Food Waste Management Consultant

The Hariri Foundation for Sustainable Human Development is a Lebanese non-governmental organization incepted in 1979. Member of ECOSOC with special status, it aims to achieve sustainable human development at the regional, national and local levels through investing in the human capital. Through its diverse set of programs, the organization localizes, delivers and mainstreams advanced educational, participatory and developmental models aiming to transform education, promote active citizenship, and build urban resilience.

The Sustainability and Climate Action Program at the Hariri Foundation is dedicated to driving sustainable transitions through environmental thinking, action, and nudging, with focus areas including i) environmental governance, ii) climate action, and iii) economy/lifestyle behaviors. The program features a designated, green Outreach and Leadership Academy (OLA), specialized in environmental planning, education, and urban experimentations.

Background

The consultancy aims to address two critical activities within the framework of SwitchMed II implementation in Lebanon. The first key activity is paving the way for a National Dialogue on Food Waste Management, focusing on sustainable practices in Lebanon’s coastal tourism sector, particularly within the Ho.Re.Ca. (Hotels, Restaurants, and Cafes) sector. This intersects with mainstreaming circularity practices within the national Blue Economy framework of Lebanon in the coastal tourism sector.

The second activity involves developing an Initial Assessment of the Outreach and Leadership Academy (OLA) Green Business Ecolabel for the food and beverage sectors according to the local Circular Action Plan for Saida. This label aims to integrate contextualized practices of circularity and sustainability in local business operations within the F&B sector. The focus will be on assessing current sectoral voluntary sustainability standards practices, nationwide practices, and their vertical diffusion, clearly identifying good practice models, including criteria, label management, and the label business case for its sustainability, as well as a clear framework to avoid greenwashing.

The consultancy will provide foundational work that informs national strategies and policies.

Objectives

1. National Dialogue on Food Waste Management:
   • To set the foundation for a national dialogue by assessing the current food waste situation.
   • To compile existing efforts and use the findings as a reference for future dialogues.
   • To engage key stakeholders in developing practical and sustainable food waste management strategies.
2. Initial Assessment of OLA Green Business Ecolabel:
   • To conduct an initial assessment for a proposed eco-label for green businesses.
   • Developing a multi-level action plan for food waste management in the food and beverage sector by incorporating prevention strategies and lifestyle behavior tools, and assessing the feasibility of establishing an ecolabel for plastic and food waste prevention.

Scope of Work

The consultant will be responsible for the following activities:

Activity 1: Introducing National Dialogue on Food Waste Management

1. Framing the Methodology:

• Develop a comprehensive methodology focused on circularity and Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP) perspectives. This should include a robust approach for national dialogue on waste, engagement modalities, tools and methods for data collection, and necessary aspects. This methodology will serve as a framework for future food waste management dialogue, providing a clear perspective on related aspects.

1. Current Situation Assessment

• Conduct desk research and data analysis to map key stakeholders, policies, regulations, and initiatives related to food waste in Lebanon’s Ho.Re.Ca sector.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Organize and facilitate two technical workshops, along with a series of field observations, key informant interviews, and surveys, to gather insights and identify knowledge on current practices and sector benchmarks.

1. Policy Brief Drafting

• Prepare a policy brief addressing food waste, focusing on multi-level action, localized approaches, and sustainability in Lebanon’s Ho.Re.Ca sector. Emphasize policy notes for both the private sector and public policy.

Activity 2: Initial Assessment of OLA Green Business Ecolabel

Initial Assessment Drafting:

• Conduct an initial assessment for the proposed green business label, focusing on the F&B sector within the coastal tourism sector in Saida's local BE action plan.
• List criteria for circularity and benchmarking practices for businesses.
• Showcase previous label practices in the sector, capturing scientific knowledge on lessons learned and management plans for sustaining the label.
• Draft a roadmap with partnerships and a resource mobilization sheet for the financial sustainability of the label and its diffusion into the sector landscape.
• Highlight the value chain of creating circularity and sustainability in the sector, presenting at least three good practice models.
• Identify the connection with local businesses and environmental stewardship, exploring ways to level the playing field and promote widespread label adoption with a focus on the business case.

Deliverables and Timeline

The consultancy is expected to last for one month, from June 1 to June 30, 2024. The deliverables are:

• Activity 6: National Dialogue on Food Waste Management
  • Draft methodology report on National Dialogue on Food Waste: 30th June 2024
  • Draft policy brief to tackle food waste: 30th June 2024
• Activity 7: Initial Assessment of OLA Green Business Ecolabel
  • Draft initial assessment: 30th June 2024

Reporting and Coordination

The consultant will report to the Sustainability and Climate Action Program Specialist and Research and Development Manager at Hariri Foundation and work closely with the Sustainability and Climate Action program team. Regular updates and coordination meetings will be scheduled to ensure alignment and progress.

Qualifications

• A professional in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Public Health, Food Science, or Agribusiness with a focus on food systems or related fields, possessing qualifications to support project activities.
• Previous experience in food waste management and sustainability in the Ho.Re.Ca. businesses, with a practical focus on the Food and Beverage sectors.
• Extensive knowledge of eco-labelling implementation and compliance.
• A proven record of scientific publications and research work.
• At least 10 years of experience in the field or a closely related field.
• Proven ability to work collaboratively in a team and a cross-functional environment.