GET LOST IN FATRI-USAID BALADI

Posted On أبريل 5, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog / No Comments

Fatri is a beautiful rural village in the Jbeil district (Mount Lebanon, Lebanon) that is renowned for its natural sceneries which constitute a big asset for potential eco-tourism activities that can in turn boost local economy and generate jobs.

As part of BALADI project implemented by Rene Moawad Foundation in partnership with Fatri Municipality, two local CSO/NGO (municipal youth committee and Aie Confience) and one private sector (Adonis Valley- an organic production farm), RMF under the BALADI program funded by USAID supported the municipality at a total cost of $200,000 to implement an income-generating rural tourism project. The latter comprises a sociocultural and recreational center, a camping site, and a 3.5km trail that links the different sites of the project and other parts of the village. The municipality has also contributed $45K in several works in the center and trail. In January 2020, RMF completed the full rehabilitation and signage of the old trail that the community ancestors used to march to reach their agricultural lands and work. The trail passes by several community landmarks starting from “Ain El Dayaa” (the village spring) then heads East towards “Dahr El Faras” (an ancient stairway) and down to the Olive orchards and then passing through the new project camp, an old carving press and ﬁnally reaching Adonis Valley farm. A total of 2,640 persons are expected to benefit from the various project activities including 77 people of small and medium local businesses which will benefit from the influx of visitors. Approximately 63 job opportunities are expected to be created. The trail will be officially operational starting March 2020 after the end of the rainy season. The recreational center and the campsite are already completed awaiting equipping from the municipality which will be ready by March 2020 as well.

AGRO-FOOD FACILITY IN QAA EL RIM-USAID BALADI

Posted On أبريل 5, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog / No Comments

Meet Nohemie Rizk from Qaa Rim and one of our future workers in the established agro-food processing facility. This project was selected based on community needs, given that many women within the village of Qaa el Rim already work in agro-food processing from their homes but they lack awareness of standardization products and food safety to try to market common unified products.

On February 7 2019, as part of the technical assistance provided under the USAID-funded BALADI project, the Rene Moawad Foundation trained 15 women from Qaa El Rim Women Cooperative on the full process of jam preparation including jars sterilization. Nohemie is currently unemployed as most of her time is dedicated to fill the role of a housewife through taking care of her 2 children and managing all the household chores and responsibilities. Her husband owns a small land in which he invests through farming and growing crops. The training she attended under the BALADI program funded by USAID was very helpful and valuable because Mrs. Nohemie sometimes prepares jam and other homemade products in order to sell them within Qaa Rim village. For that reason, the training gave her a brighter image about agro food processing including proper personal hygiene, food safety and jars sterilization. Most importantly, this training has motivated Nohemie to be a working mother and today she encourages all women to purchase their goals, develop their skills and believe that they can make a big change.

Farming is a profession of Hope-USAID BALADI

Posted On أبريل 5, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog / No Comments

Mahmoud Kanjo is one of Tal Abbas farmers who is engaged in agriculture since 1997. He is the head of a household consisting of a wife and 2 kids. Before the new water conveyance network was established by RMF under the BALADI program funded by USAID, Mr. Mahmoud used to rely on barley farming and grains only with an average seasonal income estimated 200 L.B.P during the past years due to the inefficient irrigation canals. Since the completion of the project, the production has improved by approximately 50% since he is now able to plant different kind of crops such as potatoes and vegetables. Therefore, the seasonal income has increased as well to reach a minimum of 500 L.B.P during winter and 1000 L.B.P during summer season considering that he couldn’t provide us with exact financials concerning the yield and harvest because the numbers are not stable as they are fluctuating over the years and that’s due to inconsistent temperatures and precipitations leading to early or late harvest and different yields each year.

