Consultant - Agricultural Engineer (Chebaa)

About Chemonics
Chemonics International is an international development company based in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to promote meaningful change around the world to help people live healthier, more productive and more independent lives. Since 1975 we have worked in 149 countries around the world, and currently implement 113 contracts in 68 countries. Our main partner is the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), but we occasionally work with foreign donors as well. We have over 600 staff based in our Washington, DC office and over 3000 staff in our project offices around the world.

USAID/Lebanon Community Support Program (CSP)
This 5 year project aims to support municipalities and underserved and vulnerable communities in providing better services and enhanced economic opportunities to improve lives and reduce tensions that contribute to conflict and violence in Lebanon. We’re a regionally based program, based in Beirut with activities in Bekaa, North, and South Lebanon. Chemonics is the sole owner of the Lebanon Community Support Program IDIQ contract. We currently have two Task Orders. Task Order 01 (which covers Operations and Management) and Task Order 02 (covers our technical community support work). We may be awarded more task orders in the future.

            1.  Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• The engineer will be responsible for drafting a detailed plan to implement the best solution that meets the needs of the local community.   
• Conduct meetings with the mayor, municipal members, head of the cooperatives, and individual key farmers; to understand the situation of agriculture in Chebaa. (1 day)
• Conduct FGDs with the local community farmers; to understand their farming techniques, norms, habits, and customs. (1 day)
• Conduct field visits to identify the challenges and obstacles hindering the growth of farmers’ income and deterring development of farming techniques in the village. (2 days)
• Conduct needed tests to verify results. Example:(Soil tests, water tests, ...). (1 day)
• Conduct field visits to support in creating a clear set of technical requirements for farmers to enhance their yields and income from farming. (2 days)
• Report on findings and recommendations; and draw a detailed plan of implementation for the new farming techniques development and enhancement process. (1 day)

2.  Specific deliverables:

The engineer will be responsible for providing:

• Detailed action Plan
• Number of hours worked/day
• Copy of the survey to be conducted
• Results Analysis
• MOM of all meetings containing questions to interviewees.
• Final report containing:
  • Summary of all meetings conducted
  • Detailed solution plan
  • Detailed draft plan

3.  Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; masters preferred, in a relevant area such as agricultural engineer
• At least 5-7 years of relevant experience working in development context
• Previous experience working with local authorities and local farmers
• Ability to analyze details, conduct studies, report, develop, and present recommendations to promote solutions to be implemented by local farmers
• Ability to illustrate technical data and information easily and clearly.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, reasoning skills and ability to articulate logic behind decisions.
• Fluency in spoken and written Arabic and English required.

4.  Level of Effort and Period of Performance

This assignment will take place from March 11th to March 21st. The consultant will work on a part-time basis and will be eligible for up to 10 days of LOE during the period of performance.

5.  Place of Assignment

Chebaa village, Hasbaiya district, Nabatieh Governorate, South Lebanon

6.  Reporting

The agricultural engineer will report directly to the CSP - Regional Program Manager in South Lebanon.

Chemonics is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment based on their qualifications without discrimination.