Livelihood Agriculture Engineer

Job Summary: 

Concern Worldwide is seeking a candidate for the position of Livelihoods –Agriculture Engineer to be based in Halba, Akkar, Lebanon. Concern Worldwide Lebanon Livelihoods program is designed around three themes: Skill building and income generation through Sustainable Agriculture, 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 for adolescents. Under the direct guidance of the Livelihoods Project Manager, the Livelihoods –Agriculture Engineer  will support the implementation of Concern’s Agriculture program. The Livelihoods –Agriculture Engineer will provide technical expertise and recommendations on the design of the project and the implementation of its activities.  S/he will support in all aspects of project management including coordination with other actors, financial and procurement processes in order to ensure agreed objectives are effectively met and in a timely manner. Concern is looking for an individual with demonstrable technical knowledge and professional experience in the dairy production and processing sectors. S/he will have solid project management experience and experience working in dairy-based agriculture and/or food processing and may have experience with working in non-profit or public institutes on livelihoods programs.

Roles and responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and support to on-going Agriculture program under the guidance of Program Manager in Akkar and to the implementation of activities
• Support the project teams in planning and implementing project activities to meet project deliverables based on timeline and scope agreed with the donor;
• Provide day-to-day support and coordination with private sector partners and service contractors, including administrative, financial and logistical support. Trouble shoot any administrative problems and report any challenges or bottlenecks to Livelihood Program Manager;
• Livelihoods –Agriculture Engineer will lead the selection, assessment and training of beneficiaries, cooperatives and small businesses, and business planning for cooperatives and/or small businesses in coordination with the Concern marketing team. S/he will be responsible for the through filing and record keeping of activities;
• Maintain, update and report livelihoods program beneficiary database for internal and external reporting.
• Support Livelihood Program Manager in implementing activities, organizing meetings and trainings, monitoring of project progress, and selecting value chains for intervention;
• Build relationships with small producers, agribusinesses, cooperatives, trade unions and local municipalities to carry out the activities of the project and facilitate access to information related to project activities and scope
• Support team planning and coordination meetings and trainings with consistent follow-up on the activities assigned by the livelihoods Program Manager.
• Work closely with the local private sector partners and service contracts to schedule trainings and follow up, coordinating with the staff of Concern Worldwide to ensure that all logistical, administrative and financial matters are addressed appropriately;
• Will be responsible to coordinate with MEAL department and communication officers to plan visibility, case studies and knowledge dissemination.
• Monitor adherence to grant agreements, Concern Worldwide policies and procedures and relevant external rules and regulations. Facilitate internal Concern Worldwide procurement processes;
• Prepare weekly reports to be submitted to the Livelihood Program Manager. Contribute to quarterly reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor and internal requirements;
• Conduct himself/herself both professionally and personally in such a manner as to bring credit to Concern Worldwide and to not jeopardize its humanitarian mission;
• Other assigned tasks, as necessary. 

Representation and Coordination

1. Represent Concern Lebanon at local, regional and national level in regards to meetings with Consortium members, donors, stakeholder and other relevant actors as necessary.
2. Coordinate project activities with other actors and stakeholders in the programme area as necessary.

Work Ethic:

1. Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct.
2. Support and promote the standards outlined in the Programme Participant Protection Policy and Concern Code of Conduct to their team, partner and stakeholders and be committed to providing a safe working environment.

Qualification and Experience:

• Minimum Master’s degree or equivalent in agribusiness, agriculture, agricultural economics, agricultural development, international development, project management, industry and food processing or similar is required.
• Proven past technical knowledge and 3 years professional experience in the agriculture sector, including experience with micro-gardens, is required.
• Experience in other type of food processing (tomato, peaches, orange etc) will be an asset.  
• Minimum 3 years of experience of team management and implementation of community based development project with national or international NGO.
• Strong and proven experience of minimum 2 years in the private sector or private sector related projects. Experience of working with the government will be an asset.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in implementing agriculture training projects.

• Strong written and oral communication skills in English, including report development, writing and editing. Fluency in Arabic with strong written skills in Arabic. .

• Demonstrated attention to detail; ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently as well as cooperatively with team members. 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.