Technical Coordinator (Farmers Value Chains)

 Organizational Setting
 
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) contributes to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda through the FAO Strategic Framework by supporting the transformation to MORE efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable agrifood systems, for better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and a better life, leaving no one behind.

FAO's office in Lebanon is responsible for developing, promoting, overseeing and implementing agreed strategies for addressing countrywide food, agriculture and rural development priorities under Lebanon. It develops and maintains relations with the relevant Ministries at country level. This position is based in FAO Representation in Beirut, Lebanon. The main aim of the FAO country offices, which are headed by an FAO Representative, is to assist governments to develop policies, programmes and projects to achieve food security and to reduce hunger and malnutrition, to help develop the agricultural, fisheries and forestry sectors and to use their environmental and natural resources in a sustainable manner.

Reporting Lines

Under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lebanon, the direct supervision of the Programme Manager and the AFAOR Program, working closely with the Technical Specialists in the assigned disciplines, and in collaboration with FAO staff and partners, the Technical Coordinator Farmers Value Chains will ensure the successful implementation and coordination of FAO’s value chain-related projects in Lebanon. 

Technical Focus

The Technical Coordinator Farmers Value Chains will support the effective implementation of the projects by providing technical expertise and coordination support. S/he ensures collaboration and engagement throughout project delivery, consults with key project stakeholders, government, and donors, and will be responsible for mainstreaming value related outputs and activities within the overall program portfolio. 

Tasks and Responsibilities

•    Provide technical expertise in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of farmers’ value chain projects.
•    Assist in the development of project proposals, work plans, and budgets related to value chain development.
•    Conduct value chain analyses and assessments to identify bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.
•    Act as the main point of contact on value chains between FAO and national stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, farmers’ organizations, and the private sector.
•    Facilitate communication and coordination among project partners and stakeholders involved in value chain development.
•    Organize and participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to value chain projects.
•    Identify training needs and organize capacity-development activities for project staff, farmers, and other stakeholders.
•    Develop training materials and conduct capacity development sessions on aspects related of value chain development.
•    Understand the dynamics of market linkages between farmers and buyers, including wholesalers, retailers and processors. 
•    Support, where needed, the development of market information systems to provide farmers with timely and relevant market data.
•    Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from value chain projects.
•    Contribute to the development of knowledge products, such as case studies, policy briefs, and technical reports.
•    Perform other related duties and activities as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•    Advanced university degree in agriculture, agribusiness, rural development, or a related field
•    At least 8 years of working experience in value chain analysis, financial product development, developing farmers' economic initiatives, and collective action
•    Working knowledge of English and Arabic
•    National of Lebanon 

FAO Core Competencies

•    Results Focus
•    Teamwork
•    Communication
•    Building Effective Relationships
•    Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Technical/Functional Skills 

•    Work experience in more than one location or area of work;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in project management and familiarity with the development of results frameworks project work plans and budget;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in agriculture development projects and similar projects;
•    Extent and relevance of experience with FAO and other UN agencies;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in collaborating with international and national experts and ability to work in a team and establish effective working relations with persons of different national and cultural backgrounds;
•    Ability to develop and maintain effective work relationships with counterparts including host population, donors, NGOs and other UN agencies; 
•    Extent and relevance of experience working with the Government agencies at the national level and regional level;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in working with a diverse group of stakeholders and develop consensus and joint working;
•    Extent and relevance of experience in facilitation and communication including high-level coordination and chairing of meetings; 
•    Good analytical skills; 
•    Good reporting skills;
•    Good team building and leadership skills;
•    Good organizational skills and ability to establish priorities and to plan, coordinate and monitor own work plan and those under his/her supervision;
•    Understanding of the international humanitarian response architecture, including coordination mechanisms, humanitarian reform and action, and funding mechanisms;
•    Ability to undertake internal and external travels as may be required by FAO and project activities;
•    Experience in Social Sciences / Protection, and/or Environmental Sciences is an asset;
•    Resourcefulness; initiative, maturity of judgement, tact, and strong negotiating skills;
•    Ability to communicate clearly both orally and in writing.

Selection Criteria

•    Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
•    Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Word and Excel is essential. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION