Agricultural Engineer

To support the implementation of the Project “Roots” the John Paul II Foundation is recruiting an agricultural engineer to:

• Implement technical training to improve farmers and cooperative management skills on best farming practices on fruits and vegetables, with particular focus on citrus and tropical fruits;
• Provide continuous technical assistance to producers and cooperatives to improve production (both, qualitative and quantitative), post-harvesting and processing;
• Contribute to the support activities aimed at improving the business skills of producers and cooperatives as per project design;
• Contribute to the support activities to promote products and improve marketing access especially for citrus and tropical fruits, as per project design;
• Contribute to promote capacity building and technical skills to competent authorities as designed in the project;

The project activities will be in governorates South, North and Akkar.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contribute to the baseline implementation concerning the socio-economic status of beneficiaries and stakeholders at the start of the project;

2. Organize and conduct training for product qualitative development; contribute to the elaboration of the Quality Management System for production, postharvest and processing;

3. Establishment and follow-up of macro demo areas;

4. Organize and implement continuous technical assistance and field extension to producers for the adoption of best agriculture practices and quality certification, setting up small farmers groups and WhatsApp groups.

5. Contribute to build up networks of producers and local institutions involved in the application of the Quality Management System (QMS);

6.Support the preparation and implementation of workshops, focus groups and awareness-raising campaigns to promote strengthening and/or creation of producer’s organization in the target location;

7. Support cooperatives or informal groups of producers in the identification of their Inclusion Plan,  Business Plan and Investment Plan to develop/improve postharvest and food processing lines, services and input supply in favor of their members;

8. Follow up the establishment and assist in the proper management of cooperatives’ postharvest and food processing lines, services and input supply supported by the project;

9. Contribute to the market analyses, to be carried out by consultants with the aim of seizing business opportunities at national and international level;

10. Contribute to the development and implementation of a communication and marketing strategy with particular;

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Agricultural Engineer (preferably Master in Plant Production with knowledge on citrus and tropical fruits) with minimum 3 to 5 years of working experience in agriculture. Due to the nature of the work, field experience is required.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Arabic and English languages
• Good attitude and experience in working with farmers and their cooperatives, associations of producers, partners and allies
• Excellent communication skills in building relationships with local and international contacts
• Well-developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations; passion for working with others
• Good understanding of, and commitment to gender equity
• Innovative and creative approach to problem solving
• Driving license (mandatory)
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of John Paul II Foundation

 Desirable

• Experience in the cooperative sector and other forms of producers’ organization
• Knowledge of local market dynamics and experience in marketing
• Availability of personal vehicle to conduct field visits