Environment and Climate Change Expert (National Contract)

Description: 

WeWorld (WW), constituted from the merger of two NGOs in 2018, is an Italian secular and independent organization working since 1971 in international cooperation and humanitarian aid. Present in over 20 countries, it operates in the following areas of assistance: human rights, humanitarian aid, food security and livelihoods, access to water, health and hygiene, education and global citizenship education.

WW has been working in Lebanon since 2006, with interventions aimed at increasing the populations’ resilience, enhancing the communities’ capacity to find, within its fabric, the skills and resources necessary to grow self-sufficiently. WW is supporting vulnerable populations in Baalbek-Hermel and Akkar through: (1) Livelihoods and Local Economic Development Program aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of agricultural production along specific value chains, to increase regional competitiveness in domestic and international markets and generating income and job opportunities in the agri-food sector and sectors serving it. The Local Economic Development program also strengthens the capacity of public institutions to enhance livelihood opportunities, socio-economic conditions, and social cohesion through participatory planning. (2) The Water Governance Program aimed at effective and sustainable use of water resources (potable water and irrigation interventions) and water governance via a three-tiered approach: infrastructural upgrade, capacity building to the local institutions/authorities and community engagement targeting users and local authorities. (3) Multi-Sectoral Emergency Response Program, since 2011, which provides multi-sectoral assistance (WASH, Livelihoods, Shelter, Food Security, Social Stability, Education ) to refugees in informal settlements and to host communities, along with support to local institutions to strengthen public services delivery and mitigate tensions. A HDP Nexus approach is applied throughout programming to ensure consistency and effectiveness, bridging gaps between humanitarian and development.

Duty Station: Ain Office Bekaa,

Job Title: Environment and Climate Change Expert

Reporting to: Program Manager

Duration: 5 months with a possible extension

SCOPE OF THE POSITION

The Expert will be a strategic resource in the WW Lebanon Mission, supporting the implementation of the ARED (Local Economic Development) and the SAFE’s projects. The expert will provide technical support in assessing the water efficiency - productivity and environmental impact of current agricultural practices in the project target area; identifying, test and disseminate best practices for improving water productivity, water conservation, soil regeneration and adaptation to Climate Change (CC); developing strategic recommendations for interventions aimed at improving sustainable agricultural productivity and climate-change adaptation

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the PMs and the HoP by providing technical guidance/recommendations and support the development, implementation and mainstreaming of CC Adaptation across all WW areas of intervention including crops, livestock, aquaculture, forestry and irrigation. 
2. Conduct capacity needs assessment and develop a capacity development strategy to address knowledge and technical gaps for the adoption of climate-smart initiatives within the ongoing programming
3. Organize participatory training workshops and on-site assistance to facilitate farmers learning to scale up the adoption of CC mitigating practices and water resource efficient management
4. Facilitate the procurement process and installation of systems to improve  Climate Smart Agriculture and agricultural water resource management;
5. Enhance diversification by promoting crop-specific production and market strategies for use by all relevant value chain actors on climate-resilient production and market access
6. Promote agricultural value chains and link farmers to markets
7. Support resource mobilisation efforts by contributing to concept note and full proposal drafting and in collaboration with the MEAL department providing relevant assessments and evidence-based field data in the area of responsibility
8. Organize and moderate, when required, meetings with main stakeholders
9. Assist in the production of communication material and contribute to the design of dissemination strategies.
10. Prepare or contribute to interim and final project reporting by providing narrative, field data and lessons gathered from the fields during project implementation
11. Collaborate and coordinate with other WW departments, including MEAL, finance and logistics.
12. Other assigned tasks, as necessary to the projects and WW activities.

Professional competencies

1. Professionalism: Ability to analyse the context situation identify threats and opportunities propose practical solutions and alternatives. Develops clear goals that are realistic and consistent with agreed strategies; identifies priority activities and assignments, plans own work and manages conflicting priorities. Incorporate a strong gender perspective and ensure the equal participation of women and youth in all areas of work.
2. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; makes effective a two- way communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people updated.
3. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve programs and organizational goals; shares credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings.
4. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and commitments; delivers outputs within the deadline; operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules.

QUALIFICATION AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• An Advanced degree in Agriculture, Climate Change, Environmental Sciences or other closely related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience (8 years of experience strongly preferred) with donor-funded humanitarian and development context in the field of agriculture and with deep understanding of climate smart agriculture and water conservation concepts and programming
• Demonstrated ability to work and coordinate effectively with a wide variety of stakeholders, including national and local government, donors, community-based organizations, and the private sector
• Experience in project management and reporting
• Creativity and willingness to adjust to changes and new requirements
• Ability to travel extensively within project areas as required
• Strong team spirit, together with the ability to work independently
• Excellent command of written and spoken English, Arabic is a must
• Good skills in Office tools, including formatting, layout and graphics
• A driving license.