A STRONGER SELF AND A NEW SENSE OF BELONGING-PLAN INTERNATIONAL

Posted On مارس 27, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog / No Comments

RMF and Plan International’s efforts to empower women subject to early marriage bears fruit as a project targeting these vulnerable groups approaches the end of its cycle

In an ideal world, people should be completely in charge of their lives and capable of making their own decisions freely and openly. However, for many individuals, this basic tenet of a decent existence might prove itself unfeasible, as circumstances, both environmental and social, tend to often impose themselves by force, and, in some cases, enslave those that are subject to them indefinitely. In the ranks of social circumstances that rob individuals of their right to make the most important choices in their lives, we can find pre-arranged and early marriage, often, but not always, going hand-in-hand, to bring about an almost tyrannical phenomenon that disguises itself under good intentions. Although there is expert consensus on the matter, one does not need to be an expert to know how devastating to the psyche, and indeed to an entire life path, early marriage can be. In an effort to empower women in the regions of Dennieh, Tripoli and Minnieh, where this tradition is still relatively common, RMF, funded by Plan International, implemented a 1.5 years project, targeting around 3000 women of Syrian and Lebanese nationalities, between the ages of 11 and 24, subjected to early marriage. Activities such as vocational skill training, awareness raising and self-empowerment sessions were used to aid the females cope better, if not overcome, their ordeals.

“It’s not just the activities, it’s the context. I feel like I am a mother to them, and they feel like they are a family. They finally have someone that listens to them without fearing rejection or scolding. They have a new sense of belonging,” said a trainer of a sewing class. “To leave home, learn how to sew clothes for my kids during winter, and have something besides cooking to do… for a lot of women that might not mean much, but for me it means a lot. I feel more confident, more outgoing, and far less isolated. I honestly would love for RMF to make the activities last longer and be more varied in nature!” a trainee at a sewing class exclaimed. Her colleague added, “The best part is that we had the freedom to bring our kids along without worrying about who to leave them with. This helped many of us bond better as mothers.” With the positive feedback that the project has received, locals seem to be anticipating RMF’s next contribution to the region.

MORE FOR LESS IN RACHINE-USAID BALADI

Posted On مارس 27, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog, Uncategorized / No Comments

Rachiine citizens note that their town feels livelier and that local businesses are performing a bit better after USAID installed LED lights all along the town’s streets.

Be it in crude physics or in metaphysics, light is an element that holds a significant and profound value. This seemingly monarchic status given to light irrespective of whether it is mentioned in an empirical or in a theoretical discussion is easily justifiable. Throughout history, night has been a very intimidating and menacing period of the day during which many innocent wanderers could easily fall victim to lurking predators or to unperceivable hazards due to how limited human vision is in pitch-black darkness. Naturally, in a slightly poetic form of expression, being our one and only weapon against what lurks in the dark abyss of night, light, through an evolutionary social pathway, as many evolutionary biologists now agree, provides us with a feeling of safety, courage, and power. In Rachiine, RMF under the BALADI program funded by USAID installed 355 LED (Light-emitting diode) streetlights benefitting 4820 residents, counting 43 members owning 39 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMES). Bearing the aforementioned characteristics of light, it was natural that these 39 MSMES reported increased business activity, as local folk felt safer going for late-night purchases and groceries. Mayor Jerjess Zaouk estimated this increase to be at around 20% at peak activity, with slight fluctuations depending on multiple factors that are beyond the control of the locals, such as weather conditions and general economic stability. Municipality member George Tannous said: “the lights are not only powerful and bright, they are also very energy-sparing. While most of the residents only care for the added value of having an easier time wondering about at night, the municipality itself benefits a lot, as these lights save us quite a lot of money in comparison to those we previously had installed, going from a monthly $5000 to just $2600.”

Citizens like local resident Tony Mosallem praised the implementation by RMF funded by USAID for its precision and immaculate quality, hoping to see more developmental projects implemented by the agency to assist the town in the future.

