Thinking about Global Expansion? How about Lebanese Talent?

Lebanon, a country nestled on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea, may cover just 10,457 square kilometers, yet within its borders lies a powerhouse of talented youth, often overlooked by the global market. Just like the iconic cedar tree on their national flag, the Lebanese people are a symbol of resilience and perseverance. As we navigate the ever-changing job market landscape of 2024, it is necessary to adapt to emerging trends. Now is the time to expand beyond geographical constraints and position your company on the global stage.

Looking for your next hire? Look no further than Lebanon. Here’s why.

Academic Excellence

Lebanon shines through the excellence of its education, it’s often praised for it’s high standards and diverse curriculum. Leading the way is the American University of Beirut (AUB)—a distinguished private, non-sectarian institution—recognized as the nation's top university. AUB also achieved the 8th spot in the MENA region and is ranked 250th worldwide out of 1,503 institutions. Additionally, Lebanon's public university, Lebanese University (LU), contributes to the country's international presence and has produced prominent figures such as Michel Suleiman, the 12th President of Lebanon.

Cultural and Linguistic Advantages

Lebanon’s strategic location and historical significance have made it a crossroads for various cultures and civilizations. Throughout History, Lebanon was the settlement of people from different parts of the world, with its ports serving as major trade hubs and centers of cultural exchange. From the Ottoman Empire to the French and British Mandates, each period left a lasting imprint on Lebanese culture and shaped a society that values cultural diversity and linguistic proficiency.

Lebanese people often grow up in a multilingual environment, fluent in Arabic, French, and English. This proficiency enabling them to effectively translate and market your business to an international audience. Staying true to the Levantine saying, “وين ما بتزتو بيجي واقف”, which roughly translates to “Wherever we go, we adapt,” Lebanese workers seamlessly stitch the tapestry of intercultural understanding and global perspectives, providing them a distinct advantage in the job market.

Natural Innovators

Refusing to succumb to challenging circumstances, and out of love and care for their people and country, Lebanese people had to learn to be quick on their feet. As a way to address water scarcity problem in Lebanon, a group of students from AUB initiated the “Fid w Stafid” project. The project focused on reusing treated wastewater from the Zahle treatment plant for agricultural purposes, demonstrating the practical application of academic research to real-world problems. Further receiving a $5,000 Seed Grant from the Swiss Cooperation Office.

Moreover, The “La Brocante” Project, an environmentally-conscious startup that hire professionals along with disabled individuals to restore old furniture, either to re-sell them or donate them to families rebuilding their homes after the war.

These projects highlight the ingenuity and forward-thinking of the Lebanese people, demonstrating their creativity and innovation in addressing pressing issues. Such talented people are able to provide fresh and inspiring ideas that can elevate your business to the next level.

Success Stories

Lebanese people have turned obstacles into opportunities, solidifying their status as household names on the global stage.

Take Elie Saab, for example—a self-taught Lebanese fashion designer who started out by opening his own couture atelier in Lebanon, later becoming the first and only non-Italian designer to join the prestigious Italian Camera Nazionale della Moda. His design was even chosen by Queen Rania for her coronation, cementing his place in global fashion history.

On the other hand, in the corporate world, we have Carlos Wakim, CEO of Bloom Holding, and Joe Kawkabani, CEO of OSN Group, who ranked 77th and 91st respectively on Forbes Middle East’s ‘100 Best CEOs’ list in early 2024. Under Joe’s leadership since 2022, OSN+ has seen a 40% increase in market engagement, becoming one of the top three paid streaming apps in the MENA region. OSN now employs over 1,000 people, reflecting the company's significant growth.

Acknowledging the skills and potentials of Lebanese youth, global companies have made significant investments by opening offices in Lebanon to tap into top talent. Deloitte, a network of member firms providing audit, consulting, risk, financial advisory, and tax services, was the only Big 4 firm to maintain a full presence in Lebanon during the civil war. They employ over 3,000 professionals across the MENA region, including Lebanon. Additionally, PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers), another Big 4 firm, has been established in Lebanon for over 50 years. PwC offers numerous job and internship opportunities to both experienced professionals and fresh graduates, employing over 820 staff members in the country.

Where Can I Find Lebanese Talent?

At JOBSEEQR, our mission is to create opportunities for Lebanese youth to display their skills and talents. We utilize advanced ATS technology to filter through applicants and connect you with top candidates. With our intuitive drag-and-drop system, you can easily post jobs and reach Lebanon's vibrant pool of skilled professionals. We recently posted a product reveal video on LinkedIn, so make sure you check that out, and visit jobseeqr.co to request a demo and learn more.

According to Lebanese folklore, Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times over its 5,000-year history. Given this incredible resilience and the city’s ability to rise from the ashes repeatedly, is it any surprise that Beirut produces such outstanding and exceptional talent?