Agriculture Engineer- Lebanon

Background to LUPD:

LUPD is a national non-governmental organization. LUPD is committed to advocating for a society built on principles of social justice, human rights, equality, and solidarity. LUPD work is based on the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Respect for difference, dignity and autonomy, and respect for person’s capacities / Accessibility / Non-discrimination / Participation and inclusion / Equal opportunities for women, men and everybody.

LUPD was keen on gender in its training programs, outreach, rehabilitation, employment and follow-up projects that we have carried out for the past three decades. The percentage of females exceeds males by a slight difference in total (54% females, 46% males), even though Females with disabilities are more likely to be marginalized by the family, the local environment and society, which required greater efforts by the implementing program teams, in addition to mitigating violence against WGwDs.

The multiple crises in Lebanon have aggravated pre-existing vulnerabilities and a challenging humanitarian situation for the most vulnerable Lebanese, as well as for different refugees in Lebanon, and for migrant workers. Consequently, they disproportionately affect people with disabilities. LUPD’s programs have responded, providing emergency relief and rehabilitation for refugees, promoting inclusive, accessible schools and access to employment, engaging people with disabilities in local decision making and monitoring progress on disability rights across the country.

In partnership with CBM, and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), LUPD launched the project “Enhancing food security and strengthening socio-economic resilience in crisis on community-level in Bekaa Valley, Mount Lebanon and South Lebanon”.  

The project aims to support vulnerable people with and without disabilities to be more resilient in times of crisis by strengthening their livelihood and food security and promoting social cohesion at the community level, by providing them with suitable vocational training ending with job opportunities or cash for work alternatives via smooth coordination with local stakeholders and jobseekers same as supported cooperatives and initiatives benefitting from the trainings , coaching and mentoring of the program specially the direct assistance from the recruited engineering firms/individuals.

Job Overview and objectives:

The LUPD, within this project, is fully dedicated to promoting sustainable agriculture and improving the livelihoods of farmers as part of the sustainable and environment aspect of the project. In line with this mission, LUPD is seeking a qualified facilitator and trainer to conduct a training program for farmers focused on enhancing cultivation and harvesting methods, as well as exploring diversification opportunities.

The training is intended for the local farmers (small to medium scope of their work) who already have a basic understanding of farming practices.

Among the primary objectives of the training program are:

1. Introduce farmers to innovative and sustainable cultivation and harvesting methods.
2. Enhance farmers' knowledge and skills in adopting best practices for improved crop yield and quality.
3. Explore diversification options to increase farm income and resilience.
4. - Include modules on soil fertility, maintenance of healthy crops and livestock in addition to new organic farming and harvesting practices that ensure successful marketing strategies.
5. – Link the farmers and cooperatives to the lunched access kitchens support chain ( to provide raw materials and needed services).

Roles and Responsibilities:

Throughout this project, the agriculture engineer will have various responsibilities to ensure intervention efficiency. These include:

• Coordinating with the agro-food sector to open collaboration opportunities with farmers.
• Identifying, assessing, and selecting target farmers and cooperatives.
• Having a need assessment in line with project outcomes and roles expected from these entities .
• Finalize training materials to meet the needs reflected by farmers and entities to be targeted for their best.
• Providing training on sustainable cultivation practices such as soil health management and pest control. The training will also cover efficient harvesting techniques to maximize yield and minimize post-harvest losses, crop diversification strategies for improved resilience and income generation, and hands-on practical sessions and demonstrations on the implementation of learned techniques.
• Additionally, the engineer will follow up with and mentor farmers who receive restricted assistance to ensure its effective use in supporting their work. Lastly, the engineer will support the linking of farmers with the community kitchens.

Skills, Competencies and Qualifications:

• Demonstrated expertise in sustainable agriculture, cultivation, and harvesting methods.
• Experience in managing and implementing similarity projects in targeted areas and Proven knowledge in delivering training programs for farmers.
• Knowledge of crop diversification strategies and their practical application.
• d. Strong communication and facilitation skills.
• Respect for PSEA Policy.