Agriculture engineer – Awareness & Practical Training for Displaced Farmers in the South

Brief description of the project:

In response to the recent displacement and agricultural disruption along the Lebanese borders, many farmers face challenges associated with land use, including exposure to unexploded ordnance, soil contamination from white phosphorus, and the need for adaptive agricultural practices in post-conflict environments. This position aims to equip farmers with the knowledge and skills needed for safe land management and sustainable farming practices in this new context.

The Agricultural Engineer will be responsible for conducting awareness sessions and practical training for displaced farmers. The sessions will focus on safety in agricultural practices and risk management, especially related to the presence of white phosphorus, unexploded land mines, and environmental changes resulting from the conflict.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Awareness Training
  • Develop and deliver awareness sessions on the risks and safety measures associated with white phosphorus exposure and land mines in agricultural settings;
  • Work closely with the field coordinator and project coordinator to incorporate the latest safety protocols into training sessions.
• Agricultural Practices Post-Conflict
  • Educate displaced farmers on sustainable, practical farming techniques suitable for post-conflict soil and environmental conditions;
  • Provide technical advice on crop selection, soil treatment, and water management adapted to the local climate and current challenges;
  • Offer guidance on safely resuming farming activities in fields that might have been affected by conflict, including contaminated soil management.
    
    Deliverables: 
• A detailed work plan outlining session topics, timelines, and participant engagement strategies;
• Educational materials on white phosphorus and mine-related safety, post-conflict agricultural practices, and crop recommendations;
• Regular reports summarizing the sessions conducted, feedback from participants, and recommendations for ongoing support;
• Final report summarizing the achievements, challenges, and suggestions for continued or additional support needed.

Qualifications, Skills and Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Engineering, Environmental Science, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred;
• Proven experience (at least 3-5 years) in agricultural training, ideally in conflict-affected or emergency settings;
• Demonstrated knowledge of sustainable agricultural practices, soil management, and crop adaptation;
• Experience working with displaced or vulnerable communities, with an understanding of their unique challenges;
• Knowledge of demining and post-conflict safety protocols is an asset;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and train diverse groups;
• Proficiency in Arabic and English;
• Previous experience in working with NGOs and INGOs is an asset.

The Time Frame

The period of consultancy agreement is anticipated to commence as soon as possible and extend until the project's completion on end of August 2026.

Location: Beirut / Online