Business Consultant

The Alliance2015 Partnership, represented by lead agency ACTED, Cesvi, Concern and Hivos, is running a program that aims to address root causes of conflict and instability in Lebanon, through the creation of sustainable income-generating and livelihood opportunities for vulnerable populations. Over three years, Alliance2015 partners will work directly with 1,800 individuals, 18 Social Development Centers (SDCs) and at least 27 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across Lebanon.

The integrated program targets vulnerable communities with economic inclusion activities through three main pathways:

(A) Building the capacity of SDCs leads to an improved delivery of livelihood-related services;

(B) Improving the technical and soft skills of vulnerable individuals to ensure increased participation in the private sector job market; and

(C) Improving the capacity of the private sector leads to growth and job creation.

Activities include providing livelihood-related resources, assets and renovations to each targeted SDC; offering TVET and soft skills training, paid apprenticeship programs and job-matching services to vulnerable individuals; and providing businesses development services and value chain support to MSMEs.

This assignment is solely focused on Outcome Pathway C with specific focus on activity 3.1: Provide counseling and coaching to MSMEs, including establishing linkages to existing business development services.

Lebanon has been recently developing a conducive ecosystem for MSMEs due to their role in transforming the Lebanese economy into an open one. MSMEs are now considered an essential part of the economic recovery plan where 90% of enterprises currently active in Lebanon can be categorized as MSMEs. If on the one hand MSMEs contribute to the vitality of the market economy, on the other hand they still face significant obstacles to their development: unstable economic conditions, fast-changing technologies and globalization, high presence of small family-run and informal business, stagnation and high emigration levels with subsequent poor talent retention, lack of technical expertise and highly skilled workforce, and other legal, regulatory and taxation challenges.

In addition to that, many Micro and Small businesses are run by individuals with a high level of expertise in a specific industry, but who often lack basic knowledge in business management, administration, human resources, etc.

In order to tackle these obstacles and support MSMEs in their growth, Cesvi is hiring a Business Consultant who will provide mentorship and counseling to business owners so that they can bridge skill, managerial, legal and financial gaps. The business consultant will work together with Cesvi’s staff to:

• Screen and select MSMEs (5) who will receive relevant business support
• Assess MSMEs skill gaps and specific needs for training and support (training, legal, financial, networking)
• Assist selected MSMEs in the development of a tailored business model/plan
• Network with other business development service providers (incubators, accelerators, financial institutions)  in order to ensure MSMEs sustainability over time
• Monitor MSMEs progress over time and adjust the business models if needed

In order to achieve the expected results, the consultancy will entail, among other things, reviewing financial statements, evaluating competitors, analyzing business practices, preparing recommendations and presenting them to Cesvi and business owners.

General coordination

• Participate in the skill gaps assessment and in the selection process (pitch)
• Attend all meetings as requested by Cesvi
• Meet with business owners when needed
• Contribute to the selected businesses growth by tracking businesses progress over time and providing recommendations for adjustments
• Suggest improvements in different business processes and aspects
• Coordinate with other business development service providers with the aim of building positive relationships between businesses and relevant stakeholders
• Foster a culture of change within selected businesses that leads to the creation of jobs
• Establish measures that lead to reduction of risks and ensure sustainability over time
• Provide ongoing mentorship to selected MSMEs

Assessments and field visits to business sites

• Perform initial assessment of pre-selected businesses to detect skills, financial and legal bottlenecks as well as business opportunities
• Conduct questionnaires, FGDs, individual interviews and other activities needed to assess gaps and potential of MSMEs
• Meet with selected business owners regularly to report on gaps, strategies and project progress

Draft reports and recommendations 

• Suggest relevant business training based on needs assessment and  follow-up
• Analyze and interpret data collected to detect bottlenecks and problems, and understand the underlying causes
• Devise recommendations and solutions taking into account the business owners’ needs, capabilities and limitations
• Present findings and suggestions to selected business owners with justification and practical advice
• Develop detailed business plans to foster business growth and job creation
• Compile relevant data for client’s business by conducting research and interviews
• Develop and deliver presentations with justification and analysis
• Map and network service business providers to create a linkage between them and business owners in Saida
• Submit requested reports to the Program Manager and make requested changes in a timely manner

Requirements

Knowledge/Experience

• At least 3 years of experience working in Business Consultancy
• Demonstrated experience in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and data analysis
• Should possess a proven knowledge and expertise gained through similar assignments related to business consultancy

Skills

• Expert-Level Knowledge of Business, Finance, Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Networking, Writing, Reporting Sales, Information Technology, Strategy development, Local Market, Logistics, Business Support
• Excellent writing and organizational skills, with high attention to details
• Excellent verbal, presentation, and listening communications skills
• Strong interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality
• Ability to stay up to date with current news, trends and studies related to business processes
• Analytical and problem solving skills, willingness to collaborate in problem-solving

Personal Attributes

• Be honest, trustworthy, and respectful
• Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity to needs of vulnerable populations
• Demonstrated ability to work independently under tight deadlines
• Take initiative and is open to continuous learning and constructive criticism