ToR - Provision of the “Improve your Agri-Business” - IYAB training to farmers and small agri-businesses

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Lebanon has been suffering from a severe financial and economic crisis with long-lasting effects on its economy and its people. With the drastic devaluation of the currency, prices of imported items have risen sharply, and households are now increasingly struggling to cover food needs. The combined effects of the crises have resulted in unprecedented levels of unemployment and pushed both the Lebanese population and the approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees further into poverty. The Lebanese agriculture sector remains one of few sectors where both Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese host communities can legally find employment as well as vulnerable Lebanese host communities but has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing crises.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) is therefore implementing the BOUZOUR project ‘Building Inclusive Markets and Decent Work for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees’ funded by the Swedish International Development Agency (Sida). The project aims to develop specific agricultural and agri-food value chains with potential for decent job creation and livelihoods of both Lebanese and Syrian vulnerable population groups and in particular women of both communities.

The project makes use of the ILO’s Approach to Inclusive Market Systems (AIMS) to safeguard jobs and livelihoods of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian communities threatened by the crises and encourage decent job creation for both groups in sectors with potential. The BOUZOUR project is aligned with the idea of “doing development differently” and therefore applies a market systems development approach. This approach tackles the root causes of market issues affecting people in poverty, aiming for lasting, sustainable changes. Instead of delivering goods and services directly, the project looks at the overall system in which people live and make a living, asking why certain groups struggle to access economic opportunities. By understanding these root causes, the project can design interventions that address them sustainably. This means collaborating with a range of public and private actors to incentivize and capacitate them so they can deliver goods and services sustainably. To guarantee sustainability, the project seeks to create win-win situations whereby both the actor delivering any good or service and the person receiving that service stand to gain from the transaction.

One of the key components of the project is dedicated to capacitating farmers and small agri-businesses to better manage their activities and resources as well as to better manage their income-generating activities and small businesses. Interventions under this component would aim to build the capacity of farmers to manage businesses and resources effectively. This would make use of the ILO’s “Start and Improve your Business (SIYB) trainings” and particularly the “Improve your Agri-Business - IYAB” training modules developed specifically for Lebanese small-holder farmers. “Improve your Agri-Business - IYAB” contains six training modules (planning for your business, record keeping, costing, people and productivity, buying and stock control, marketing) designed to support farmers and micro and small agri-businesses in better managing their small businesses and making sound financial decisions. Interventions will focus on building the capacity of local institutions and trainer networks to roll-out the training programme sustainably.

ASSIGNMENT BACKGROUND

According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), micro and small enterprises are responsible for approximately 70% of job creation globally, underscoring their critical role in inclusive economic development. In Lebanon, micro and small enterprises constitute over 90% of the private sector and are particularly dominant in the agriculture and agri-food industries sectors that are central to rural livelihoods, national food security, and export potential.

Despite accounting for a relatively small share of national GDP, the agriculture and agri-food sectors provide vital employment opportunities, especially in rural and marginalized regions. These sectors are largely sustained by MSEs, including smallholder farmers, food processors, cooperatives, and family-run agribusinesses. Together, they form the backbone of local food systems and contribute significantly to domestic supply chains and agri-based exports.

However, these enterprises face persistent structural challenges: limited access to financing and modern technology, inadequate infrastructure, fragmented value chains, and increasing vulnerability to climate change. Lebanon’s ongoing economic crisis, coupled with regional instability and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, has further constrained the growth of agricultural and agri-food MSEs. Many continue to operate below capacity, despite their potential to drive job creation, empower women and youth, and promote sustainable development.

As such, supporting aspiring entrepreneurs is key in creating more and better jobs. The ILO’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) entrepreneurship training programme was designed as a set of inter-related training packages to support micro and small enterprises throughout the different phases of business development, from business creation to growth and expansion. According to the ILO, the SIYB implementation model follows a three-tier structure comprising Master Trainers, Trainers, and potential/existing Entrepreneurs. This tiered approach aims to ensure quality control across all three levels. The investment in developing high-performing trainers into Master Trainers aims to promote sustainability and scalability within countries and across the region.  