ONCE LOST NOW REGAINED-USAID BALADI

Posted On مارس 27, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In Impact Blog / No Comments

Kfardlakos citizens express how they’ve regained their trust in NGOs as USAID completes a project involving the installation of Solar Water Heaters and LED Streetlights in their Town

When it comes to Humanitarian work and Philanthropy, it is often thought that since good intentions are present, and one side has a willingness to give or to assist, then naturally the second party, the beneficiaries, should by default have a willingness to receive. However, after decades of less-than-perfect implementation of projects, NGO work has been shunned in some areas of Lebanon, which gave birth to a new challenge for those involved in humanitarian work in the country, embodied by a general lack of trust in their ventures, as they scan regions for vulnerable populations with very tangible and dire needs.

“Initially we weren’t sure what to expect, we were let down by NGOs before” stated Ms. Zeina Al Ba’ee, one of the members of the families which benefited from the 64 Solar Water Heaters installed in Kfardlakos. “RMF funded by USAID did an excellent job, and they were very warm and friendly, and thankfully, the Water Heaters work great, and we’re saving a lot of money on electricity each month, I’m glad I voiced my need. I hope that we have more projects implemented by RMF and USAID moving forward,” she added. Mayor Mansour Nakad expressed that there was a general lack of trust by locals regarding the project as NGOs having been accumulating a poor reputation over the years, be it due to hearsay or to actual malpractice. “It’s a small town, and locals got to see how precise and meticulous the work of RMF is, and suddenly, those who told us they wanted no part in the project came back regretful, asking us if more Water Heaters will be installed in the future!” M. Nakad exclaimed. As an active member of Kfradlakos’ municipality, M. Marcel Nakad said that many families were pleased with the 83 LED streetlights which were installed in the region as part of the same project. He elaborated by stating that it helps locals feel safer at night, when street lights aren’t always on, and he only wished that more security enforcing projects, such as the installation of street cameras, could be implemented by RMF and USAID in the future. Around 4870 residents benefited from the project, as local beneficiaries and citizens alike said that if all future projects in the town carry the same level of seriousness in application, and sincerity in terms of humanitarianism, focusing purely on needs without segregation, then their trust in NGO work, which was once lost, can now be considered “restored”.

استدراج عروض لمناقصة مشروع تأسيس مركز إجتماعي في تولا/أسلوت – قضاء زغرتا

Posted On مارس 5, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In مناقصات, أخبار / No Comments

ضمن مشروع “بلدي” لبناء التحالفات للتقدم والتنمية والإستثمار المحلي المموّل من الوكالة الأميركية للتنمية الدولية، تعلن مؤسسة رينه معوض بالتعاون مع بلدية تولا عن رغبتها باستدراج عروض لمناقصة مشروع تأسيس مركز إجتماعي في تولا/أسلوت – قضاء زغرتا

على الراغبين بالإشتراك في هذه المناقصة، الاستحصال على ملفات التلزيم من مكتب المؤسسة الكائن في الأشرفية، شارع ألفرد نقاش، بناية المحامين، الطابق السادس – تلفون: 01-613367 وذلك من الساعة الـ.00 9 صباحاً حتى الـ3.00 بعد الظهر

تقدّم العروض في مدّة أقصاها يوم الخميس في 19/3/2020 الساعة الثالثة من بعد الظهر في مكاتب المؤسسة في الأشرفية، على أن يكون تاريخ فض العروض يوم الجمعة في 20/3/2020 الساعة 11:00 قبل الظهر في مكتب المؤسسة في مجدليا

لشروط المناقصة اضغط هنا

إعلان إستدراج عروض لأعمال مشروع تأهيل صالة لتصنيع وتوضيب مونة بلديّة في بلدة بكاسين – قضاء جزين

Posted On يناير 8, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In مناقصات, أخبار / No Comments

ضمن مشروع “بلدي” لبناء التحالفات للتقدم والتنمية والإستثمار المحلي المموّل من الوكالة الأميركية للتنمية الدولية USAID))، تعلن مؤسسة رينه معوض (RMF)بالتعاون مع بلدية بكاسين عن رغبتها باستدراج عروض لمناقصة مشروع تأهيل صالة لتصنيع وتوضيب مونة بلديّة في بلدة بكاسين – قضاء جزين

