Advanced Incubation Program Lead - Generation of Innovation Labs “GIL” Program

About the program: “The Generation of Innovation Leaders/GIL” is a program by UNICEF designed to address the high unemployment rates among youth in Lebanon & their lack of access to the knowledge economy. UNICEF is implementing this project in partnership with Berytech.

About Berytech: A leading organization in the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in Lebanon, that aims to provide a conducive environment for the creation and development of startups, through incubation, business support, counseling, funding, networking, and the 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.  Under the GIL project, Berytech aims to Increase access of Lebanese and Non-Lebanese youth (17-25 years) to technical and vocational training and innovative skills building programs for improved professional readiness and employability.

About GIL Innovation Labs: UNICEF Innovation Lab Network Programme (GIL – Generation of Innovation Leaders) is a network of 13 innovation labs all over Lebanon that aims at the provision of two sets of skills: Design Thinking and Business Development Skills (Social Entrepreneurship) and Digital Skills training tailored for youth in Lebanon. Engaging young people in their communities is a priority for UNICEF to address social cohesion challenges among different communities, and to support and empower youth to engage in healthy lifestyles and become more civically engaged. Since 2017, UNICEF has reached over 50,000 adolescents and youth with integrated and structured life skills, sport for development and positive leadership programs.

About Gil Startups: The GIL Entrepreneurship Incubation Program is a follow-up to the Training programs provided under the GIL program. Youth who successfully pilot and test their projects are expected to be able to proceed with their initiatives on their own. GIL continues to provide guidance and support to all teams. In some cases, selected teams will be connected to other mentorships and new opportunities.

About the Advanced Incubation Program: A business support program, designed and developed by the Berytech team, to select startups out of the GIL Beneficiaries’ incubated teams with promising MVPs and validated business model, as a way to rapidly scale growth and to properly prepare these selected startups for acceleration.

Throughout this advanced incubation program, the selected startups will have access to materials, equipment, markets, and other resources, and will be offered trainings, mentorship, and support.                                                                                                 

The Incubator Program Lead will be the focal support point for the selected GIL Startups and responsible for managing the day-to-day operations and interaction with the entrepreneurs.

Being the switchboard for entrepreneurs to access relevant resources and connections, the Incubator Program Lead will be identifying opportunities for needed training, development programmes, and mentorship, and coordinating with relevant trainers and mentors.

This position requires driving the development and implementation of a vibrant and sustainable Incubator initiative – including a stimulating physical environment, an engaging support programme, and an overall entrepreneurial and cooperative spirit, through effectively utilizing Berytech’s current entrepreneurial experience and practice.

• Business graduate from an accredited university. MBA or master’s degree is a plus.
• At least 4-6 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, start-ups, seed funding programs, learning labs, incubator or incubation consultancy.
• Demonstrated ability to establish, build and maintain strong working relationships with start-ups, entrepreneurs, mentors, universities, research institutions, industry experts, associations, and angel investors.
• In-depth knowledge and good technical understanding of the Ecosystem in Lebanon, in addition of previous and current incubation programs.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Excellent Computer literacy is a must.
• Ability to effectively communicate information and ideas in written and verbal format.
• Team player, with the confidence to take the lead.
• Public relations, marketing, community management experience.

• Manage the day-to-day interaction with GIL selected startups.
• Ensure the completion of set milestones and progress of entrepreneurs and start-ups.
• Develop the team, mentors, and trainers’ network for the Incubator and work collectively to make the Incubator venture successful. This includes writing TOR, recruiting, and onboarding the team of advisors and coaches to support entrepreneurs.
• Plan various workshops, events, and webinars.
• Guide and support finalists for the acceleration program.
• Prepare all required reports and maintain a comprehensive set of records of the startups’ founders, members, and progress activities. 
• Perform administrative works at the Incubator as need be (budget screening, procurement reports for equipment and necessary tools, etc.).