Therefore, to enhance the program's sustainability and scale in the Arab States, ROAS is developed high-performing trainers into Master Trainers. This ensures that these countries have Master Trainers capable of training further trainers, ensuring the program's sustainability and impact. In this context, the project supported the participation of highly qualified trainers from Lebanon in the Training of Master Trainers (ToMT) process, further enhancing the program's effectiveness and reach. This ensures that Lebanon will have Master Trainers to carry out higher-level functions, such as training of further trainers during and beyond the lifespan of projects. This investment seeks to create a sustainable training and quality assurance system that can support and scale up the implementation of business development services for vulnerable potential and existing entrepreneurs in the region. The SIYB implementation model operates on a three-tier structure comprising Master Trainers, Trainers, and potential and existing Entrepreneurs, ensuring quality control and effective implementation. Developing high-performing trainers into Master Trainers enhances sustainability and scale within the country. 

In 2024, efforts have focused on training master trainers and identifying Business Development Service (BDS) providers to ensure effective support for farmers and agri-businesses. In 2024, five trainers (2 male and 3 female) from four institutions in Lebanon completed a certification process to become SIYB Master Trainers. This milestone establishes a sustainable system for training and quality assurance, enabling the expansion of business development services for vulnerable entrepreneurs, farmers, and SMEs. The certified trainers are now equipped to train additional trainers, creating a ripple effect to reach more farmers and small agri-businesses. In addition, the certified trainers will also conduct a training session on Gender and Entrepreneurship focusing on inclusivity. This session will equip new trainers with the knowledge and strategies needed to ensure that their training interventions are gender-inclusive, fostering by that, equal opportunities and participation. 

To this end, the ILO has organized in April 2025 a ten-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, facilitated by 5 SIYB Master trainers, for 40 trainer candidates from different local organizations and freelancers.

OBJECTIVE AND EXPECTED RESULTS

This outcome utilizes the ILO's “Start and Improve your Business (SIYB) trainings” and particularly the “Improve your agri-business” training modules developed specifically for Lebanese small-holder farmers. “Improve your agri-business” contains six training modules (planning for your business, record keeping, costing, people and productivity, buying and stock control, marketing) designed to support farmers and small agri-businesses in better managing their small businesses and making sound financial decisions.  

To support this initiative, efforts focus on strengthening the capacity of local institutions and trainer networks to deliver these modules effectively. This includes training new SIYB trainers or connecting existing trainers to a national network. Emphasizing a cascading model as outlined in the SIYB implementation guide, these interventions concentrate on building sustainable capacity for local institutions and trainer networks to effectively roll out the training program. Moreover, these activities extend to the training of farmers and agri-businesses in the 'Improve your agri-business' IYAB training by the selected local institutions and SIYB trainers aiming to support farmers and small agri-business to better manage their income-generating activities and small businesses.

As previously mentioned, the ILO has organized in April 2025 a ten-day Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop, facilitated by 5 SIYB Master trainers, for 40 trainer candidates from different local organizations and freelancers. As per the SIYB quality assurance system outlined in the SIYB implementation guide, the trainer candidates now need to organize one training for farmers or agri-businesses in order to demonstrate their competencies to become SIYB trainers. The objective of this assignment is thus to support and coordinate the roll-out of the IYAB training by the training candidates and ensure that trainer candidates receive the technical and financial support to roll out the training.

SCOPE OF WORK

Based on the above, ILO BOUZOUR is seeking to collaborate with two Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to lead on the implementation of the Improve your Agri-Business (IYAB) for 200 beneficiaries of small-scale farmers and micro and small agri-businesses.  

• Training to be delivered: Improve your Agri-Business (IYAB)
• Number of days: 5 days for 2 core topics based on the needs assessment to be conducted with the trainees (the number of days and core topics will need to be confirmed at a later stage)
• Target group: small-scale farmers and micro and small agri-businesses
• Target number: 200 trainees (50% of the target should be women)
• No geographical focus

The implementing partners will conduct all tasks related to the implementation of this ToRs in close collaboration with ILO. 

The implementing partners are to provide a detailed workplan upon contract signature.  

