Research Assistants

1.0 Background:

Founded in 2002 in Palestine, the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) Association is a renowned non-profit organization committed to advancing the growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of regional MSMEs and social enterprises. Through strategic partnerships with leading international organizations, SEC actively strengthens the MENA region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, positioning MSMEs and social enterprises as engines of economic development, poverty alleviation, and gender equality. Its policy advocacy efforts aim to establish an enabling environment that support their long-term success.

SEC delivers innovative market access initiatives, product development programs, sustainability strategies, regional market research, and tailored capacity-building interventions, equipping MSMEs with the tools to compete globally, expand export, and access international trade opportunities. Furthermore, SEC champions green business practices, fostering responsible entrepreneurship that promotes environmental sustainability. By empowering youth and women-led enterprises, SEC drives inclusive growth, shaping a resilient, equitable and prosperous economic future.

Through a strategic partnership with the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), Global Communities (GC) is implementing the Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine (SMCGP) program. The 44-month program aims to improve the conditions necessary for increased competitiveness and growth of MSMEs, contributing to inclusive sustainable economic development, including better income generation and productive employment with decent working conditions, particularly for women and youth. The SMCGP adopts the Market Systems Development (MSD) approach by employing facilitative approaches with learning at its core. SMCGP will target the creative industries sector which comprises three sectors including Furniture, Footwear and Leather, and Handicrafts.

Within the framework of the sub-agreement signed between the Global Communities and the Small Enterprise Center (SEC) to Supporting MSMEs Competitiveness and Growth in Palestine Programme funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida), SEC is seeking to support the optimization of chromium recovery and the tanning process in the local leather tanning industry

SEC invites qualified Palestinian individual research assistants to submit technical and financial proposals.

2.0 Questions and Requests for Clarifications:

Questions regarding the technical or administrative requirements of this ToRs may be submitted no later than, Monday 16th of June, 2025 (Ramallah Local Time) by email to [email protected]. Questions must be submitted in writing; phone calls will not be accepted. Questions, requests for clarifications and the responses thereto that SEC believes may be of interest to other offers will be circulated to all TORs recipients who have indicated an interest in bidding.

Only the written answers issued by SEC will be considered official and carry weight in the ToRs process and subsequent evaluation. Any verbal information received from employees of SEC, or any other entity should not be considered as an official response to any questions regarding this TORs.

2.0 Purpose of this assignment:

SEC is seeking technical and financial offers from an individual qualified part‐time Research Assistant to work directly with a single pilot tannery in Hebron. The Research Assistant will ensure that leather samples are processed according to predefined parameters, oversee their transfer to the testing laboratory, and compile test results for analysis by the R&D expert.

3.0 Part-time research assistant key responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the R&D researcher and in coordination with SEC staff, Global Communities (GC), the Hebron Leather and Shoes Cluster (HLSC), and the Palestinian Federation of Leather Industries (PFLI), the Research Assistant will:

1. Sample & Logistics

Collect, label, and transport leather samples from tannery to Hebron Leather & Shoes Cluster (HLSC) and lab, maintaining storage conditions.

Drum Tanning

Apply agreed drum parameters (pH, temperature, chemicals, time) to pre-pickled leather at the mini-drum.

Monitor runs and resolve any deviations on site.

Documentation

Log sample details, processing parameters, transport records and any other details required.

Coordination & Updates

Liaise among tannery, cluster, and lab; provide twice-weekly progress briefs to the R&D researcher.

Data Prep

Organize raw lab results and draft a one-page summary of key findings and anomalies.

Reporting

Report directly to the R&D researcher and SEC on progress, issues, and outcomes as they arise

4.0 Main Deliverables:

• Sample Transfer Log: A log of sample movements, dates, transport methods, and confirmations of receipt.
• Processing Parameter Report: A completed compliance checklist documenting actual vs. target drum tanning parameters for each sample batch.
• Progress Updates: Bi-weekly brief memos (email or call notes) summarizing activities, challenges, and status against timeline.

4.0 Qualifications and Work Experience of the Expert:

The expert should possess the following qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in leather technology, chemistry, or a related field.
• Hands-on experience in tannery operations, especially sampling across tanning stages.
• Proven ability to design and implement sampling plans and manage lab coordination.
• Familiarity with tannery process parameters (e.g., pH, chrome levels, drum tanning).
• Strong communication skills for on-site coaching of tannery staff and clear reporting to stakeholders.

5.0 Duration of Appointment:

The expected level of effort for this assignment is approximately 30 working days within 2-3 months.

6.0 Logistic Support for the Consultant:

 SEC and HLSC will provide the consultant with planning meetings and organizing focus groups if needed. Furthermore, orientation and guidance will be provided by the R&D researcher assigned by SEC.

7.0 Confidentiality Clause:

All research findings and recommendations produced during this assignment are confidential and intended solely for the use of the R&D committee. No information may be disseminated or utilized for any purpose without prior approval from the committee to ensure the integrity and privacy of the project.

8.0 Deadlines for Submitting CVs and Technical and Financial Offers:

The deadline for submitting CVs, and Technical and Financial offers by latest Thursday 19th of June 2025 (Ramallah Local Time)

Kindly send the offers to SEC email:

 [email protected]