على الراغبين بالإشتراك في هذه المناقصة، الاستحصال على ملفات التلزيم من مكتب المؤسسة الكائن في الأشرفية، شارع ألفردنقاش، بناية المحامين، الطابق السادس – تلفون: 01-613367 وذلك من الساعة الـ.00 9 صباحاً حتى الـ3.00 بعد الظهر

تقدّم العروض في مدّة أقصاها يوم الخميس في 23/1/2020 الساعة الثالثة من بعد الظهر في مكاتب المؤسسة في الأشرفية، على أن يكون تاريخ فض العروض يوم الجمعة في 24/1/2020 الساعة 11:00 قبل الظهر في مكتب المؤسسة في لبعا

لشروط المناقصة اضغط هنا

Call for Tender: Empowering farmers with tools for measuring soil water content for better irrigation scheduling.

Posted On يناير 3, 2020 By Fuad Nassif In مناقصات, أخبار / No Comments

René Moawad Foundation (RMF) requests you to submit your proposal for participating in the tender for empowering farmers with tools for measuring soil water content for better irrigation scheduling. Procurement of soil moisture sensors, within the framework of implementing the project “Strengthening Exports of Fruits and Vegetables from Lebanon to European and Regional Markets” funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Under Strengthening Exports of Fruits and Vegetables from Lebanon to European and Regional Markets Funded By The Kingdom of the Netherlands:

RFP Release Date:	03-Jan-2020
Proposal Submission Deadline:	20-Jan-2020

I. Introduction

A. Company Background

René Moawad Foundation (RMF) is a Lebanese non-profit, non-political, non-sectarian organization that was established on November 22, 1991 two years after President René Moawad’s assassination, who was elected President of the Lebanese Republic on November 5, 1989 and killed 17 days later. President René Moawad believed in a strong and democratic state and fought for a progressive and modern Lebanon, a peaceful Lebanon, which embraces the values of democracy, human rights, moderation and pluralism.

B. Program Background

Enhanced economic advancement in Lebanon through the strengthening of 4 specific value chains (grapes, potatoes, cherries and avocados) towards improved exports by supporting the export enabling environment among concerned stakeholders and chain actors including farmers, SME’s, exporters, government bodies and private sector mainly in affected remote areas:

O1: Capacities of targeted farmers within four value chains enhanced to produce improved and competitive agricultural products that comply with buyer requirements through capacity building, provision of tools and equipment and usage of new technologies.

O2: Capacities of exporters and post-harvest handling facilities enhanced through trainings, linkages to EU, GCC and window markets, assessment of facilities leading to increased export of targeted value chain products.

O3: Governmental bodies working across the four targeted value chains have enhanced facilities, best practices, linkages and networks supporting the facilitation of export process and upgrading the value chains.

O4: Improved support for children and youth in the four targeted value chains.

II. Purpose

RENE MOAWAD FOUNDATION (RMF) requests you to submit your proposal for participating in the tender for 1.4.1 EMPOWERING FARMERS WITH TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT; 1.4.1.1 EMPOWERING FARMERS WITH IRRIGATION AND WATER RESOURCES within the framework of implementing the project “Strengthening Exports of Fruits and Vegetables from Lebanon to European and Regional Markets” funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

A. Scope of Work

Empowering farmers with tools for measuring soil water content for better irrigation scheduling. Procurement of soil moisture sensors.

B. Deliverables

Item #	Equipment	Quantity
1	Gouge auger set for stepwise sampling	5
2 Option #1	Soil Moisture Sensor with minimum 1,5m Wire	2,400
	Soil Moisture Sensor with spigot end with minimum 1,5m Wire	2,400
	Handmeter to read any number of Sensors	2,400
	Sensor insertion tool	10
2 Option #2	Tensiometers to measure soil water potential, 30cm Shaft	200
	Tensiometers to measure soil water potential, 50cm Shaft	2,400
	Tensiometers to measure soil water potential, 90cm Shaft	2,200