The main interventions and deliverables which consists of the scope of collaboration shall include the following:

Output 1: Outreach activity and selection of participants  

Outreach activity

Implementing partners will implement a targeted outreach campaign focused on rural areas and agricultural hubs across the country. Outreach will make use of the potential partners pool of participants but can also be conducted in collaboration with local municipalities, agricultural cooperatives, NGOs and community leaders to ensure relevance, trust, and local ownership.

The outreach campaign can use diverse communication channels, including implementing partners’ media outlets, various networks, etc. to disseminate information widely and reach underrepresented groups such as women-led businesses, youth agri-entrepreneurs, and cooperatives.

The outreach campaign will also have to be diverse: Using multiple channels to reach women, youth, refugees, and persons with disabilities.

Information session

Following the outreach phase, a series of in-person information sessions will be conducted to explain the objectives of the program, the types of support offered, and the application process. These sessions will be hosted in key agricultural regions and tailored to the local context and language to ensure inclusivity.

The sessions will provide a platform for open dialogue, allowing potential applicants to ask questions, clarify doubts, and receive guidance on eligibility criteria and required documentation. These sessions are also an opportunity to share success stories and practical examples of how similar support has previously benefited farmers and micro and small agri-businesses.

Selection of participants

Participant selection will follow a transparent and inclusive process based on predefined criteria. These criteria will include:

• Applicant must possess basic literacy skills (reading and writing)
• Applicant must engage in agriculture (small holder farmers, input suppliers, etc,) or agri-businesses (micro and small agri-food processors, home-based businesses, etc.)
• Applicant’s business has a potential for job creation and local economic impact
• Applicant is committed to improving business practices and adopting new techniques

Priority will be given to women farmers and businesses led by women and/or youth, as well as those located in rural regions.

The selection will have to be inclusive, aiming for balanced representation of at least 50% of the target are women.

Implementing partners will collaborate with ILO to decide on the final set of criteria and to review and decide on the final list of selected applicants.

Output 2: Organization and facilitation of the Improve your Agri-Business - IYAB

Preparation phase

This activity involves the comprehensive logistical and operational preparation required for the successful delivery of the ILO’s IYAB training sessions. It includes the below:

• Printing, procurement of stationery and training supplies for participants (such as workbooks, pens, flip charts, evaluation forms, pre/post knowledge test etc.)
• Rental of accessible and well-equipped training venues in target regions, ensuring a comfortable, inclusive, and productive learning environment
• Catering services will be arranged for each training session to provide meals and refreshments, with consideration given to local dietary preferences and inclusive hospitality standards
• Identification and contracting of additional qualified trainers from the ILO’s SIYB certified trainers or in-training facilitator pool. Trainers will be selected based on their relevant background and familiarity with the local agricultural context to ensure high-quality and relevant delivery of the content

For the training material, ILO will provide the needed soft copies of manuals.  

2.2. Delivery of the IYAB training

Needs Assessment

The delivery of the ILO’s Improve Your Agri-Business (IYAB) training program will be preceded by a targeted needs assessment to ensure the training is closely aligned with the real challenges, priorities, and opportunities faced by farmers and agri-business owners across Lebanon.

Before launching the training sessions, a rapid needs assessment will be conducted with selected participants. It will serve as a critical foundation for the effective delivery of the IYAB training program. By engaging with participants prior to the training, this step allows trainers to identify the specific knowledge gaps, business development stages, and contextual challenges faced. Also, the needs assessment will include a gender focused component to assess the needs of participants in terms of inclusivity (the inclusive training checklist will have to be integrated at this phase). The insights gained from the needs assessment will guide the trainers in tailoring the content and emphasis of the sessions, ensuring that the most relevant and high-priority topics are addressed.

Given that the IYAB curriculum covers six core topics, the needs assessment will help prioritize which two of these areas should receive greater focus based on the participants’ actual needs and readiness. Therefore, the IYAB training will cover two topics fully and will brief the trainees about the other 4 topics.

Findings from the needs assessment will also inform the customization of the IYAB training examples and delivery approach, ensuring relevance and maximizing participant engagement and impact.

