Agriculture and Food Processing Trainer – Akkar

Mada Association is seeking an Agriculture and Food Processing Trainer under the “GDIR: Gender and Disability Inclusion Regreening” Project, funded by Australian Aid, implemented by World Vision, Lebanon Reforestation Initiative LRI in partnership with Mada, and REEF. The project’s objective is to directly respond to the key environmental challenges and socio-economic dynamics by tackling biodiversity loss and water scarcity by focusing on participatory biodiversity conservation, regreening initiatives and sustainable agricultural practices. The Trainer's output will strengthen MSMEs’ technical capacities through training.

Mada Association is launching Technical Training followed by the selection of SMEs to receive grants in three villages in Akkar (Qobayat, Akkar Atika and Andaket). The goal is to equip participants with the practical technical skills, confidence, and market knowledge needed to run their enterprises sustainably, reduce risks, and maximize profitability. The support aims to ensure that Income Generating Activities (IGAs) are not just funded but are viable, competitive, inclusive, aligned with regreening and environmentally sustainable practices.

The mission is session-based with a total number of 6 technical training sessions starting May 4th until May 22nd, 2026.

Objective and scope

The Trainer will be responsible for:

1. Attend a kickoff meeting with Mada Program team to agree on communication channels, training methodology, schedule, training curriculums, discuss SMEs profile, etc… and to assign focal points for coordination during activities implementation from both parties. 
2. Prepare a detailed schedule for all activities. Share with the Mada team before initiating the training. Include dates, timing, topics, links, and trainers’ names. The program team must approve any change in the support staff or on the schedule if needed.
3. Share all the necessary tools and documents relevant to the training (Curriculum, Materials...) to be delivered prior to any activity implementation with Mada programme staff. This includes training curriculum, presentations (Arabic Version) and assignments. All these tools need to be discussed and agreed with the program team before adopting them with programme participants. 

• Delivering training to one group, consisting of 7 to 12 participants. The group will receive six (6) technical training sessions.  The sessions will be conducted in person, at a venue in one of the villages mentioned above, and the trainer will facilitate these sessions. The sessions will be scheduled to take place during the working days, spanning two consecutive weeks. Each session is equivalent to 3 hours (20-minute break included).
• The participants in this training operate businesses in agriculture and food processing. Their enterprises range from small to medium scale, and their market reach extends from local to national levels.

4. Prepare and conduct pre-and post-tests for the group sessions to monitor participants’ progress following the training.
5. Monitor the attendance of participants and report any issues or dropouts to Mada’s focal point.
6. At the end of the training sessions, provide Mada’s Program Manager with a final report (template provided by Mada) that includes progress of participants knowledge, attendance, challenges, % of improvements of knowledge, recommendations on further support needed and specific areas of focus required for the skills development of the participants.
7. The trainer will support MSMEs to refine the technical elements of the business improvement plan, including in-kind needs, budget, and potential cost-sharing. A finalized disbursement plan shall be submitted by each SME after the final coaching session.

The group session’s training materials could include but are not limited to the following topics:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture Foundations: Principles of sustainable farming and soil health, water efficient irrigation.
• Sustainable Crop Production and Post Harvest Management: integrated Pest management, reducing post-harvest losses through improved storage, handling and processing, linking crop system to regreening (soil regeneration, biodiversity corridors, food loss etc.).
• Eco-Friendly Food Processing and Value Addition: energy-efficient processing technologies, renewable energy integration (solar dryers, biogas).
• Development of innovative, eco-friendly value-added products.
• Green packaging and sustainable supply chains: eco-friendly packaging materials and innovation, traceability and certification for sustainable products,
• Innovation and Market Access and regreening integration: digital tools for farm and processing management, eco-labels, certifications and branding strategies, positioning MSMEs as champions of regreening and environmental stewardship

Main Deliverables:

• Kickoff Meeting: Align with Mada team on methodology, schedule, curriculum, SMEs profile, and focal points.
• Training Schedule: Share detailed schedule of activities; secure Mada’s approval for changes.
• Materials: Provide curriculum, Arabic presentations, and assignments in advance for Mada’s review.
• Training Delivery: Conduct six in person sessions (3 hours each) for 7–12 participants over two weeks.
• Testing & Monitoring: Run pre/post‑tests; track attendance and report issues.
• Final Report: Submit participant progress, attendance, challenges, improvements, and recommendations.
• Business Support: Assist MSMEs in refining business improvement plans with needs, budget, and cost‑sharing when relevant.

Logistics Considerations:

Mada will provide the training location in Akkar, along with refreshments and transportation for participants. The Trainer will be responsible for arranging his / her own transportation to the training venue.

Ethical Considerations, Do No Harm, and Safeguarding:

• The Trainer shall conduct all activities in accordance with World Vision’s Vision, Core Values, Safeguarding Policy, and Code of Conduct.
• All training and coaching activities must follow the Do No Harm principle, ensuring respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive engagement with participants, without causing physical, psychological, social, or economic harm, and without reinforcing inequalities or exclusion.
• The Trainer must always maintain professional conduct, respect appropriate boundaries, and immediately report any safeguarding concerns to Mada’s focal point in line with established reporting mechanisms.
• All personal, financial, and business information shared by participants shall be treated as strictly confidential and used solely for the purpose of this consultancy. Information shall be reported in an aggregated and anonymized manner.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

The Trainer must have the following experience and skills to be able to perform the tasks of the ToR:

• A graduate/master's degree in agriculture engineering, Food Technology, Rural Development or related fields,
• At least 2 missions, in the last 5 years in conducting similar training or coaching specifically to IGA or Small businesses for environmental or agricultural participants,
• Strong understanding of green economy principles and circularity,
• Strong facilitation and engagement skills,
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic,
• Familiarity with the local context, especially rural livelihoods in Akkar, is highly preferred.