Agronomist Consultant

Terms of Reference Developing SI Agriculture and Livestock Programming in North Lebanon   1 Context Lebanon is welcoming at least 1.1 million refugees in the country, most of which have settled in areas which already face challenges and with high proportion of poverty within its host population. This massive wave of refugees has put additional pressure on Lebanon and its fragile services and infrastructures. The nearby conflict has also disturbed part of the Lebanese economy including its trade. While most of the response to the Syrian crisis in Lebanon has focused until today on covering the immediate needs of the most vulnerable households, more sustainable and independent sources of Livelihoods are necessarily to enable host and refugee communities to live with dignity. SOLIDARITES INTERNATIONAL (SI) has been present in Lebanon since 2013, working mainly in the North part of the country with WASH, Shelter, Outreach, Community mobilization and cash-based programming. It is currently looking to expand its agriculture and livestock husbandry related activities responding to the needs and gaps in its area of interventions (North and Akkar Governorates). Indeed, and despite the evolution of the national economy and sectors of employment in Lebanon as a whole towards service mainly, agriculture still represents a large share of the economic life in Akkar –which is the second agriculture plain in the country- and in part of the Northern Governorates (e.g. Zgharta, Minnieh-Dinnieh districts).   2 Scope & Objectives The overall objective of this short term mission is to support SI better define an Agriculture and Livestock strategy within its area of intervention. The expert will support SI Identify the needs and gaps in terms of Agriculture and Livestock farming as well as a possible opportunities (‘niche’) for SI programming. Furthermore, s/he will support building the capacities of SI none-technical (field) staff. The Agronomist will have to answer to the following questions/ address SI following needs (none exhaustive list):   In terms of identification of needs/gaps/possible interventions: What are the Food Security needs and gaps within the refugee and host communities? What are the different livelihood groups, if any? What are the different production systems found in the area of intervention? What are their main constraints, especially linked to the refugee influx? What is the support needed within the (small) farmer/breeder community? What type of capacity building needs farmers/breeders have? What type of activities SI could conduct to cover those needs and gaps considering its mandate? Which approach could be recommended? Could Food Security and Livelihoods needs be covered by distribution of Livestock in this area/ in this setting? If yes which type/where and in which conditions? (Selection/space etc.) What would be the main recommendations to undertake a livestock project? Would micro-gardening including soil-less be relevant? In what setting? Which type of crops would be the most relevant?   In terms of capacity building, the mission include two main components: Undertake introductory sessions on Agriculture & Livestock for none-technical staff Offer technical support to the micro-gardening project team   3 Methodology & Deliverables The expert is expected to undertake an extensive secondary data review and consult relevant parties/ conduct key informant interview of the main stakeholders, including 1) local authorities 2) communities and farmers 3) specialized agencies and peer agencies working in agriculture and livestock husbandry. Expected deliverables are: An inception report (5 working days after the start of the mission) A narrative report including An executive summary Strategic positioning of SI regarding Agriculture and Livestock Husbandry, strategy of implementation, type of activities, location and type of beneficiaries  A table with the main conclusions and recommendations (detailing possible short term interventions and medium-long term interventions including possible training curricula for farmers and population) Technical appendices: Containing the bibliography, technical details, references and other sources, people and institutions contacted Training material used for the staff capacity building List of potential training center, contacts of trainers.   4 Duration & Dates Desired start date: 15th of June 2016 Duration: 35 working days The consultant is expected to spend most of his/her time in the North and Akkar Governorates (on the field or in SI’s field offices). Overall it is estimated that about 5 days will be dedicated to secondary data review and inception report, days will be dedicated to field work and about 15 working days will be dedicated to office work (preparation of tools, secondary data review, capacity building of SI teams and report writing).   5 Profile Training and qualifications: Post graduate degree/Agriculture engineer.   Professional experience: At least 5 years of documented experience in humanitarian and/or development programming Documented experience in Food Security & Livelihoods / Agriculture and Livestock Husbandry programming preferably in Middle Income Countries   Extensive field experience engaging with host/refugee communities and farmers Extensive experience working with INGOs and/or local NGOs, UN, local authorities, host and refugee communities Work experience in Lebanon, mainly in North and Akkar Governorates, and/or the Middle East strongly preferred   Required qualities: Good people skills / ability to engage with a wide variety of actors (farmers, refuge communities, local authorities, NGO etc.) Good analytical skills Ability to present information in a succinct and compelling manner for none technical staff Good writing skills (English).   Desired start date: 15th of June 2016 Duration: 35 working days Under the responsibility of: Country Director - Basic Assistance & Livelihoods Coordinator