Training Delivery

Following the needs assessment phase, the IYAB training program will focus on equipping 200 trainees (small-scale farmers and micro and micro and small agri-businesses) with essential business management skills tailored to the agriculture and agri-food sectors in Lebanon. The implementing partners will need to ensure a gender inclusive outreach of farmers and agri-businesses. Additionally, the training needs to ensure that the training environment is inclusive and adequately accommodates women's needs.

Prior to starting the training sessions, a pre-knowledge survey will be conducted with the trainees to assess the level of their knowledge, this will be developed in coordination with the ILO.

The IYAB training will be delivered as follows: (All the details outlined below will be considered final following discussions and mutual agreement with the SIYB master trainers and the SIYB coordination team)

• 10 training cycles will be delivered in total to be distributed among the implementing partners based on their capacities
• 5 training sessions will be delivered in total
• 20 trainees will be present in each session
• 2 to 3 trainers will be leading on the training sessions
• The IYAB training program consists of 6 core topics, with 12 hours allocated per topic, totalling 72 hours of training. However, for this IYAB training, 2 core topics will be fully covered (24 hours for both) and 4 core topics will be briefly introduced for 6 hours in total. The full training must be delivered over a period of 5 days. The schedule can be flexibly organized either as consecutive or non-consecutive days, based on the preferences and availability of the trainers and trainees, provided that the complete training is delivered within the overall timeline of the assignment.
• Through the training sessions, relevant information of the BOUZOUR project will be disseminated, such as: productivity, working conditions improvement, upgrade of greenhouses, climate-smart solutions, etc. ​

The training will be offered in diverse locations across Lebanon, with no fixed geographical concentration, allowing for flexibility in outreach and the possibility of extending sessions to underserved areas, including the South of Lebanon.

Sessions will be delivered in Arabic by ILO-certified or under-certification trainers, selected for background and/or experience in agriculture and agri-business.

Each session will be interactive, practical, and adapted to the local context, with training materials, exercises, and tools provided to support ongoing learning and business application.

Training sessions will take place in accessible venues equipped to provide a comfortable and inclusive learning environment. Participants will receive printed training materials, tools, and templates for ongoing use in their enterprises. Sessions will be highly interactive, featuring case studies, group exercises, and tailored coaching to support real-world application of concepts.

Output 3: Post-training follow-up and reporting

3.1 Post training follow-up and evaluation

Following the completion of the IYAB training sessions, a final evaluation and a post-knowledge survey will be conducted with the trainees to assess the knowledge gain, which will be developed in coordination with the ILO. In addition, a structured post-training follow-up phase will be conducted by the trainers to ensure continuity of learning, support the practical application of knowledge, and assess the outcomes and impact of the program on participating trainees. This could be done through:

• Targeted field visits: One or two follow-up field visits will be carried out by the training team shortly after the training concludes. These visits will serve to observe how participants are applying the knowledge and skills acquired during the training, offer guidance on any immediate challenges and collect feedback on the training's relevance and usefulness.
• Connection to the NGO network: As part of the broader NGO network supporting farmers and agri-business development, IYAB participants will be kept informed of upcoming training sessions, capacity-building opportunities, networking events and relevant competitions or funding calls. This ensures that their development journey continues beyond the life of the project within the implementing partners’ network.
• Networks of women farmers and women-led agri-businesses: Establishment of two regional networks identified during the IYAB training with the women trainees. These two networks will serve as safe, inclusive and resource-rich platforms where women farmers and agri-businesses can connect, exchange experiences, access knowledge and support one another’s growth and resilience. They will also function as channels for sharing key information relevant to the needs and interests of farmers and agri-businesses.

              To achieve this, the following actions should be taken:

• Meetings and workshops: Each implementing partner will have to conduct several meetings to organize the establishment of the above networks. Workshops with the trainees can be conducted to refine the idea of these networks.
• Development of the network strategy:
  The strategy will outline the operational framework for the women’s networks to be established during the IYAB training. It will detail how the networks function, including their core activities, coordination mechanisms, and methods of engagement among members. Each network will be led by a designated focal point or coordination committee composed of trained women leaders ensuring local ownership and relevance. The strategy will present a phased plan to ensure long-term sustainability of the networks.  The networks are designed to facilitate regular interaction through meetings, peer learning sessions, information exchange and collaborative initiatives.

