CROP WATER REQUIREMENT AND IRRIGATION SCHEDULING CONSULTANT

About Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF)

The Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF) was established in 1991 with the Mission of Promoting social, economic and rural development in Lebanon and the MENA region and contributing in building a responsible civil society that promotes democratic values, justice, pluralism and moderation. RMF works in 5 core areas including Livelihood and Economic Growth, Decentralization and Governance, Health and Social Safety Net, Education and Protection and Agriculture.

About “SADDER”

SADDER - Sustainable Agricultural Development to Diversify and Export Regionally (2023-2027) is a project funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands and implemented by the Rene Moawad Foundation (RMF).

"SADDER" will incorporate enhanced methodologies and best practices. It will aim to support Lebanon's economy through the agriculture sector by assisting stakeholders within the selected value chains, Table Grapes, Avocados, Cherries, and Apples, in meeting both local and export market requirements, ultimately leading to increased income, self-sustainability of various agricultural sectors, as well as job creation and retention.

Major Responsibilities:

Under Output 1.3. SADDER will Conduct Capacity Building program to selected farmers on GAP techniques including a water and irrigation management chapter for the 900 new farmers across the 4 targeted VCs and an Advanced Water & Irrigation management and scheduling package for the 800 maintained farmers from previous: “Strengthening Exports Project”. The capacity building program will be implemented through a hybrid Training and Extension package tackling technical know-how, field and practical applications based on best practices, tailored personalized coaching, and online continued support by experts.

Terms of Reference

RMF is seeking Technical and Financial proposals from Advanced Irrigation Consultant for the project SADDER. The consultant will play a vital role in the above-mentioned project. The primary objective of this role is to develop baseline, methodology and training materials; and field interventions in advanced irrigation systems and techniques for farmers across the four value chains.

Technical proposal content

• Develop and propose a full training package for one to one, group and online Capacity building. Include topics, sections and method of delivery in the technical proposal.
• Provide recommendations on Efficient irrigation practices, methods and technologies minimizing losses in the supply and distribution of irrigation to avoid unproductive irrigation water losses and adopt water-saving measures and recycling where possible;
• Provide necessary and external training materials, among these, presentations, exercises, tools and handouts for attendees.
• Support the preparation of knowledge products and develop illustrated brochures or fliers that contain comprehensive information about all topics related to irrigation per value chain.
• Develop methodology (survey, questionnaire, data collection procedure…) to conduct a thorough assessment of the current irrigation infrastructure and practices for the farmers involved in the project.
• Training package/curriculum for trainers (ToT). Conduct the training for up to 20 trainers and deliver the content in an interactive approach by using advanced techniques and methodologies.
• Analysis and evaluation of the assessments results.

• Provide correction measures and recommendations for the design of irrigation systems taking into consideration all aspects (design considerations, flow, application rates…)

• Consult on data interpretation from moisture sensors and advise on irrigation scheduling.
• Develop irrigation scheduling based on value chains and regions
• Recommend and draft tenders with specifications and, if necessary, assist in the procurement and installation of advanced irrigation technologies.
• Design, advise and participate in establishing demo plots for smart irrigation scheduling.

• Develop pre- and post-evaluations to assess the base line and improve capabilities of the trainees on Advanced Irrigation and to monitor their progress during training sessions.

Competencies, Skills and Experience

All applicants must have:

• At least 10 years of relevant experience, including experience in capacity building, development and consultancies
• Experience in developing training materials and/or performing coaching
• Experience in project design, implementation, monitoring and reporting
• Good knowledge of the Lebanese climatic and environmental conditions
• Excellent communication and facilitation skills
• Excellent writing and presentation skills in English and Arabic
• University degree in environment/soil sciences or water management or Agriculture.
• Master’s degree in irrigation or PhD will be highly considered.

Submission Part – Requested Document

The Bidder must provide sufficient information in the proposal to demonstrate compliance with the

requirements set out in this proposal. The proposal shall include, as a minimum:

Appendix A – Technical Proposal

• Consultant Resume
• References
• Support Team composition and structure (if any)
• Team Resumes (if any)
• Technical offer / proposal
• Proposed Project Work Plan

Appendix B – Financial Proposal

• Segregation on item level
• MD expectations

Failure to provide all the above may result in disqualification of the proposal.