III. PROPOSAL PREPARATION AND SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

A. Instructions for Proposal Preparation

The selection committee will evaluate the Offerors based upon their written technical and cost proposals. Each section will be evaluated according to the criteria for evaluations in Section V. Offerors are expected to examine the specifications and all instructions in the RFP. Failure to do so is at the Offeror’s risk. Interested Offerors must provide the following:

1. Technical specification

Organization Overview.
Given models provided for information, only. Offered items can be same, similar or better quality but different models and brands are acceptable.
Chinese brands are not acceptable.
Installation Manuals in English, preferably Arabic.
Item #1 is mandatory and you can submit your proposal for either option 1 or 2 in item #2.
Sample provided for each item upon proposal.
To be delivered to our office in Mejdlaya, Zgharta.
Two training days on installation for staff.

2. EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS

Equipment: Manual auger set 60 mm

Quantity: three sets

Specifications: Hand-operated equipment can be applied for soil research up to a depth of 5 meters. The gouge augers have a mutual quality; they are to be all fitted with an almost half cylindrical operational part with parallel cutting edges running vertically. There should be a selection of the most suitable diameter between 20 and 60 mm depending on the composition and the structure of the soil and on the purpose of the research. The bi-partite gouge augers to be able to be extended by coupling an extension rod. In this way, samplings can be carried out in a very short time and greater depths can be reached. The bi-partite gouge auger set should be a standard set for sampling in more or less soft soils to a depth of 5 meters. The set should have a bayonet connection and contains gouge augers with various lengths and diameters, an auger, extension accessories, push-/pull handle and a strong carrying bag for transport in the field.

Equipment: Soil Moisture Sensor with minimum 1,5m Wire Similar to Model 200SS Watermark. Quantity: 2,400

Specifications: The soil moisture measurement device, or sensor, shall represent soil moisture status in units of soil water tension or matric potential, registering in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) when read with a compatible reading device. Its construction shall be of the Granular Matrix Sensor (GMS) type and require no on-site calibration or routine maintenance.

Features:

0-200 Centibar range

Stainless steel enclosure

Fully solid state

Will not dissolve in soil

Not affected by freezing temperatures

Internal compensation for commonly found salinity levels

Inexpensive

Easy to use

No maintenance necessary

Can be installed on pipe

Equipment: Soil Moisture Sensor with spigot end with minimum 1,5m Wire similar to Model 200SS-5-S Watermark

Quantity: 2,400

Specifications: Multiple sensors can now be installed on a single piece of PVC pipe. The sensor is constructed with the mesh sensor located between two spigot ends for mounting to the PVC pipe. The soil moisture measurement device, or sensor, shall represent soil moisture status in units of soil water tension or matric potential, registering in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) when read with a compatible reading device. Its construction shall be of the Granular Matrix Sensor (GMS) type and require no on-site calibration or routine maintenance. It shall be durable, long-lasting, not subject to dissolving in a wet soil environment with an outer surface of stainless steel and ABS plastic.

Features:

0-200 Centibar range

Stainless steel enclosure

Fully solid state

Will not dissolve in soil

Not affected by freezing temperatures

Internal compensation for commonly found salinity levels

Inexpensive

Easy to use

No maintenance necessary

Can be installed on pipe with pipe spigot ends

Equipment: Handmeter to read any number of Sensors

Quantity: 2,400

Specifications: The compatible AC or DC or other reading device should be supplied with the Soil Moisture Sensor (equipment 2 or 3 above). The meter is a hand held device designed for reading sensors in the field. The digital readout displays the sensors’ soil moisture status in centibars (cb) or kilopascals (kPa) of soil water tension. This value represents the energy a plant’s root system uses to draw water from the soil. Whereas higher tension values indicate dryer soil, lower tension values indicate wetter soil. The meter’s replaceable cable assembly has spring-loaded clips for attaching to sensor leads. The meter comes in its own nylon case, padded and zippered for safekeeping when not in use. Users only need one meter to read any number of sensors.

Features:

Solid state, digital hand-held, alternating current resistance bridge meter for reading standard Sensors.

