Technical Consultant – Greenhouse Construction & Agricultural Production

Technical Consultant – Greenhouse Construction & Agricultural Production

Position Title:

Technical Consultant – Greenhouse Construction & Production Oversight

Location:

Tyre, Lebanon

Duration:

2 months (20 Working days)

Reporting to:

Program Manager

Background – About INITIATE:

INITIATE is a Lebanese NGO working in both Lebanese and Palestinian communities. INITIATE seeks to enhance solidarity and social cohesion among different groups within Palestinian and Lebanese society, crosscutting divisions of age, class, ability, gender, race, social status, citizenship, place of residence, and access. Alongside this, INITIATE aims to increase the participation of civil society actors in social and political processes, with particular attention paid to women and youth.

As part of its commitment to sustainable development and food security, INITIATE is launching a greenhouse agriculture initiative in Tyre, Lebanon. The project focuses on boosting agricultural productivity, strengthening economic resilience, and building the capacity of local actors in protected agriculture.

Purpose of the Assignment:

To lead the technical planning, supervision, and implementation of greenhouse construction and production. This includes assisting in supplier selection, monitoring construction to ensure specifications are met, and providing training and technical support to staff and farmers for effective greenhouse-based agriculture.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement & Supplier Selection

• Contribute to the development and review of technical specifications for greenhouse structures and equipment.
• Participate in the evaluation and selection process for greenhouse contractors/suppliers.
• Provide technical input to ensure selected proposals meet project needs, standards, and environmental conditions.

Construction Supervision

• Monitor and inspect all stages of greenhouse construction and installation.
• Ensure compliance with technical requirements, safety standards, and project timelines.
• Identify and address any technical issues or deviations from the agreed specifications.

Training & Capacity Building

• Train greenhouse workers and local stakeholders on structural maintenance and safe use of greenhouse systems, crop production, irrigation, fertilization, and post-harvest practices.
• Prepare and deliver practical training materials adapted to the local context.

Technical Support & Monitoring

• Provide hands-on support during initial crop cycles and greenhouse operations.
• Monitor greenhouse functionality and agricultural performance.
• Troubleshoot challenges related to crop health, system failure, or environmental control.

Reporting & Coordination

• Draft regular technical reports and updates for the program manager.
• Liaise with suppliers, field teams, and other stakeholders to ensure coordination and implementation quality.
• Contribute to end-of-assignment technical reporting with recommendations for sustainability and scaling.

Expected Deliverables:

• Reviewed and finalized technical specifications document.
• Supplier/contractor technical evaluation report.
• Weekly construction supervision reports.
• Training curriculum and session summaries.
• Monthly technical progress reports.
• Final consultancy report with lessons learned and forward recommendations.

Qualifications & Competencies:

• Degree in Agricultural Engineering, Civil/Mechanical Engineering, Agronomy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in greenhouse agriculture and construction oversight.
• Demonstrated knowledge of greenhouse systems, protected cultivation, irrigation, and pest control.
• Experience in construction monitoring and working with contractors.
• Strong skills in training delivery and technical coaching for field workers.
• Strong communication in Arabic; working knowledge of English is preferred.
• Familiarity with working in marginalized or rural community settings is a plus.