Needs Assessment Expert

1. Objective

The project's goal is to boost the performance of 20 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and 5 cooperatives in various sectors in North Lebanon. It will provide tailored training, coaching, and customized services to improve their management and planning capabilities and help them access new markets. The project will start with a detailed assessment of their operations, followed by targeted training in areas like strategic planning, financial management, and marketing. Customized services, including advisory support and mentoring, will ensure effective strategy implementation. Additionally, a business plan competition will offer funding opportunities for growth projects. The project will also facilitate market connections and collaborations to enhance competitiveness and contribute to the region's economic development.

2. Scope of work

Following selection of beneficiaries, the Consultant will meet with the main representatives of MSMEs to develop with them need assessments for their business growth, in coordination with the Project Coordinator.

One to one meeting will contribute to publish the needed intervention (trainings and coaching)

The Consultant will dedicate 10 days of a period of 1 month to develop and implement the intervention with beneficiaries of the project.

3. Outcomes

• The Consultant will conduct an assessment for each chosen entity, using a several criteria model such as number of employees, product portfolio, sales, production volume, costs, distribution channels, needs, weaknesses, strength etc. This will allow FTL to create a baseline to compare results at the end of the project and to improve weaknesses and fill gaps of the chosen entities through the curriculum development.

4. Deliverables

• To create the need assessment tool
• To produce the needs assessment report for each targeted entity

5. Qualifications

• Higher university degree in social sciences, statistics, or any relevant field  
• Minimum 5 years’ experience as a consultant
• Experience using data analysis tools and software such as KOBO, SPSS, and others
• Extensive experience interacting with and relating to gender professionals and international stakeholders at senior level
• Able to synthesize large data sets to reach conclusions and strategic recommendations
• Proven knowledge of Fair-Trade principles
• In depth knowledge of the Lebanese context
• Proven presentation skills
• Drives results

6. Skills

• Adheres to FTL values
• Good interpersonal communication skills
• Engaged in developing self and others
• High degree of self-motivation
• Excellent leadership, team building, and management skills
• Good time management
• Organized and able to create multiple timelines and schedules
• Good knowledge of Arabic and English