UNDP: Provision of Technical Assistance to Lebanese Processing Zaatar Sector

Deadline: 22-Feb-21

The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) is pleased to launch a Call for Expressions of Interest – Provision of technical assistance through fostering creativity and innovation to the Lebanese processing Zaatar Sector.

This “call for expression of interest” is addressed to Zaatar producers interested in receiving support and assistance from the project to improve their production in terms of quality, market positioning, and innovation.

The project will provide technical assistance and support specifically related to the following:

Technical assistance to improve quality, productivity, and sustainability through specialized training, know-how transfer, product/package re-engineering and modernization, product upgrade or design at an individual level;
Facilitate market access through branding, communication, and product positioning.
Acquire new equipment for industrializing the new and innovative products created by the project.

Expected Outputs

The expected outputs and results of the project could be summarized as follows:

Lebanese products from the Zaatar value chain will benefit from upgrade and innovation.
The quality standards of the selected beneficiaries are expected to increase. As a result: Around 10 Agro-based enterprises specialized in Zaatar making (small and medium can benefit from technology upgrading, civil works, innovation and training aspects of the project.
Innovation, creativity, and design for a selected number of products from the agro-food value chain and Zaatar are expected to be improved. As a result: 10 to 15 products will be upgraded.
Business performance and commercial awareness of the beneficiaries will be enhanced.

Eligibility Criteria

The call for expression of interest is open to micro, small, medium in the Zaatar value chain located across all regions of Lebanon.
The enterprises applying should adhere to the following requirements:
Having industrial permit from the Ministry of Industry;
Active and engaged in the manufacturing of Zaatar;
Respecting the minimum food safety, hygiene, and quality requirements;
Possessing the basic automated equipment required for Zaatar production;
Producing enough quantities for retail and/or wholesale;
Having the possibility to become a model to others (pilot plant);
Willing to create, develop or innovate new Zaatar products;
Presenting a logical and applicable action plan with reasonable financial requirements.

Selection Criteria

The applying enterprises should correspond to the targeted thematic area of the project. The applying enterprises should commit to providing a share in the project and show willingness for the following:

Capacity to expand and generate employment;
Take part in the cost-sharing mechanism (Invest in time and resources for product development or innovation) or cost‐sharing in civil works and facility upgrading if/when needed;
Contribution in the marketing of the new created products;
Collaborating with chefs/industrial designers on prototype creation;
Capacity and willingness to do the required tests of the developed product(s);
Sharing and working on original product recipes if/when needed;
Making the facility available for prototype creation if/when needed;
Adhering to environmentally friendly practices;
Training staff on operations, safety, and environment;
Involving women directly or indirectly throughout the chain of production;
Adhering to and considering food safety and quality standards if required.
Applications will be assessed according to the following qualitative and quantitative criteria:
- Initiative feasibility and potential degree of success;
- Initiative potential for innovation;
- Differentiation and preservation of cultural heritage;
- Economic impact and value chain leverage;
- Sustainability, social impact, and social responsibility;
- Potential for cooperation and partnering with various stakeholders.