Consultancy - AgroEcology Govern & Fin in Leb

Action Against Hunger is a non-governmental, non-political, non-denominational and non-profit organization, established in France in 1979. Action Against Hunger’s vocation is to save lives by combating hunger, diseases, and other crises threatening the lives of helpless men, women and children. Action Against Hunger opened a mission in Lebanon in August 2006.

Action Against Hunger is commissioning a research consultancy to support its agroecology-focused programming in Lebanon. The initiative aims to strengthen environmentally sustainable agriculture by assessing governance structures, financing mechanisms, and stakeholder engagement across the country. The consultancy will contribute to evidence-based advocacy and policy dialogue, with a focus on institutional coordination and resource allocation.

Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to read the full Terms of Reference (TOR) for a complete understanding of the consultancy scope, which includes but is not limited to the key points mentioned below.

1. OBJECTIVES AND EXPECTED OUTCOMES

The consultancy’s overarching goal is to produce a comprehensive report that informs strategic planning and policy engagement around agroecology in Lebanon.

Specific objectives include:

• Governance and Policy Review: Analyze national frameworks such as the National Agriculture Strategy (NAS), the 2020 organic law, and institutional roles (MoA, MoE, etc.).
• Budget and Financing Analysis: Examine public and non-state funding for agroecology, including loans and micro-funds.
• Stakeholder Perspectives: Gather insights from farmer unions, cooperatives, civil society, and aid organizations.
• Project Repository: Document agroecology projects implemented over the past 3–5 years, highlighting successes and relevance.
• Barriers and Opportunities: Assess challenges to scaling agroecology, including impacts of recent shocks (e.g., conflict, drought), and cross-cutting factors such as gender, regional disparities, and consumer dynamics.

2. TASKS

The consultant will:

• Conduct desk reviews and engage with key institutions (MoA, MoE).
• Perform budget analysis and institutional mapping.
• Collect qualitative data through KIIs and FGDs.
• Present preliminary findings to consortium partners and stakeholders for validation.

3. DELIVERABLES

A Governance and Financing Report including:

• Institutional and policy analysis
• Budget review
• Stakeholder input
• Recommendations
• Repository of agroecology projects with synthesis

4. CONSULTANT PROFILE

The ideal candidate should have:

• An advanced degree in agriculture, environmental/public policy, economics, or related fields
• Minimum 5 years of experience in governance or agricultural policy research
• Proven skills in budget analysis and institutional mapping
• Strong knowledge of Lebanon’s agriculture sector and agroecology
• Experience in qualitative research (KIIs, FGDs)
• Fluency in English and Arabic (French is a plus)