Adjustable for soil temperature variations.

Touch pad-operating panel with LCD display.

Digital readout with self-test function.

Quick release cable assembly is field changeable.

Includes durable case, 9-volt battery and field replaceable cable assembly.

Only one meter is necessary to read multiple Sensors

Equipment: Sensor insertion tool

Quantity: 10

Specifications: Installation tools for Sensors – Makes installations easier when soil is moist. Tool will perform the following procedures:

Tee handle style tool, for inserting a Sensor up to 76 cm into a borehole created by one of the other soil tools.
It has an internal ejection rod inside the tube to push the sensor off of the tool once it’s fully inserted into borehole

Equipment: Tensiometers to measure soil water potential

Quantity: 30cm Shaft, 200 ; 50cm Shaft, 2,400 ; 90cm Shaft, 2,200

Specifications: The Tensiometers will measure the actual soil water tension, which indicates the effort required by root systems to extract water from the soil. Because the Tensiometer is a true measurement of soil water potential, the instrument will not be affected by salinity and will not require site calibration. Tensiometers will offer exceptional good water holding properties and very fast reaction on changes of soil water potential. Tensiometers will have a measurement range of 0 – 100 kPa (0 – 1000 hPa) soil water potential, and the manometer has a self-explanatory colour coding for easy understanding of measurement value also by unskilled field workers. The manometer is completely water & dust proof sealed. In addition, these Tensiometers could have an exchangable ceramic tip, so the tip can be exchanged in case it gets damaged.

B. Instructions for Submission of Proposal

The technical and price proposals shall be separately bound and identified as such (or sent via email). Each volume shall be clearly identified with the RFP number and the Offeror’s name.

All responses to this RFP must be received no later than the submission deadline on the cover page of this RFP to:

Rene Moawad Foundation

Achrafieh, Alfred Naccache Street, Al Mohameen Bldg 6^th floor

Attention:

Carla Hammoud

Email:

[email protected]

Faxed offers are not acceptable.

All inquiries and requests for information regarding this RFP must be submitted by email to [email protected] no later than 15 January 2020. Reference the RFP number in all questions/inquiries.

IV. CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION

Rene Moawad Foundation will evaluate proposals based on a best-value determination; Offerors should submit their most competitive price proposal. Proposals will be evaluated using the following criteria:

60% Technical Evaluation

40% Financial Evaluation

The evaluation committee will review the technical proposal based upon the technical criteria listed above. The cost proposals will be reviewed to ensure they are complete and free of computational errors. The committee will also assess the reasonableness of costs and the cost-effectiveness of the budget, and will determine whether the costs reflect a clear understanding of project requirements. A contract will be offered to the responsible Offeror whose proposal follows the RFP instructions and is judged the most advantageous to Rene Moawad Foundation.

V. SOLICITATION PROCESS

Once the RFP is released, the Offerors must prepare a formal proposal to be sent to the contact person at Rene Moawad Foundation as indicated in Section III (b) (1). The submitted proposals will be reviewed against the criteria for evaluation defined in Section IV above and rated on their ability to satisfy the requirements stated in this RFP document. A preferred Offeror will be chosen and formally notified. A formal contract will be negotiated with the selected Offeror and, if endorsed, the Offeror will begin work on the project.

VI. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

A. Late Submissions

Proposals received after the submission deadline stated in the cover page of this RFP may not be considered. Offerors will be held responsible for ensuring their quotations are received according to the instructions stated herein. A late offer will be considered if the cause was attributable to Rene Moawad Foundation or its employees/agents, or if it is in the best interest of Rene Moawad Foundation.

B. Modification of RFP Requirements

Rene Moawad Foundation retains the right to terminate the RFP or modify the requirements upon notification to Offerors.

C. Withdrawals of Proposals

Proposals may be withdrawn by written notice via email at any time before award. Proposals may be withdrawn in person by an Offeror or authorized representative, if the representative’s identity is made known and the representative signs a receipt for the proposal before award.

