Food Security Livelihood Agriculture Field Officer

Goal / Purpose:

• The FSL Officer will support to set up Monitoring and training, the cash or in-kind support to targeted beneficiaries for agriculture and livelihood/ food security supporting activities, ensuring that Solidarités International technical recommendations and procedures are followed.
• S/he carries out all activities with high standard and, if necessary, proposes adjustment or improvements to guarantee a high standard and a better implementation.

S/he follows up with the training organization as well as with the targeted farmers to ensure the efficiency of the activity

Main tasks: 

Assessment

• Collect accurate data at field level and participate in data analysis
• Contribute in conducting assessment, baseline and impact surveys
• Help in designing and setting up criteria for selecting targeted communities and beneficiaries

Activity relevance, quality and creation

• Implement activities in accordance with Solidarités International technical requirements and financial donor criteria
• Collect information and assist in the quality analysis of the activities carried out

Implementation and operational monitoring

• Carries out the activities for which he is responsible, in accordance with the deadlines and technical specificities that have been set
• Use management, monitoring and evaluation tools in the activities-assessment formats, follow up sheets, harvest report etc.
• Follow up on Agriculture and FSL activities upon guidance by his/her supervisor.
• Uses developed methods and tools for the implementation of the activities
• Ensure regular monitoring and follow-up of the activities with the beneficiaries by regular field visits using monitoring tools
• Pre-empt any difficulties linked to carrying out the activities and facilitate problem solving
• Ensure good analysis of the local environment and understand needs so that activities are adapted accordingly
• Ensure compliance with national and international norms and quality standards related to his/her activities
• Provide necessary technical support to the selected farmers regarding small scale gardening, sack gardening etc.

Reporting / communication

• Pass on to the Line Manager any information on the security context, or any event that may have potential consequences on Solidarités International activities and team security
• Participate in writing up reports on the progress of activities for which s/he is responsible
• Collect information for case study, success stories & lesson learning reports

• Fill out and update the activity sheet provided by line manager if relevant
• Archive his/her monitoring tools and files in the Solidarités International office, where they can be accessed by the line manager

• Communicate with other team members on activity results
• Present to the population and local authorities the nature of the field operations and create awareness about the program activities
• Write up handover and transition reports before the end of his/her employment contract, and pass these on to those parties concerned on the mission

ORG CHART POSITION (reporting and functional relationships)

Line manager: FSL DPM

Line report(s): on base: None

Functional manager: -

Functional report(s):  

DESCRIPTION OF THE POSITION

General objective:

A FSLA officer is responsible for implementing and managing agriculture, livelihood and economic development programs aimed at enhancing the income-generating capabilities and overall quality of life of targeted communities. This role involves working closely with community members, farmers, cooperatives, local stakeholders, and partner organizations to design, implement, and monitor livelihood projects and initiatives.

The main challenges:

-              New geographical areas of intervention in Lebanon

-              New value chains

-              Quick adaptation to the workload and environment

Priorities for the 2/3 first months:

-              Conduct field assessments with data collection and baseline for beneficiary selection

-              Train farmers involved in farming field schools and field visits.

Responsibilities and main activities:

Goal / Purpose:

• The Food Security Livelihood and agriculture Officer will be based in Bekaa (Zahle office) as a member of the FSLA department. The FSLA officer Will play a key role in implementing various FSLA programs and he will be specifically supporting the small-scale farmers and cooperatives members in the olives and vegetable production, in increasing their production’s quality and farming systems sustainability by adopting greening measures to their value chains and good agricultural practices.

• Supporting our local partner in enhancing the production and marketing capabilities of vulnerable small-sized agricultural holdings, through training, input provisions, and the establishment of productive linkages

• S/he will particularly focus on supporting vulnerable farmers to develop their potential, in a value-chain and local business cluster approach.

Main tasks:       

Program Implementation:

