Project Officer - Business Development

Job Summary

The Project Officer will work under the RDPP-funded project “SAFE: Sustainable Agri-Food Economy for refugee and local communities in vulnerable governorates of Lebanon”, funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Danish MoFA) and implemented in partnership with Fondazione We World – GVC Onlus (WW-GVC) and the Lebanese Observatory for Workers & Employees Rights Organization (LWRO). The project’s objective is to ensure vulnerable refugee and local communities in the Akkar, North Lebanon, Baalbek-Hermel and Bekaa governorates access rights, and enjoy increased safety and enhanced self-reliance through sustainable livelihoods solutions in the agri-food sector.

Within the framework of the ‘SAFE’ Project, the Project Officer will contribute to the planning and implementation of Mada’s project’s activities on the field (Akkar and North Lebanon), closely working with the project team, partner organizations and local stakeholders, and ensuring accountability to Mada Association’s policies and donor rules and regulations. Moreover, the Project Officer will support the Project Manager with the management of the project in terms of planning, reporting, data collection and analyses, coordination and organization.

The main, topline activities which the Project Officer will support with include:

• Support in the development of the Local Development Plan for one municipality by an external expert to inform programming.
• Assessment, selection and support (financial and/or technical) to agri-food businesses, cooperatives, producer groups, farmers, vulnerable households and CBOS/CSOs.
• Technical support to vulnerable youth followed by internship opportunities within the businesses and producer’s organizations supported by the project.

Responsibilities and Tasks:

Project Execution and Coordination

• Support the Project Manager and the project team in planning and implementing the project activities with focus on quality, ensuring that activities proceed in accordance with the project document and logical framework;
• Conduct regular field visits and provide support as needed;
• Ensure that activities comply with agreed objectives, policies and established SOPs and guidelines;
• Monitor, evaluate and suggest changes and improvements based on observations and discussions with beneficiaries, partners and the Project Manager;
• Promptly report to the Project Manager any challenge hindering the implementation of the activities.
• Support the Project Manager and MEAL Manager in relevant MEAL activities required at field and office level; Support with data collection, market analyses and value chain mapping.
• Participate in internal and external coordination meetings for the purpose of the project, as needed.
• Represent Mada with relevant stakeholders including farmers, cooperatives, businesses, among others.

Reporting and Communication

• Ensure regular and accurate reporting on a weekly/monthly basis to the Project Manager and contribute to the ad hoc reports to meet partner and donor requirements.
• Ensure that data and documentation of all activities are properly collected and archived.

• Facilitate and support the collection and preparation of communication and visual material in line with the visibility guidelines of the organization and the donors.

Other tasks: Any other tasks assigned by the Project Manager and relevant to the position and competencies of the Project Officer.

Qualifications:

Work Experience:

• 2-3-year experience in a similar position; preferably in NGOs or equivalent;
• Previous experience in the Agri-Food sector, livelihoods, business development (technical and financial) for cooperatives, producers’ organizations and SMEs in the Agri-Food sector or relevant fields;
• Previous experience in working closely with local communities, with focus on farming communities, and/or SMEs in rural areas;
• Previous field experience in Akkar and North Governorates will be taken into consideration during selection.

Skills and Abilities:

• Full adherence to Mada’s mission and vision, as well as Ethics code.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic, both written and oral, with strong communication skills;
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail;
• Strong problem-solving and conflict mediation skills;
• Cultural, gender, religion, and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• Professional competency in Microsoft Office package, especially Word and Excel.
• Proactive, flexible and dynamic.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor degree or equivalent in the field of Business Development is preferred, but relevant disciplines also include: Development Studies, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Project Management, or similar;
• Valid driving license is compulsory.

Assignment Location and Duration:

• Staff will be based in Tripoli with frequent travel to the field – across Akkar and North Lebanon
• Assignment duration is for 12 months, to be renewed depending on funding availability and satisfactory performance