Convenio: “Promotion of Sustainable Economic and Social Alternatives Based on Tourism in Upper Egypt with a Special Focus on Women and Youth”
Recruitment of specialized Technical Assistance for training and support in e-commerce strategies for entrepreneurs in Luxor and Aswan
Introduction
Within the framework of the Convenio “Promotion of Sustainable Economic and Social Alternatives Based on Tourism in Upper Egypt with a Special Focus on Women and Youth,” implemented by CIDEAL with financial support from the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID), the recruitment of specialized technical assistance is sought to design and deliver practical training in e-commerce strategies.
This technical assistance aims to support 30 emerging entrepreneurs in Luxor and Aswan by facilitating their access to digital markets and optimizing their online sales strategies.
About CIDEAL Foundation
CIDEAL Foundation for Cooperation and Research is an independent, non-profit organization with 40 years of experience in implementing international cooperation projects in developing countries. Its areas of work include food security and productive development, employment, entrepreneurship and income generation, gender equality and women’s economic empowerment, human rights, and governance.
CIDEAL also operates as a research centre, developing innovative studies and training activities on key issues such as development cooperation, project management, the human rights-based approach, gender mainstreaming, and public-private collaboration. The Foundation’s headquarters are in Madrid, with offices and permanent staff in various parts of Spain, Africa, and Latin America.
Context and justification
Through the Convenio “Promotion of Sustainable Economic and Social Alternatives Based on Tourism in Upper Egypt with a Special Focus on Women and Youth,” co-financed by AECID, CIDEAL has launched the Helmak incubator in Luxor and Aswan to support over 400 young people interested in creating or strengthening businesses related to the tourism sector. Within this framework, efforts are focused on enhancing the digital presence of 30 entrepreneurs through e-commerce training and optimization of online sales strategies.
This specialized technical assistance is aimed at facilitating access to online markets, optimizing digital sales strategies, and strengthening the entrepreneurs’ presence in both local and international e-commerce environments.
Objectives of the Technical Assistance
- Design and implement e-commerce technical assistance tailored to emerging entrepreneurs in Luxor and Aswan.
- Strengthen the entrepreneurs’ capacities to manage their digital presence, including product catalogue optimization, digital marketing strategies, and integration into e-commerce platforms.
Methodology
The technical assistance will be carried out in three phases:
1. Preparation phase:
- Design of technical assistance in e-commerce and digital marketing.
- General assessment of the digitalization level of the businesses.
- Identification of suitable e-commerce platforms for each business type.
2. Implementation phase:
- Provide individualized technical assistance in e-commerce and digital marketing to 30 entrepreneurs in Luxor and Aswan.
3. Monitoring and evaluation phase:
- Analyze the progress of the businesses.
- Deliver follow-up reports with recommendations for the sustainability of the implemented digital strategies.
Deliverables
- Initial diagnostic report on the current state of digital commercialization and areas for improvement.
- Tailored action plans for each business with specific online sales strategies.
- Follow up report on the progress of the businesses in implementing digital strategies.
- Final report with recommendations for the sustainability and growth of the businesses in e-commerce.
Duration of the consultancy
The consultancy will last for 2 months, with the possibility of extension based on performance and project needs.
The design of the technical assistance and initial evaluation of business commercialization strategies will take 1 month from the signing of the service contract.
Technical support will last up to 1 month, including 3 individual sessions with each entrepreneur.
Consultant requirements
To submit a training proposal, CIDEAL Foundation seeks one expert with qualifications clearly aligned with the following profile:
Academic background
- University degree in E-Commerce, Marketing, Business Administration, or related fields.
- Postgraduate training in digital commerce or online marketing will be valued.
Professional experience
- At least 5 years of experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and the development of online sales strategies, particularly in advising entrepreneurs, SMEs, or developing businesses for digital commercialization.
- Knowledge in developing positioning strategies in local, regional, and national digital markets.
- Experience with e-commerce analytics and digital advertising optimization tools.
- Experience working with tourism value chains in Upper Egypt.
Technical knowledge
- Proficiency in digital marketing strategies and social media.
- Knowledge of e-commerce platforms such as Shopify, Amazon, Jumia, Noon, etc.
- Ability to develop promotional materials and effective marketing tools.
Languages
- Fluent in Arabic and English (essential)
- Knowledge of Spanish will be an asset.
Skills and competences
- Strong analytical, planning, and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
- Capacity to work both independently and in a team, with a results-oriented approach.
Application Dossier
The applicant’s dossier must include a technical offer and a financial offer.
The technical offer must contain the following elements:
a) A duly signed cover letter.
b) A summary of the understanding of the Terms of Reference, including a detailed proposed methodology.
c) The timeline for the mission execution.
d) The consultant’s updated CV, duly signed.
e) Reference certificates for similar missions carried out by the consultancy firm.
The financial offer for the service must be submitted in Egyptian pounds (EGP), excluding taxes. It is important to note that the financial offer must cover any potential expenses related to this mission (travel expenses, accommodation, and any other costs associated with the execution of the mission).
Evaluation Methodology for offers
The evaluation of the offers will be based on the weighting of technical and financial evaluation criteria.
Evaluation of the Technical Offer (80% of the total score)
A technical score (St) with a maximum of 100 points will be assigned to the technical proposal according to the following table:
Organisation and Methodology – 25
- Overall understanding of the mandate and intervention context – 10
- Clarity, structure, and coherence of the proposed methodology – 15
Expertise / Experience – 50
- Relevance of the profile and experience in similar projects and in line with the required qualifications – 15
- Training – 5
- Functional skills – 5
- Professional experience – 15
- References (similar missions) – 10
Proposed Methodology and approach – 25
- Quality of the proposed approach/methodology – 15
- Quality of the proposed work plan – 10
Total maximum global score – 100
Offers that do not meet the eligibility criteria of the Terms of Reference or do not reach the minimum technical qualification threshold of 70 points out of 100 will be eliminated at this stage.
Evaluation of the Financial Offer (20% of the total score)
The financial proposal of the lowest-priced offer (Om) will be assessed based on the total price and the coherence of its breakdown. This offer will receive a financial score (Sf) of 100 points.
The financial scores of the other offers (F) will be calculated using the following formula:
Sf = 100 x Om/F
Om = the lowest-priced financial offer
F = the price of the evaluated offer
Final Evaluation of the Overall Offer
The final evaluation of the offer will be conducted by weighting the technical and financial evaluation criteria.
Coordination and supervision
The work will be supervised by the coordination team designated by CIDEAL
Application procedure
Interested candidates must submit their application before 31st of March 2025 to the following email addresses: arena.martinez@cideal.org and hakim.jamain@cideal.org
Any incomplete application will not be considered.