D. Right of Negotiation and Acceptance of Proposal

This RFP represents a definition of requirements and is an invitation for submission of proposals. Rene Moawad Foundation reserves the right to fund/award any or none of the submitted proposals. No commitment is made, either expressed or implied, to compensate Offerors for costs incurred in the preparation and submission of their proposal.

Rene Moawad Foundation may reject any proposal that is nonresponsive. A responsive proposal is one that complies with all terms and conditions of the RFP. A proposal must be complete, signed by an authorized signatory, and delivered no later than the submission time and date indicated on the cover sheet of this RFP. Rene Moawad Foundation may reserve the right to waive any minor discrepancies in a proposal.

Rene Moawad Foundation reserves the right to issue an award based on the initial evaluation of proposals without discussion. Rene Moawad Foundation also reserves the right to enter into best and final negotiations with any responsive Offerors for all or part of the proposed scope.

E. Validity of Proposal

Proposals submitted shall remain open for acceptance for 60 days from the last date specified for receipt of proposals. This includes, but is not limited to, pricing, terms and conditions, service levels, and all other information. If your organization is awarded the contract, all information in the RFP and negotiation process is contractually binding.

Call for trade statistic expert: online platform supporting export of produce

Posted On ديسمبر 27, 2019 By Fuad Nassif In مناقصات, أخبار / No Comments

Strengthening Exports of Fruits and Vegetables from Lebanon to European and Regional Markets

TERMS of REFERENCE (TOR) No. 2

“3.5 Establish Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET) online platform supporting export of produce- Activity 3.5.2 Experts to assess the platform needs”