3.2 Reporting

The implementing partner will be responsible for preparing and submitting two reports through the implementation period: a progress report and a final concise report to the ILO upon the completion of the IYAB training and follow-up phase. The reports will provide an overview of the training implementation, highlight key outcomes and summarize insights from the field follow-up visits. The reports will include the following information (among others):

Training overview:

• Dates and locations of the training sessions
• Number and profile of participants (such as: age, gender, type of farming/agri-business)
• Summary of topics covered and training methodology used

Participants’ engagement:

• Attendance records
• Participant feedback and satisfaction (based on pre/post evaluations or informal feedback)

Follow-up activities:

• Summary of the field visits conducted (locations, number of participants visited)
• Observations on early application of knowledge or tools by participants
• Notable success stories or promising business developments
• Challenges or areas where further support may be needed

Photos and testimonials:

• Selected visuals from the training and follow-up visits (with consent)
• Direct quotes or testimonials from participants, where available

Lessons learned and recommendations:

• Reflections on the training delivery and follow-up approach
• Suggestions for improving future iterations of the IYAB training

This reporting will help the ILO assess the effectiveness of the intervention, capture learning for future trainings and demonstrate the value of continued provision of these trainings and the importance of collaboration with local NGOs.

The below is a general indicator framework, a more tailored versions will need to be developed for each implementing partner, based on the number of sessions they are expected to conduct.

DELIVERABLES (PLEASE CHECK THE ATTACHED TOR)

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

The ILO requires candidates to submit the following:  

1- Technical proposal  

2- Financial proposal  

3- Proof of valid legal registration - a proof that the organization is registered as a non-profit organization (   علم وخبر)

Technical Proposal: The Technical proposal is expected to be submitted by candidates in the following structure: 

1. Project Summary: An abstract of the proposal, a brief description of the rationale, goal(s), objectives, specific project activities, target beneficiaries, and expected outputs.  

2. Project Narrative Description: this section should include the following:  

• Project goals and purpose: Project goal(s) must be clearly defined and directly relevant to the need(s) identified above. Project purpose must be measurable, realistic (aligned within the project’s period of performance) and be directly relevant to the priority area identified.  

• Project activities and methodology: Discuss all proposed project activities and describe the methodologies to be applied to implement the project. In this section the relation between project objectives, outputs and activities should be clear.  

3. Detailed work plan with a timetable related to the different activities. (the work plan to be included in the technical proposal, however a separate excel sheet of the work plan to be sent separately)

CVs of team leader, and staff involved in the project implementation demonstrating their capacity to conduct the assignment. (a brief of each involved staff can be mentioned in the technical proposal; however, CVs will have to be sent separately)

Financial Proposal: Candidates should submit their financial proposal as per the template found in ANNEX 1 in an excel sheet.

TIME FRAME

This contract will be implemented over the period from 20 May 2025 to 15 November 2025 including the preparation phase. Technical and Financial reports are expected to be delivered to the satisfaction of the ILO as indicated in the reporting schedule.

Deliverables shall be submitted in line with the requirements explained in the agreed upon TOR within the deadlines and are subject to the approval of the ILO.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE (PLEASE CHECK THE ATTACHED TOR)

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

To apply for this assignment the applicant should possess the following qualifications. Only non-profit organizations are eligible to apply. Organizations carrying out non-profit oriented work, including: non-governmental organizations (NGOs), foundations, research institutions, statistical institutions, educational institutions (including universities), intergovernmental organizations, and any other entities of a similar nature. 

The organization must demonstrate experience managing projects of similar scope, ensuring the delivery of high-quality results within agreed timelines and budgets. 

Poven track record of at least 3 to 5 years of experience working on similar training delivery to small-scale farmers and/or micro and small agri-businesses

Familiarity with the agriculture and agri-food sector in Lebanon

The team should consist of professionals that are SIYB certified or in the process of being certified

The team should consist of professionals with relevant academic qualifications, including at least a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as Agriculture, Agronomy, Environmental Science, or related disciplines and/or with relevant experience in the agriculture and agri-business sectors.

The team should be composed of professionals with proven experience in delivering training to farmers and/or agri-businesses.