External Consultant: Marketing, Branding and Sales - BASATINE

1.Context & Background  

Bolstering Agriculture Systems’ Ability to Invest, Nourish, and Employ (BASATINE) is a four-year project that aims to support farmers and other value chain and associated sector actors in areas of Beqaa and Akkar focused on the production of wheat and vegetables, seeking a territorial approach and promoting linkages with other value chains. Through complementary interventions designed in alignment with the humanitarian-development-peace nexus, the project will immediately address food insecurity and provide needed income and technical support to farmers to survive this tumultuous time, as well improve the capacity of food systems to maintain employment and growth in the longer term via stronger domestic production and system linkages. This will ultimately contribute to greater economic stability – particularly for women, improved rural development, and more positive social cohesion between host/refugee communities at a local level.

For this purpose, Berytech, through the BASATINE Project, will hire consultants who will be able to deliver a consultancy on access to market to a cooperative located in Akkar.

2. Objectives:

The primary objectives of this consultancy are as follows:

   a. Assess the current Mouneh product line and production processes.

   b. Identify opportunities for product improvement and diversification.

   c. Develop a marketing and sales strategy tailored to the cooperative's capabilities.

   d. Assist in establishing market access for the cooperative's products.

3. Scope of Work:

The consultant is expected to perform the following tasks:

   a. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the cooperative's current Mouneh products, production methods, and facilities.

   b. Analyze the competitive landscape for traditional Lebanese Mouneh products.

   c. Identify potential target markets and customer segments for the cooperative's products.

   d. Develop a marketing and branding strategy / Plan  that highlights the authenticity and quality of the cooperative's products with clear deliverables.

   e. Provide recommendations for product improvement and diversification, considering market demands and trends.

   f. Assist in creating marketing materials and content for product promotion.

   g. Advise on pricing strategies and distribution channels.

   h. Facilitate connections with potential buyers, distributors, and retailers.

   i. Provide guidance on regulatory and quality compliance.

   j. Deliver a comprehensive report outlining findings, recommendations, and a detailed action plan.

5.Qualifications and Expertise:

The consultant should possess the following qualifications and expertise:

   a. Proven experience in marketing and sales strategy development for food products, preferably in the agri-food sector.

   b. Knowledge of the Lebanese food market and an understanding of traditional Lebanese Mouneh products.

   c. Experience in working with cooperatives or small-scale producers is an advantage.

   d. Strong analytical and research skills.

   e. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

   f. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

6. Deliverables:

The consultant is expected to deliver the following:

   a. A comprehensive assessment report.

   b. Marketing and sales strategy tailored to the cooperative.

   c. Recommendations for product improvement and diversification.

   d. Marketing materials and content.

   e. Action plan for market access.

   f. Any other relevant documentation or deliverables.

7. Payment Terms:

Payment for the consultant's services will be made in accordance with the following terms and conditions:

a. Consultant Fee: The total budget to be offered should include all fees, expenses, and taxes associated with the services provided by the consultant.

b. Payment Schedule: The payment will be made in three installments, as follows:

  i. First Payment: An initial payment of 30% of the total consultant fee will be made upon the signing of the consultancy agreement. This payment will serve as mobilization funds to initiate the project.

ii. Second Payment: A second payment of 30% of the total consultant fee will be made upon the successful delivery and acceptance of the following deliverables:

      - Comprehensive assessment report (Deliverable a)

      - Marketing and sales strategy tailored to the cooperative (Deliverable b)

 iii. Final Payment: The remaining 40% of the total consultant fee will be made upon the successful completion and acceptance of the remaining deliverables:

      - Recommendations for product improvement and diversification (Deliverable c)

      - Marketing materials and content (Deliverable d)

      - Action plan for market access (Deliverable e)

      - Any other relevant documentation or deliverables (Deliverable f)

c. Invoice Submission: The consultant shall submit a detailed invoice to Berytech’s Basatine Program department upon reaching the milestones for the second payment and final payment. The invoice should include a breakdown of services rendered and expenses incurred, if applicable along with the report.

d. Payment Method: Payments will be made by cheque Fresh USD or Fresh USD bank transfer to the consultant's designated bank account or address. Bank charges, if any, related to the payment will be borne by the consultant.

e. Taxes: Any applicable taxes or withholding obligations will be deducted as required by relevant tax laws. The consultant is responsible for providing all necessary tax documentation and compliance with local tax regulations.

f. Expenses: All expenses related to the consultancy, including travel, accommodation, and other miscellaneous costs, are the responsibility of the consultant and are not covered within the budgeted amount.

g. Performance Evaluation: Payment will be made upon successful completion and acceptance of each milestone, as determined by the Project Manager who will review the quality and completeness of the deliverables before authorizing payment.