Farmer Field Schools Facilitators – Agriculture (8 Positions)

Job Summary

Concern Worldwide is seeking eight candidate for the position of Farmer Field School Facilitator to be based in Halba, Akkar, Lebanon with frequent movement in Akkar and T5.  Concern Worldwide Lebanon Livelihoods program is designed around three themes: Skill building and income generation, Sustainable Agriculture and value chain development, and Micro & Small enterprise Development. Concern Lebanon aims to decrease household economic vulnerability and reliance on harmful coping strategies by increasing access to livelihoods and protection information and skills; home-based income-generating activities; and training and career guidance linked to savings and protection.

Under the management of the Livelihoods Agriculture Officer, the FFS facilitator will support the implementation of BPRM-funded activities supporting the herbs value chain falling under Concern’s Agriculture Program. The FFS Facilitator will provide technical and practical trainings on Herbs value chain and manage the distribution of fertilizers, seedlings and drip irrigation system under the supervision of the agriculture officer.  S/he will coordinate with elected focal points in the area of intervention, monitor attendance of Program Participants to the activities, monitor if objectives are met against target in a timely manner. Concern is looking for an individual with demonstrable technical knowledge and professional experience in plant based agriculture (in particular herbs such as oregano). This includes experience in the production and processing sectors of products related to this value chain. S/he will may have experience with working in non-profit or public institutes on livelihoods programmes.

Roles and responsibilities

• Assist in the outreach of beneficiaries and fill the registration forms for all participants
• Conduct focus group discussions with farmers in order to introduce the project, the organisation
• Prepare monthly reports to line manager to update on progress, challenges and way forward
• Communicate with beneficiaries to set meeting, report any challenges and success stories
• Manage the election of community focal points and  demonstration plots
• Support in the implementation of activities (land preparation, plantation, weeding, irrigation practices) in the on-going project
• Enhance knowledge of participants on the below topics, through theoretical and practical sessions:
  • The FFs approach
  • IPM approach
  • Climate smart agriculture
  • Water management
  • Triangle disease
  • AESA: Agroecosystem analysis
• Promote decision making and problem solving among farmers
• Train farmers on the Farmer Business School (FBS)
• Identify other training needs amongst participants
• Evaluate the performance of the participants after trainings
• Conduct baseline and endline with guidance from the MEAL department
• Ensure that collected project data and documents are properly stored and analysed
• Facilitate referrals of Program Participants to other services
• Adapt the sessions to Infection and Prevention control procedures to limit risk of COVID-19 contamination
• Other duties as required by the Programme Manager.  Work Ethic:

• Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Code of Conduct and its associated policies.
• Support and promote the standards outlined in the Concern Code of Conduct and its associated policies to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum Master’s degree or Engineering degree or equivalent in agriculture, horticulture, and or agricultural development. 
• Proven past technical knowledge and farming experience is a must. Individuals having strong contact with farming community will be given preference.
• Proficient user of Microsoft office package especially of Excel and Word.
• Experience in implementation of community based development projects.
• Minimum 1 years of experience in implementing agriculture training projects.
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and Arabic.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to adapt to change and work under pressure.  Strong empathy skills and genuine care and respect for needs of others.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and values.
• Non-judgmental attitude and respect for Concern’s beneficiaries, other staff and people that Concern deals with.