Livelihoods – Food Processing Specialist

Roles and responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise and support on dairy production and processing within the project planning, value chain analysis of dairy in Akkar and implementation of activities
• Support the Livelihood Program Manager and 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;
• Food Processing Specialist 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 professional experience in the dairy sector, including dairy production and processing, is required.
• Experience in other type of food processing (tomato, peaches, orange etc.) will be an asset.  
• Minimum 5 years of practical experience in agro-food processing, dairy projects.
• 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.
• A candidate with ISO certification and/or equivalent additional certificate will be given preference.
• Minimum 3 years of experience in implementing dairy food processing 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.