Agriculture Engineer/Coordinator

1. Project Background

The project aims to improve food security among vulnerable populations in Akkar and Bekaa by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and providing targeted nutritional and livelihood support. The intervention will strengthen the capacity of 150 small-scale farmers through the provision of agricultural inputs, technical training, greenhouses, complete irrigation systems, and solar-powered pumping solutions. By addressing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability, the project contributes to strengthening local food production systems and supporting the Lebanese economy through resilient and sustainable agriculture.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Agriculture Engineer will play a central role in planning, implementing, monitoring, and supporting agricultural interventions under the project. The position will provide hands-on technical guidance, mentoring, and coaching to targeted farmers, ensuring effective utilization of inputs and adoption of sustainable practices. The Agriculture Engineer will also represent the organization in relevant national and sub-national coordination platforms and maintain close collaboration with government institutions and stakeholders.

3. Key Responsibilities

A. Coordination and Beneficiary Identification

• Maintain close coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), FAO, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Support the identification and selection of smallholder farmers through the MoA farmers registry.
• Conduct Vulnerability and Capacity Assessments (VCA) to identify eligible and vulnerable households according to the selection criteria.
• Coordinate with municipalities, community leaders, and local partners to validate beneficiary selection.
• Ensure transparent, accurate, and well-documented beneficiary targeting processes.

B. Agricultural Implementation and Inputs Distribution

• Coordinate directly with farmers to assess needs and identify appropriate agricultural inputs.
• Provide technical recommendations to refine farmers’ requirements in line with project objectives.
• Support procurement processes by providing technical specifications and input validation.
• Ensure proper delivery, distribution, and utilization of agricultural inputs.
• Provide ongoing technical mentoring, coaching, and follow-up support to farmers.
• Maintain detailed documentation of all distribution and follow-up activities in compliance with project standards.

C. Training and Capacity Building

• Deliver regular mentoring and coaching sessions to selected farmers.
• Coordinate with MoA focal points on the planning and delivery of farmer trainings.
• Facilitate and support technical training sessions in collaboration with MoA and other partners.
• Assess farmers’ existing knowledge and tailor training approaches accordingly.
• Conduct pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge acquisition and impact.
• Follow up with farmers to ensure practical application of acquired skills and knowledge.

D. Monitoring, Coaching, and Technical Support

• Conduct regular field monitoring and coaching visits across Akkar and Bekaa.
• Identify technical challenges and propose practical, context-appropriate solutions.
• Collect accurate and timely agricultural and technical data during field visits.
• Provide technical advice on soil conservation and sustainable land management practices.
• Advise farmers on water conservation, irrigation planning, drainage systems, and efficient water use.
• Recommend practices to reduce crop losses during harvesting, handling, sorting, packing, and processing.
• Contribute to the identification of emerging needs and new intervention areas and support agricultural assessments and diagnostics.

E. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare weekly and monthly technical reports outlining progress, achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations.
• Contribute to project visibility and communication by documenting success stories, best practices, and technical insights.
• Ensure timely submission of all reports in accordance with project and donor requirements.

F. Coordination and Representation

• Maintain regular coordination with community leaders, municipalities, and agricultural stakeholders.
• Participate in internal coordination meetings and external forums as required.
• Represent the organization professionally during field activities and community engagements.

4. Qualifications and Competencies

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering or a closely related field.

Experience

• Minimum of 3–4 years of relevant experience in agricultural or rural development projects, preferably with NGOs or community-based programs.

Technical Expertise

• Strong practical experience in olive cultivation, fertilization, irrigation systems, and orchard management.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong communication and facilitation skills in Arabic and English, with proven ability to train and support farmers.
• Excellent organizational, monitoring, and reporting skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with communities and local institutions.

Other Requirements

• The position will be based in Beirut
• Willingness and ability to travel extensively within Akkar and Bekaa.

Islamic Relief considers the welfare and protection of children, young people and people at risk to be paramount to the organization. With a zero tolerance approach Islamic Relief have is committed to safeguarding people within our programs and projects from Exploitation and Abuse which also describe standards in behavior expected from the organization, its staff and representatives towards each other and those we serve. Any candidate offered a job with Islamic relief will be expected to sign Islamic Relief Safeguarding Policies and code of conduct alongside to their contract of employment

This job description may change based on the situation in the field. All staff are expected to show high level of flexibility in order to respond to the ever-evolving situation. Furthermore, he/she can be required to perform other related duties as identified by his/her supervisors.