MISSION		3.5.2.2.2 – TRADE STATISTICS expert will develop the action plan for the platform and will work with the coordinator to gather information to populate the new system.
1. BACKGROUND
BENEFICIARY		Ministry of Economy and Trade (MOET) / Strengthening Exports of Fruits and Vegetables from Lebanon to European and Regional Markets Project
PROJECT BACKGROUND		Based on the 2018 CBI report along with previous studies and projects indicating both opportunities and challenges for the export and impact of the development of the 4 crops as well as RMF’s longstanding experience in the field, RMF aims through this project that will extend for 4 years is to strengthen specific value chains (Grapes, potatoes, cherries and avocados) by supporting major actors across the value chain including farmers, service providers, aggregators , exporters, public and private institutions and academia in improving their capacities and providing them with best practices, new technologies , tools and equipment to enhance the value chain to meet export requirements and enabling environment and ultimately enhancing economic advancement. Special focus will be made on affected and vulnerable areas including Kaa, Bekaa, Akkar etc. This will be conducted by addressing several obstacles outlined in the CBI value chain analysis presentation mainly in enhancing pre and post – harvest handling, access to markets, and CSR performance. The project also supports enhancing job creation and poverty reduction for rural hosting and refugee communities including Syrian refugees as well as strengthening social stability where competition for resources and employment has caused tensions in the past. Historically, Lebanese farmers have frequently relied on Syrian refugees to assist with agricultural work and care for farms. This has made the Syrian involvement in the agricultural sector commonly accepted. Not to mention that agriculture is one of the few sectors in which Syrian refugees are legally allowed to work. By creating more job opportunities and reducing poverty amongst the strained hosting Lebanese communities and the Syrian refugees, this project will also be directly contributing to social stability and a peaceful coexistence between the host and refugee communities. : Enhanced economic advancement in Lebanon through the strengthening of 4 specific value chains (grapes, potatoes, cherries and avocados) towards improved exports by supporting the export enabling environment among concerned stakeholders and chain actors including farmers, SME’s, exporters, government bodies and private sector mainly in affected remote areas : EO1: Capacities of targeted farmers within 4 value chains enhanced to produce improved and competitive agricultural products that comply with buyer requirements through capacity building, provision of tools and equipment and usage of new technologies. EO2: Capacities of exporters and post-harvest handling facilities enhanced through trainings, linkages to EU, GCC and window markets, assessment of facilities leading to increased export of targeted value chain products. EO3: Governmental bodies working across the 4 targeted value chains have enhanced facilities, best practices, linkages and networks supporting the facilitation of export process and upgrading the value chains. EO4: Improved support for children and youth in the 4 targeted value chains.
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE ASSIGNMENT
Framework		General Component 3.5 –Platform
OBJECTIVES		To Assess the platform needs and develop The action plan will be developed in the first visit on the basis of the gap analysis and will include: – description of the types and sources of information that will be delivered by the platform in the first phase of its upgraded operation; – the creation of a priority list of information to be further developed, and – description of the delivery mechanism (website).
Main Tasks		The Trade expert will jointly prepare and elaborate the platform with the IT Expert and they are to : · Assess the current situation and needs for the platform · Develop the platform action plan consisting of the following component: o description of the types and sources of information that will be delivered by the platform in the first phase of its upgraded operation for instance: – To summary of the trade agreements on the platform in a friendly user manner Friendly user pointing out the main points and benefits of the agreement regarding trade – To start up with the value chain products and post their requirements and standards if exported to EU Markets (EU Trade Help Desk) & MENA Markets – Understanding the Lebanese market – Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements – Environmental requirements – Technical requirements – Marketing standards – Import restrictions – Tariffs – Preferential arrangements – Trade Statistics – Trade Balance – Top 10 imports and exports – Yearly Comparison – Monthly sections and chapters HSC – Tariff quotas – To have the product description near each HS code product – insert data from customs and ITC trade map sites – Potential markets – % of export – % market share – Post all supported agricultural and SMEs loans – Analyzing rejections data – Figures and tables – Friendly user – QR Code linking the exhibition audience to the relevant data within the exhibition section on the platform
Outputs		The action plan for the platform development
Expenditure		The I.E. eligible costs related to the activities covered by this TOR will be charged to the Incidental Expenditures (I.E.) budget.
3. EXPERTISE REQUIRED
Profile of Trade EXPERT		§ Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in food related field. § Strong understanding of customs regulations and import and export laws § Understand taxes and duties § Analyse and researches trade requirements § Ensure compliance with regulations. § Strong analytical and organizational skills with focused attention on detail § Excellent project and team management skills § Strong verbal and written skills necessary to communicate effectively within the organization as well as external customers, freight forwarders, etc § Thorough knowledge of international import/export laws § 2-3 years education and/or experience in international transportation/logistics, or import/export trade compliance § Fluency in speaking, reading and writing English and Arabic; § Strong communications skills and ability to communicate with people at all levels, verbally and in writing; § Fully computer literate.
4. LOCATION AND DURATION
TIME SCHEDULE		20 January 2020 – 29 February 2020
Location		The consultancy and reporting activities will take place in Beirut, at the Ministry of Economy and Trade, or at any other place to be agreed upon (on a consecutive day basis and within normal working hours from 08:30h to 17:30h).
Contact		The Expert will work with the support of the coordinator
5. REPORTING
Format & Content		The Expert shall submit a formal report at the end of the assignment, covering the objectives and expected results, activities undertaken, results achieved, evaluation of the training and attendees, problems encountered, and recommendations for follow up. The report shall be delivered in one printed copy and as an electronic file and shall be in the format approved by the Quality Programme (to be provided at the beginning of the assignment). The report shall be sent to the coordinator for review and comments before submitting it to the project manager for approval. Soft copies of all reports, annexes, data collection etc., must be supplied. All information must be directly traceable to these ToRs through the sub-project number.
Language		The project working language is English (to be used in all reports and communications between the consultant and the Quality Programme).
6. OTHER CONDITIONS
Ownership	All activity outputs, including research data, reports, presentations and support documentation, will remain the property of RMF. All materials prepared for the implementation of the assignment should be presented using RMF LOGO only (template available) and no contractor logo should appear on same.
7. AGREEMENT
Date & Signature	I, undersigned, agree with the present Terms of Reference. Beirut, 2020

To apply kindly send your CV to: [email protected] and cc: [email protected]

Submission Deadline: 10/1/2020