RESOURCE Project: Call for business and technical expert to conduct assessments in Aragon

Our RESOURCE project aims to enhance the growth and competitiveness of SMEs/Pilot Projects in the circular economy through benchmarking, tailored coaching, and capacity-building activities. EBN, with support from project partners, will facilitate a cycle of activities focused on: 

1. Benchmarking the RESOURCE project with EU best practices. 

2. Analysing pilot projects’ strengths and weaknesses. 

3. Offering insights on pitching techniques and financing opportunities. 

For this assignment, EBN seeks to partner with a single organization that can provide both a business expert and a technical expert to conduct assessments in Aragon. Together, these experts will evaluate up to 10 selected SMEs/pilot projects, performing a comprehensive 360-degree analysis of each project’s strengths and weaknesses. The assessments will be followed by individual coaching sessions, where each SME will meet with both experts—one specializing in business and the other in technical aspects—to receive tailored guidance for future development. 

2. Key Responsibilities for Experts 

Your role as a selected expert will include: 

• Conducting a 360-Degree SWOT Analysis for each SME/pilot project. 

• Performing Business and Technical Assessments and providing constructive feedback. 

• Developing a Tailored Roadmap for each SME, outlining clear actions for growth. 

• Providing Follow-Up Coaching online (not included in the current ToR but will be addressed in a future agreement). 

3. Reporting 

• Create a comprehensive report for each SME/pilot project using pre-set templates, summarizing the SWOT analysis, expert recommendations, and suggested roadmaps.  

• Develop a roadmap with specific improvement actions focused on technical and business development. 

4. Follow-up Coaching (Online) – subject to another agreement  

• Offer additional online coaching sessions post-workshop to support SMEs in implementing the recommendations. 

• This activity is not included in the current scope of the ToR and will be subject to another agreement.  

5. Workshop Structure 

• The workshop spans five days in Aragon, with two SMEs assessed daily. Each SME will engage in a 3-hour session with both a business and technical expert to collaboratively evaluate project pitches, identify areas for improvement, and create a roadmap. 

6. Required Expertise 

Experts must possess the following qualifications: 

• Proven experience with SMEs in project development, business strategy, and technical innovation. 

• Proven track record in conducting SWOT analysis and offering tailored coaching. 

• Proficiency in Spanish to effectively communicate with SMEs presenting in Spanish. 

• A background in circular economy projects or EU-funded programs. 

Two experts will be recruited for each session: 

• Business Expert: Specializing in business development and growth strategies. 

• Technical Expert: With experience in product development, technical assessment, or innovation management. 

7. Expected Deliverables 

As a part of this consultancy, each expert will be responsible for: 

• A comprehensive 360-degree SWOT analysis for each of the 10 SMEs/pilot projects. 

• A tailored roadmap with specific improvement actions for each SME. 

• A final report summarizing each SME’s strengths, opportunities, and suggested development path. 

8. Duration of Assignment 

The assignment will span over seven days in total: 

• Five days for in-person assessments and coaching. 

• Two additional days for finalizing reports and follow-up coaching sessions. 

Each expert will be engaged for seven days (five for the in-person workshop and two for reporting). 

9. Assignment and Compensation 

A maximum number of 10 pilot projects/SMEs will be evaluated.  

Each SME will be assessed by two experts—one business and one technical. For each expert, the assignment involves five days of in-person assessments (two SMEs assessed per day) and two additional days for report preparation, totalling seven days. 

Experts will receive a daily fee of €700, covering all assessment activities, SWOT analysis, and the preparation of a comprehensive report for each SME. This brings the total compensation to €4,900 per expert for the assignment.  

Travel and accommodation expenses will be covered separately, following the project’s budget guidelines. 

10. Application Process 

Interested experts are requested to submit the following proposal in English by [November 25, 2024]: 

• A CV highlighting relevant expertise and experience. 

• A brief proposal (maximum two pages) describing your approach to SWOT analysis and coaching, including your recommended report structure. 

• References from similar assignments. 

Application Deadline:

Submit your proposal by 8th of December 2024, to Joanna Abi Abdallah at joanna.abiabdallah@ebn.eu. Applications should include a CV, a brief proposal (maximum 2 pages), and references from similar assignments.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the circular economy and help SMEs thrive. We look forward to your application!