Field Technician (Ft) – Lebanon

MISSION CONTEXT SIF conducted a study on “Resilient Livelihoods for Farmers of Rachaya, Zahle and Shouf Following the Syrian Refugee Crisis”. The survey was completed in January 2017 in the 3 districts. The results showed the vulnerability of this segment of population: 47% of the assessed farmers were living with less than 600 USD per month. The farmers are in deep need for technical and financial assistance but also for market’s output.       SIF project aims at strengthening the Lebanese farmers: -          Offering technical and financial assistance to farmers and rural women cooperatives in the aim to increase the added value of their products. -          Develop and support a marketing strategy for farmers and cooperatives -          Capacity empowerment for rural women cooperatives for a better quantitative and qualitative production. -          Link the production from the project stakeholders to the Ramadan project, SIF will buy all the needs for its Ramadan program (during the last 2 years with food voucher 1000HH were assisted). This could be a new market where the producer can guarantee the  marketing of products The project will be implemented closely with the protection program, mainly for the livelihood component (vocational training, employment opportunities, capacity building). A particular attention will be given to the cross cutting issue (gender, environment, referral) Strong coordination with other actors in the area of intervention is a pillar of this program and the referral mechanism will guarantee the provision of adequate services from others partners. Furthermore, as part of a longer term strategy aiming at supporting and reinforcing capacity of local stakeholders, the action includes a strong capacity building & strengthening component targeting farmers, local rural women cooperatives, and also with other governmental entities (MoA and MoPW). The Field Technician is the direct link to the beneficiaries to help in assessing technical needs, help in formulating with the beneficiaries and the experts the technical solutions, the technical equipment needed and s/he ensures coordination with other stakeholders in the field on issues related to technical solutions to food security problems such as increasing production, finding appropriate solutions, meetings the right possible partners and doing the day to day coordination with stakeholders in the Shouf. S/he also provides follow up and monitoring of project implementation plus reporting to the FSL Manager as needed. S/He is an active member of the Food Security Team to help achieve the expected results for the project. He/she is: -       Doing all the day to day work related to the project in the field. -       Provides daily insight on beneficiary needs, requests and possible solutions in coordination with the PM. -       Maintain liaison with other field technical experts from MoA, MoEW, and with other stakeholders such as cooperatives and partner organizations. -       Reports to the FSL Manager.   MAIN RESPONSABILITIES  On field Food Security Technician .   In the domain of Technical cooperation and support for the success of the project, the FT will: Plan, implement and supervise all field FSL work in Shouf in agreement with PM. Coordinate with other FSL team members and with other SIF Partners on all SIF FSL activities on the ground. Actively contact municipalities, mayors, NGOs, local organizations, youth community groups, and other stakeholders in Shouf Gaza of Lebanon region in coordination with Regional manager. Ensure that FSL beneficiaries are doing what is needed for the project success.  Maintain and enhance relations with partners and stakeholders involved in the region Coordinate and help run round tables and meeting with the youth groups, women groups and municipalities working with SIF on FSL Issues. Actively coordinating with stakeholders to help identify master trainers in certain technical disciplines. Provide assistance in technical training to local beneficiaries as needed Interact with cooperatives and NGOs and local producer groups in defining the technical needs for each beneficiary. Find out what other donors and stakeholders are doing with and for the food and agricultural sector from a technical point of view in Shouf. Inform management of any potential farmers of food processors activity that might help project reach its goals. (Food markets, new products, packing houses, packaging business, grading warehouse etc..). Run timely meetings with processors and farmers and try to help organize individual entities into some informal or formal grouping. Help collect data and info for Business Development to do feasibility studies, financial forecast, and finance needs for enterprises, cooperatives and other ventures as needed by project. Participate in the elaboration of the project: needs assessments, baseline survey, and proposal of actions. Suggest local suppliers of technical solutions for dripping irrigation, solar panel system, water storage and other technical innovation to the farmers. Help PM in discussions about the Quick impact of project with farmers. Suggest technical solution for cooperatives for processing food, waste management etc Provide technical support to agricultural farmers, and to food processors with consultation with experts. Assist in the structuring / revitalization of cooperatives, Help in the distribution of food aid (voucher or parcel) if necessary, Assist in the market research to help in the development of a market-oriented agricultural production system, Help in monitoring and evaluation, help in the surveys, assist in measuring the realization of the projects and propose technical adjustments to projects. Undertake situation analyses and needs assessments Maintain confidentiality at all times Identify potential partnerships to implement the program, make recommendations on how to fill gaps Provide technical guidance and direction for effective planning, implementation and monitoring of agreed protection plans Help in developing technical training programs and assist in capacity building for beneficiaries Provide field reports on weekly basis that have details of the daily activities, people met and so forth. Provide monthly and quarterly reports to supervisors     Logistic (should have a car to be used on the project)   In case of emergency and need for a car and only in very limited situations, Candidate is to abide by car management protocol, plan the vehicle use and trips ahead of time based on agreement with PM Supervise the local contracts management from a technical point of view (suppliers, trainers, etc.). To supervise SIF technical tools and equipment use by farmers, food processors, and cooperatives and report to PM. Be aware of any Health, safety, security and environmental (HSSE) issue that arise and pin point/report any potential hazard impacting HSSE Representation (when requested by line manager)   To represent SIF FSM with operational partners and to the local authorities on technical food and agricultural issues. To attend meetings, working group and donors meetings linked to Shouf and food security when asked by the FSL Manager. Reporting Reports directly to SIF’s Beirut Office, to the Food Security and Livelihood Manager. S/he will submit the following reports at the end of each week: Centralize all information gathered in the field and consolidate a Monthly report (into the proper reporting format) to be delivered to the program coordinator; The Narrative Report which includes: the number of beneficiaries, actions taken, number of field-visits conducted, awareness raising activities, number of people attending the session with breakdown per age group and gender; should also include charts, trend analysis and solution Provide regular reporting on your activities and Weekly update – numbers of beneficiaries and households visited segregated by age, gender,  needs and vulnerability Help in drafting reports according to the requested deadlines and guidelines. To help in getting the needed data as needed To inform immediately the line manager of any delay, conflict, problem encountered as part of the project implementation. Plus other tasks requested by the line manager or his designee Person qualifications Technical degree in Agronomy Minimum 2 years of previous experience in food security and agricultural development work, experience with farmers and cooperative organizations, Knowledge of issues relating to refugee women, gender, humanitarian and development issues, and protection response Strong interpersonal skills and a supportive technical and communication style Ability to understand the cultural and political environment and to work well with partners including local authorities. Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office, especially Word and Excel. Understanding the cultural norms, traditions, and the socio economic situation of Shouf.   An understanding of and commitment to SIF’s mission and values   Ethic and professional practice Always respect of beneficiaries’ confidentiality Respect and promote SIF’s Policies and report to your line manager any non-respect of SIF’s policies amongst the teams or partners. Address needs and requests in a professional way. Report any incident or act that causes any harm to beneficiary or to others. Always respect a refusal of assistance. Help in ideas to support the team of the FS and Agricultural Livelihood