Agriculture Extension Officer-Livelihood

Who are we:
Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental international humanitarian organisation, and was founded in 1968. Concern Worldwide currently operates in a number of countries across the globe, with its Head Office in Dublin. We work with the poor and vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries to help them bring about long-lasting change in their lives and realise their fundamental human rights; to food, to health, to education, and ultimately to a life of dignity. Together with local and international partners, and with the beneficiaries themselves, we respond to emergencies and undertake long term development work. We work across the world to promote a better understanding of extreme poverty, and we campaign for local and global action that will help reduce this.
Job Summary:
The main purpose of the position is, under the guidance of the Livelihoods Programme Manager, to implement key elements of Concern’s Livelihoods activities in Akkar Governorate. The livelihoods programme aims to strengthen the resilience of refugees and host communities impacted by the Syria Crisis.
The role will primarily focus on, but not be limited to improving sustainable farming practices with overall purpose of creating employment opportunities for refugees.
These include:
•The provision of training to farmers and their employees in good agricultural farming practices including improved crop husbandry and new climate smart agriculture approaches.
•The provision of training to farmers and their employees on addressing environmental issues through efficient resource adoption.
•The provision of training on water efficient irrigation systems.
•The provision of training on soil and water conservation practices.
•The provision of training on integrated pest management approaches.
•The provision of training on improved post-harvest management approaches.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1.General:
a)Work towards the successful implementation of the Livelihoods programme. Understand the objectives and elements of the programme including logframe timelines and budget allocations.
b)Contribute to the planning and scheduling of programme activities.
c)Comply with all Concern administrative procedures in relation to project management procurement and contract administration.
d)Prepare or assist in the preparation and maintenance of all necessary reports and databases including collection of monitoring & evaluation (M&E) data, donor reports, monthly activity reports and projections.
e)Liaise, support, and coordinate as necessary with other Concern departments, donor representatives, municipal and ministerial authorities, landowners and beneficiaries on site to ensure more effective livelihoods programming.
2.Specific responsibilities for project implementation:
a)Work closely with the main stakeholders, the Lebanon Agriculture Research Institute (LARI) and the Ministry of Agriculture to implement activities with the beneficiaries.
b)Deliver and/or supervise the training of farmers and their employees in collaboration with LARI.
c)Prepare detailed work plans including training schedules
d)Plan, organise and manage the distribution of inputs to the farmers as required.
e)As required carry out or supervise practical field activities such as soil testing, irrigation system installation and improved farming practices.
f)Work closely with the other members of the livelihoods team to achieve the objectives.
g)Ensure project activities are progressing on time, to a high quality and on budget.
h)Facilitate positive relationships between the farmers and their employees, especially Syrian refugees.
i)Ensure that employees are fully aware of their rights are these are upheld by their employers.
j)Coordinate with the protection and WASH teams as necessary to support the beneficiaries.
k)Carry out monitoring and evaluation activities and assessments with the beneficiaries as required.
l)Represent Concern at technical and programmatic meetings and working groups as requested by management.
m)Fulfil other tasks as requested by the Livelihoods manager.
Skills, Qualifications, Experience and Attitude Required:
•Degree in Agricultural Engineer or related technical qualifications with relevant experience
•Minimum of 2 years’ experience in agriculture, livelihoods or community development projects preferably with an NGO or UN agency.
•Previous experience with training farmers and agriculture extension methodologies.
•Good awareness of climate smart agriculture approaches.
•Leadership and supervisory skills and ability to foster team spirit.
•Strong organizational skills and able to coordinate and manage a diverse array of activities and stakeholders.
•Willingness to live in the Northern governorates of Lebanon.
•Report writing skills and computer skills in word processing and spreadsheets.
•Experience in conducting surveys, managing and analysing data and statistics.
•Very good knowledge of English both written and oral.
•Commitment to complete tasks as per deadlines and travel to field sites when required.
•Commitment to ensuring the protection of refugees.
•Strong sense of security management and willingness to follow security guidelines and regulations.
•Commitment to humanitarian principles and values.
•Commitment to Concern equal opportunity and gender practices.