Marketing Officer

Who are we  Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental international humanitarian organisation, and was founded in 1968. Concern Worldwide currently operates in a number of countries across the globe, with its Head Office in Dublin. We work with the poor and vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries to help them bring about long-lasting change in their lives and realise their fundamental human rights; to food, to health, to education, and ultimately to a life of dignity. Together with local and international partners, and with the beneficiaries themselves, we respond to emergencies and undertake long term development work.  We work across the world to promote a better understanding of extreme poverty, and we campaign for local and global action that will help reduce this. Job Summary The main purpose of the position is, under the guidance of the Livelihoods Programme Manager, to implement elements of Concern’s Livelihoods activities in Akkar Governorate. The livelihoods programme aims to strengthen the resilience of refugees and host communities impacted by the Syria Crisis. The role will primarily focus on, but not be limited to improved agricultural value chains and support to income generating activities with overall purpose of creating employment opportunities for refugees.   These include: With stakeholders, identify constraints in the current values chains for selected crops. Support producers to improve the efficiency of their respective value chains to increase profitability. Support producers with improved access to markets through product aggregation and more efficient farming associations etc. Work with key stakeholders to explore new marketing outlets for fresh produce, food based products and handicrafts including potential access to export markets. Support producers to improve quality and standards of produce to meet the market requirements Support vulnerable women with business skills training to establish sustainable income generating activities. Support branding and sales of products produced online and in conventional markets. Duties and Responsibilities1.       General a)      Contribute to the planning and scheduling of programme activities with the other team members. b)      Comply with all Concern administrative procedures in relation to project management procurement and contract administration. c)       Assist in the preparation and maintenance of all necessary reports and databases including collection of monitoring & evaluation (M&E) data, donor reports, monthly activity reports and projections. d)      Liaise, support, and coordinate as necessary with other Concern departments, donor representatives, municipal and ministerial authorities, landowners and beneficiaries on site.  2.       Specific responsibilities for project implementation a)      Work closely with the Livelihoods team, implementing partners and private sector to identify new markets for increased profitability and also advise on minimum quality and standards to be maintained to make products saleable. b)      Carry out market assessments, research and minimum standards required by private sector to facilitate selling of products as required and maintain data of small and medium size enterprises for various products. c)       Work with producers, retailers and other stakeholders in identifying constraints in the current value chains for potatoes, tomatoes and leafy greens and other key crops. Support and facilitate linkages with key actors along the supply chains to improve market returns. d)      Plan and organise trainings on marketing and supply chain with the producers and others as required. e)       Work on both improved local marketing and also export marketing to improve returns to the farmers. f)       Coordinate with and build capacity of existing farmers associations to make them more efficient and to improve their bargaining power and returns to their members. g)      Coordinate with relevant service providers to support vulnerable women with business skills training. h)      Support women to identify and establish sustainable income generating activities. i)        Manage the procurement and distribution of start-up kits to these women to establish their chosen income generating activities. j)        Design, translate and promote marketing material for each activity with target audience in mind. k)      Ensure project activities are progressing on time, to a high quality and on budget. l)        Facilitate positive relationships between financial institutions, private sector and program beneficiaries. m)    Carry out monitoring and evaluation activities and assessments with the beneficiaries as required. n)      Fulfil other tasks as requested by the Livelihoods manager.   Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Attitude Required   Degree in   Marketing, Designing and textile, Economics, Agri-Business, Business management, or related qualification with relevant experience. Minimum of 2 years’ experience in agriculture, marketing, or community development projects preferably with an INGO, social enterprise or business. Very strong graphic designing and editing skills to design brochures, pamphlets, logos and backdrops. Ability to maintain and design online social and marketing campaigns. Strong understanding of various social media platforms i.e. snapchat, facebook, twitter, storify, MailChimp, Instagram, squirrelMail Excellent inter-personal and communication skills with strong and amicable personality. Who can work and achieve targets in minimum supervision. Ability to negotiate and solve problems in complex scenarios. Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders under tight timelines and pressure. Willingness to live in the Northern governorates of Lebanon and travel in field when required. Excellent report writing skills, graphic designing skills with sufficient typing speed both in English and Arabic. Very good knowledge of English both written and oral. Commitment to humanitarian principles and values. Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices.