Senior Livelihoods Project Officer

PROGRAM SUMMARY: Mercy Corps is launching the “Protect and Provide Livelihoods in Lebanon” (PPLL) project.  The overall objective of the project is to mitigate the medium to long term impact of the Syrian refugee crisis on Lebanese host communities.  The project will be implemented in the Beqaa and it is funded by the European Commission (EC) for a period of 24 months.  It will focus on collaborating with market actors within value chains—inputs providers, producers, agro-businesses, and end-buyers—in the agriculture sector to protect the incomes of small and medium producers. In addition, the project will strengthen coping mechanisms of both Lebanese and Syrian households through increased household resource management skills.  Lastly, PPLL will help increase the household cash flow of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian households through cash-for-work activities and also strengthen the agriculture infrastructure in the targeted areas. GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: The Senior Livelihoods Project Officer assists the Project Manager in the daily smooth running of the agricultural and value chain component of the Protect and Promote Livelihoods in Lebanon intervention. The position will be responsible for working with small producers and agribusinesses to mobilize them into producer groups and adopt improved production and marketing practices. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Conduct market chain surveys, need assessments, data and information collection and analysis as and when required for the on-going market-led agricultural program Monitor and maintain coordination with the village, sub district/district heads, government agencies and international and multilateral organizations for all areas where Mercy Corps operates Participate in NGO, INGO, private sector and UN meetings on agriculture and represent MC as requested in coordination forums related to agriculture Ensure all agriculture project activities are in line with government strategy Develop implementation workplan and monitor activities and their contribution to achieving program deliverables Provides technical input on MC’s agriculture projects including partnerships with private sector, NGOs and international contractors Maintains links to sources of technical assistance and information and will disseminate technical information and assistance to project officers and assistants where necessary Recruit and supervise agriculture project officers and assistants including setting project tasks to ensure the fulfillment of program goals Act as Contact person and provide oversight for project implementation conducted by LNGOs and other implementing stake holders. Coordinate closely with the Livelihoods Project Manager, Regional Economic Opportunities Advisor, and other technical staff and operational staff to ensure project activities are integrated into an overall return plan Maintain, monitor and measure project implementation data entry. Keeping the Livelihoods Project Manager and Coordinator informed at all times. Track project impact, standards, and operational compliance Assist with overall program development and future proposals for project follow-on activity Data-entry of project information, as assigned. Develop charts, statistical reports and data-bases as required by Project Manager Implement Mercy Corps’ Gender Equity policy and applies Do No Harm approaches; Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit toMercy Corpsand to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission. Other duties as assigned. KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:  At least 5 years’ experience with livelihoods, private sector agricultural development programming, and market and value chain analysis Experience identifying and developing local partnerships, including with the private sector; Proven ability to learn quickly, lead a program to achieve stated results and objectives; Ability to effectively represent Mercy Corps and its interests to key stakeholders; Ability to work effectively with an ethnically diverse team in a sensitive environment; Willingness to travel throughout the Beqaa Key Performance Areas: The successful Senior Project Officer will combine knowledge of small scale agriculture and food processing in the Beqaa with value chain work. S/he will also have proven experience with cross-cultural team and capacity building, and mentoring Assistant Project Officers. Multi-tasking, prioritizing, problem solving and simultaneous attention to detail and strategic vision are essential. Demonstrated flexibility and creativity in planning and problem solving is essential in a complex security and political environment like Lebanon. The most successful Mercy Corps staff members have a strong commitment to teamwork and accountability, thrive in evolving and changing environments and make effective written and verbal communication a priority in all situations.