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Request for proposals for Recruitment of an International Expert for the Support in Value Chain Selection and Market Systems Analysis in Lebanon with a Focus on Export Markets Closing Date: Tuesday, 15. Apr 2025 Intervention Sector(s): Labor & Livelihoods The agricultural sector in Lebanon plays a very important role in the Lebanese economy and in job creation for both host communities and refugees. Many of these people depend on agriculture as the primary source of income and employment, especially that agriculture in Lebanon is a sector where host communities and refugees can legally work. Agriculture is a major cornerstone in rural development, as it represents a primary source of income and employment in rural areas. The agricultural sector in Lebanon accounts for 12.1% of total labour force (2020), with up to 25% in rural areas generating 80% of their GDP. Unfortunately, in addition to historical challenges, lack of governmental support, weak infrastructure and instability, the agricultural sector in Lebanon was severely affected by the multiple crises since 2019 and COVID-19 followed by the recent conflict which strongly impacted the sector especially in the Bekaa and the South. Challenges like lack of access to quality inputs and fuel shortages have led to lower agricultural productivity in terms of quality and quantity and higher production costs, making it hard for farmers to sustain their operations and invest in the sector. The total value of Lebanons agricultural production in 2021 meaning the amount that farmers earned from selling their produce stood at about $1.3 billion, compared to $1.4 billion the year before, and down from more than $1.9 billion in 2018 and 2019, according to the centers annual report on the state of the agriculture sector. Additionally, Lebanons agriculture and agrifood sector contributes a significant portion of total Lebanese trade, representing nearly a fifth of total exports and imports in 2020. The devaluation of the Lebanese pound and the pandemic have improved the agricultural trade balance, leading to a decrease in imports and an increase in exports between 2019 and 2020, a pattern confirmed in the first months of 2021.3 Currency devaluation in global value chains during the pandemic had a positive impact on Lebanons agricultural exports during 2020 and the first quarter of 2021. The MOA could encourage the production of labour-intensive cash crops, such as fruits and vegetables, to improve farmers income and sustain or increase employment opportunities in the sector. Export opportunities also help generating higher incomes and profits. According to several assessments and studies in 2023/2024, including recent study conducted by the Food and Agricultural organization in 20214, and a value chain analysis conducted by ILO under the SIDA funded Bouzour project 5and to several consultations conducted by the PROSPECTS program with key stakeholders, the priority for the Lebanese agricultural sector is to strengthen crops for import substitution and to seek export markets with a focus on markets in which roots and tubers, vegetables and fruits are in high demand. This was also recently confirmed in the Strategic Priorities of the Ministry of Agriculture (2025/2026) presented by the new Minister of Agriculture in a meeting with partners on 6 March 2025...in which Market Expansion for Lebanese agricultural products to both national and international markets was one of the four key objectives. Against this backdrop and taking into account value chains that still need to be supported, the ILO is planning to undertake this study is to evaluate the Lebanese fruits and vegetables sector mapping its opportunities and challenges to identify value chains for exports to the EU and regional markets with a focus on the Gulf. This study will follow a market led approach and the ILOs market systems development (MSD) approach and will help the ILO team choose sectors with growth potential through two distinctive steps, the first one is the selection of the Value Chains, and the second one is carrying out Market Systems Development analysis for the selected sectors/value chains. The ILO is therefore seeking to hire a team of an international and national consultants to undertake the study. The current assignment is relevant to the role of the international consultant who will lead on the study and will be responsible for providing guidance on the overall assessment methodology, data collection and data analysis process, lead on the assessment of the EU and Gulf market demand and the requirements of these markets, advise on market systems development and specific methodology of market systems analysis, and finally responsible for drafting and delivery of the final sectors selection and MSD report with recommendations and clear action plans. While the national consultancy service provider will be leading on the field research, data collection and conducting interviews for all the aspects mentioned in the scope of work below. Both consultants will work closely together and with the ILO to achieve the assessment objectives. This process will be guided by several ILO tools, including but not limited to: ILOs guidelines for value chain selection. A Guide to Market-Based Livelihood Interventions for Refugees, Designing and implementing market-led interventions in forced displacement settings, Value Chain Development for Decent Work, Assignment Scope The scope of this assignment would consist of two distinctive outcomes: Outcome 1: Selection of sectors and value chains with potential for inclusive growth, export to the EU and Gulf markets Output A: Develop assessment methodology, Value Chain Mapping and longlisting, Stakeholder mapping, and Selection Criteria Development for value chains selection A.1.Development of assessment methodology and Stakeholder Engagement Strategy A.2.Conduct Mapping and initial longlisting and elimination of value chains A.3.Development of Value chains selection criteria for export, weighting and scoring mechanism Output B: Conduct Data collection and analysis, value chain selection and market analysis B.1.Coduct an overview and sectoral analysis: B.2.Conduct data collection, field investigation and selection of value chains B.3.Assess the EU and Gulf Market Demand and Export Requirements (for the value chain targeting the EU and Gulf market for export only) Outcome 2: Completion of market systems Development analysis of the selected sector or value chain. Required Qualifications The international consultant should comply with the following minimum eligibility criteria: Educational Background: A postgraduate degree (masters or PhD) in Agricultural Economics, Economics, Business Administration, International Trade, Rural Development, Value Chain Development, or a related field. Professional experience: A minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in agricultural value chain analysis, market systems development, and export and trade promotion specifically to the EU and Gulf markets and export oriented agricultural products. Proven international experience in market research and economic analysis related to both export opportunities Deep knowledge of the EU and Gulf markets and ability to identify and analyse product-specific demand trends, and trade (import/export) dynamics. Experience in designing export strategies targeting the EU and the Gulf market. Experience in designing recommendations and action plans for MSD interventions. Familiarity with inclusive market development approaches, considering employment creation for host communities and refugees Strong knowledge of agricultural value chain mapping and development, including experience in conducting stakeholder engagement and qualitative and quantitative data analysis Good understanding of the EU and Gulf regulatory standards and requirements for agricultural imports to their markets. Strong ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder projects and guide national consultancy service providers (research company) in research implementation Understanding of the Lebanese agricultural sector, particularly in the Bekaa and Akkar region is a plus. Proficiency in using both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and secondary data analysis. Strong written and verbal communication skills in English Prior experience with the UN and/or International Organizations in an advantage. The ability to produce high-quality reports, presentations, and strategic recommendations is essential. How to apply Submission Requirements Interested international experts are advised to check the enclosed Terms of Reference for further elaboration of the tasks and deliverables expected within the scope of this assignment. The duration of the assignment is for 4 months over the period May August 2025. Interested applicants must submit the following: A technical proposal elaborating the assessment methodology (applicants can elaborate further on the methodology mentioned in this TOR if needed), timeframe and associated with the working days for each deliverable. Financial proposal with an all-inclusive daily rate denominated in USD Updated CV Previous similar report for studies conducted by the consultant. The proposal with all the mentioned supporting documents is to be received via email by 15 April 2025, 11:59 PM, Beirut time, by: Salam Jabakhanji National Project Officer jabakhanji@ilo.org Lara Al Hajj Administrative and Finance Officer alhajj@ilo.org Proposals need to be valid for 90 days. Please use the following subject line in your email: Value Chain Assessment Lebanon International Consultant. The applicant will receive a confirmation email in return upon submission. Kindly send all your queries via email to the contacts listed abo Tender Link : https://daleel-madani.org/civil-society-directory/international-labour-organization-0/calls/tor-call-proposals-recruitment-international-expert-support-value-chain-selection-and-market-systems
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