• Actively lead the implementation of the food security livelihood and agriculture activities in a way that ensures coherence between field implementation, technical guidelines and commitments outlined in the project proposal.
• Design and implement an outreach plan targeting vulnerable farmers and cooperatives within the project's geographical areas through municipalities, partner, social media.
• Design and conduct various assessments within the sector, working on information systems/databases to record relevant data of families, farmers, and cooperatives. Report any information system issues and coordinate accordingly with the information management team.
• Help in designing and setting up criteria for selecting targeted communities, farmers, and cooperatives.
• Assist in the completion of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the consultant specializing in the olive value chain.
• Support and assist the consultant in conducting a comprehensive assessment of the olive and dairy value chain, including data analysis, identifying challenges and opportunities through direct observation and key informant interview.
• Establish Farmer Field Schools (FFS) in groups of 20 to 25. Schedule regular meetings for participants throughout the season to facilitate the exchange of knowledge, enhance their skills, and collaboratively address production challenges using sustainable agricultural practices.
• Conduct farmer field school sessions aimed at encouraging the adoption of good and environmentally friendly agricultural practices and enhancing their implementation.
• Support in developing training curriculum on specific topics in the olive value chain on (Sustainable olives cultivation, Olive oil extraction techniques and storage to maintain oil quality)
• Develop, organize, and contribute to the delivery of different training programs aimed at building the capacity of community members and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their livelihoods, improve economic models, and seamlessly integrate into the market.
• Design the agricultural tool kit for farmers and create the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) to support farmers and cooperative shift from excessive usage of chemical fertilizers and pesticides to more eco-friendly farming practices.
• Execute the distribution of agricultural inputs and tool kits to farmers.
• Provide recommendations and guidance for farmers to implement on their lands.
• Establish or support farmers' cooperatives to procure seeds and tools and ensure that agricultural products are sold within a predetermined price range.
• Facilitate market linkage for farmers in roundtable meetings.
• Help design and implement green interventions to empower agriculture through renewable energy innovations.
• Support and supervise the implementation of SI’s partners activities.
• Use management, monitoring and evaluation tools in the activities-assessment formats, follow up sheets, harvest report etc.
• Ensure regular monitoring and follow-up of the activities with the beneficiaries by regular field visits using monitoring tools.
• Pre-empt any difficulties linked to carrying out the activities and facilitate problem solving.
• Ensure good analysis of the local environment and understand needs so that activities are adapted accordingly.
• Ensure compliance with national and international norms and quality standards related to his/her activities.
• Monitoring, Evaluation and Documentation
• Work closely with the monitoring and evaluation department to facilitate monitoring and evaluation activities to ensure program implementation is on track and of the highest quality.
• Ensure that project files are maintained, archived and up to date, in the Solidarités International office, where they can be accessed by the line manager.
• Ensure that all reporting and referrals are done through the relevant online platforms.

Reporting / communication

• Pass on to the Line Manager any information on the security context, or any event that may have potential consequences on Solidarités International activities and team security.
• Participate in writing reports on the progress of activities for which s/he is responsible.
• Collect information for case studies, success stories & lesson learning reports.
• Fill out and update the activity sheet provided by the line manager if relevant.
• Notify the line manager in advance of any required procurement requests for upcoming activities.
• Communicate with other team members on activity results.
• Present to the population and local authorities the nature of the field operations and create awareness about the program activities.
• Write up handover and transition reports before the end of his/her employment contract, and pass these on to those parties concerned with the mission.

Any other task relevant to the position and as requested by FSLA deputy or program Manager.

ORG CHART POSITION (reporting and functional relationships)

Line manager: FSL DPM

Line Report(s) None

Functional Manager: -

Functional Report(s): -
 

PROFILE NEEDED

Studies : Agricultural engineer with expertise in animal production or olive and fruit trees.

 Experience in food security, livelihoods, and business development, especially with MSMEs, is considered advantageous.

Experience : A minimum of 2 years of professional work experience.

Previous involvement with an NGO or INGO is considered advantageous.

Previous engagement in livelihood, food security and agricultural projects, particularly in the provision of training to farmers (in specific vegetable, olive, and dairy products). FSL projects, MSMEs development, value chain study is seen as an advantage.

Language :

ARABIC LANGUAGE: Fluent

ENGLISH LANGUAGE: Fluent

FRENCH LANGUAGE: None (a plus)

IT :  Microsoft Office, ODK, KOBO.

Qualification :

1. Knowledge and technical skills:

•           Agronomist/agricultural engineer specialized in but not limited to vegetable, fruit trees and/or dairy product is essential.  Food security, livelihoods, business development and experience working with MSMEs is considered advantageous.

•           Strong communication skills, used to speak in front of an audience and able to work dynamically with adults, farmers and small business holders.

•           Excellent understanding of humanitarian principles, accountability, and do no harm.

•           Computer literacy with a basic command of MS Office.

2. Soft skills:

•           Excellent interpersonal, analytical, communication (verbal and written), cultural sensitivity, negotiation skills, and diplomacy.

•           Flexible (will have to take on responsibilities that might not be directly on his/her JD)

•           Mobility to visit different locations (day trips) in Mount Lebanon, Hasbaya, West Bekaa, Zahle, Upper Should and Southern Baalback areas regularly (weekly).

•           Adaptability to changing work environments and possible volatile security situations.

•           Stress management skills: the ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines, with peaks of heavy workloads.

•           Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.

•           Good interpersonal, analytical, communication, cultural sensitivity, negotiation skills, and diplomacy

SI WILL OFFER YOU

A salaried post : 1325 USD as basic salary

Vacation : 1.75 paid leave per month

Social and medical cover
 

We actively encourage women to seize opportunities, break barriers, and excel in their careers. Join our team, where your skills, ideas, and contributions will be valued and nurtured, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment.

Deadline for submitting applications: 17/03/2024

Does this description fit you?

Please send us your CV and Cover letter in English. CV only will not be considered. 

Applications should be sent by email to zahle.job@solidarites-liban.org with the keyword "FSLA OFFICER - your name" included in the subject.

NB:  The vacancy may close before the deadline. Thank you for your comprehension 

For further information about Solidarités International, please consult our website:  http://www.solidarites.org/en/