Agricultural (Agroecology) Consultant

Job Summary:

The Agricultural Consultant will work under a project that aims at contributing to improved access to nutritious, local, and diverse diets among crisis-affected people in Beirut (locals, refugees, internally displaced persons, migrants, children).

To achieve this objective, the project has two main expected results: (1) The capacities of Nation Station – a grassroots initiative operating a Community Kitchen in Beirut - are strengthened so that their services meet the needs of vulnerable groups and low-income consumers; and (2) Vulnerable smallholder farmers are trained on agroecological farming practices and supported to access fair markets.

Within the project framework, the Agricultural Consultant will work for a total of 35 days over a period of 11 months (starting in June 2024), and mainly: support the selection of farmers to benefit from the project activities, support the establishment of agroecological demonstration plots, provide awareness sessions on agroecology to farmers, and support technically targeted farmers.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Support in the selection of 30 farmers in Bekaa and Chouf regions – support setting of selection criteria, scoring matrix, development of assessment tools, and conduct field visits to confirm selection.
• Supporting the selection of 5 among the 30 farmers for the establishment of agroecological demonstration plots in their lands.
• Provide technical support to 30 selected farmers, including those participating in Souk el Mawsam – a local farmers’ market in Geitawi, part of Nation Station, focusing on agroecological practices including but not limited to soil preparation, crop rotation, pest management, and the use of organic fertilizers.
• Lead on the establishment and management of 5 agroecological demonstration plots, each approximately 1000 m², following Mada’s standard methodology and approaches.
• Conduct awareness sessions at the plots on the benefits and practices of agroecology to farmers in the regions.
• Work closely with Mada's Project Manager, Agricultural Engineer and other team members to ensure alignment with project methodology and objectives.
• Prepare and submit regular progress reports, including detailed documentation of activities, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Participate in project meetings, when required, and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making processes.
• Work independently, visit frequently farms in Bekaa and Chouf, and make necessary visits to Souk el Mawsam (Farmers Market) in Beirut to support farmers and ensure successful market linkages.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent years of experience.
• At least 5 years of experience in agroecology, or related fields.
• Strong knowledge of agroecological practices and their implementation.
• Proven experience in conducting training and awareness sessions for farmers.
• Experience in the area of Chouf and Bekaa is preferred.
• Ability to work independently and visit frequently the project’s sites in Bekaa, Chouf, and Beirut.
• Excellent organizational, coordination, and time-management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fluent in Arabic and English.