranean collaboration. 

Cluster Overview:

QOOT Lebanese Agrifood Cluster is Lebanon’s leading agrifood innovation cluster bringing together agrifood SMEs, service providers, academia, ecosystem enablers, and development partners to strengthen the competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation capacity of the Lebanese agrifood sector.

The cluster works across multiple pillars including capacity building, innovation, sustainability, access to markets, supply chain development, export readiness, and ecosystem collaboration. Through strategic partnerships and donor-supported initiatives, QOOT Cluster has implemented projects with international organizations, development agencies, and private sector actors supporting Lebanese agrifood SMEs and value chains.

In light of the growing need to diversify funding streams, strengthen institutional sustainability, and expand strategic partnerships, QOOT Cluster seeks to engage a qualified consultant or consultancy firm to support its fundraising and proposal development efforts until October 2026.

The assignment aims to strengthen the cluster’s positioning with international donors, development organizations, foundations, private sector partners, and ecosystem stakeholders while developing high-quality concept notes and technical proposals aligned with the cluster’s strategic priorities and mission.

The consultancy firm/individual consultant(s) will:

1. Donor Scouting & Mapping

• Conduct comprehensive mapping and scouting of potential donors, development agencies, foundations, CSR programs, international NGOs, embassies, and strategic partners relevant to QOOT Cluster’s areas of intervention.
• Identify funding opportunities aligned with agrifood development, MSMEs, sustainability, innovation, climate resilience, food security, women and youth empowerment, market systems development, and entrepreneurship.
• Develop and maintain a donor pipeline and opportunity tracking sheet including priorities, eligibility criteria, deadlines, funding ranges, and engagement recommendations.
• Provide strategic recommendations on donor positioning and engagement approaches.

2. Partnership Development & Networking

• Facilitate strategic introductions and networking opportunities between QOOT Cluster and potential donors/partners.
• Coordinate and support the organization of meetings (online and in-person) with prospective funding partners and stakeholders.
• Support follow-up communication and relationship management with targeted donors and partners.
• Advise on strategic partnership opportunities with local, regional, and international actors.

3. Fundraising & Proposal Development Support

• Review existing institutional documents and fundraising materials.
• Amend and strengthen QOOT Cluster’s institutional pitch deck and fundraising presentation materials.
• Develop tailored concept notes and project ideas aligned with identified donor priorities.
• Lead the drafting and submission support of technical proposals in response to donor calls, TORs, and funding opportunities.
• Support development of logical frameworks, implementation approaches, workplans, results frameworks, and indicative budgets when needed.
• Provide strategic guidance on proposal positioning and competitiveness.

4. Strategic Advisory Support

• Advise the cluster management team on fundraising strategy and donor engagement priorities.
• Recommend strategic thematic areas and project opportunities for future growth and sustainability.
• Provide practical recommendations to strengthen institutional fundraising readiness and partnership visibility.

The consultant shall deliver the following:

A. Donor Mapping & Fundraising Pipeline

• Comprehensive mapping report of potential donors and partners relevant to QOOT Cluster.
• Donor engagement and opportunity tracking pipeline.
• Identification of priority funding opportunities and strategic recommendations.

B. Partnership Facilitation

• Facilitation of at least 10 strategic meetings/connections with potential donors, development partners, private sector stakeholders, or funding agencies (online and/or in-person).
• Meeting coordination support and follow-up recommendations.

C. Institutional Fundraising Materials

• Updated and enhanced QOOT Cluster pitch deck/fundraising presentation.
• Review and enhancement recommendations for institutional visibility materials.

D. Proposal Development

• Development of at least:
  • 3 tailored concept notes
  • 2 technical proposals in response to identified TORs/calls for proposals
• Technical input and advisory support on additional funding applications when relevant during the assignment period.

The consultancy assignment will span over a period of approximately 5 months, from June 2026 until October 2026.

The consultant is expected to provide continuous and responsive support throughout the implementation period, aligned with donor deadlines and emerging funding opportunities.

The consultant/consultancy firm should possess the following qualifications:

• Minimum 7–10 years of demonstrated experience in fundraising, donor engagement, proposal writing, business development, or strategic partnerships.
• Proven track record in securing and/or supporting funding opportunities with international donors, development agencies, INGOs, foundations, or private sector partners.
• Strong experience in writing high-quality concept notes, grant applications, and technical proposals.
• Familiarity with donor regulations and proposal requirements of organizations such as EU, UN agencies, GIZ, USAID, EBRD, IFC, international foundations, and development actors.
• Experience working with clusters, MSMEs, agrifood sector, economic development programs, entrepreneurship ecosystems, or nonprofit organizations is highly preferred.
• Strong communication, stakeholder engagement, and networking skills.
• Ability to coordinate with multiple stakeholders and facilitate strategic meetings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Arabic and/or French is considered an asset.