Request for Proposal-Sustainable Agriculture Expert-CLST-IL-00032

ABOUT INJAZ LEBANON

INJAZ Lebanon is a non-profit organization, an affiliate of Junior Achievement (JA) Worldwide, with a mission to equip youth with the skills and mindset they need to become entrepreneurs and business leaders stimulating their communities. It is also a member of INJAZ Al-Arab, a regional network of 14 countries across the MENA region. INJAZ Lebanon delivers programs in partnership with the business sector focusing on entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy.

ABOUT CATALYST

CATALYST is a dynamic program designed to ignite positive change among North Lebanon's youth, catalyzing transformation with a specific focus on gender dynamics and sustainable community building. Catalyst is part of the PCL project that is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). PCL is implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in partnership with the Ministry of Social Affairs and in cooperation with INJAZ Lebanon and the municipalities of Al Minaa, Bourj El Yahudiyeh, Deir Ammar, Kfarhelda, Mishmish, and Tripoli.

Overview

INJAZ Lebanon is seeking an experienced Sustainable Agriculture Expert to provide one- on- one coaching sessions to semi-finalists of CATCH track teams. The teams have proposed project ideas in three main categories: soilless/aeroponics agriculture, composting, and water resources management. These coaching sessions are aimed at equipping the teams with the necessary technical knowledge and guidance to seamlessly design, prototype and implement their projects. Also, the expert should ensure that the teams are following the principles of sustainable agriculture and circular economy.

Objectives

• To provide personal coaching to each team, addressing their unique project needs and challenges related to soilless-aeroponics farming, composting and smart irrigation.
• To provide advice on the technical aspects of the projects, including guidance on designing, developing, and testing prototypes to ensure functionality, reliability and scalability.
• Guide teams in effectively managing their available resources, including materials, budget and time, to maximize the impact of their projects.

Scope of Work

The Sustainable Agriculture Expert will be responsible for delivering a comprehensive and tailored coaching experience for each participating team. Upon the selection of the teams, the expert will prepare a detailed outline for the coaching sessions, customized based on the specific needs and goals of each team as identified through a needs assessment conducted by INJAZ Lebanon. The service provider will manage the entire coaching process from planning and execution to ongoing monitoring, ensuring a cohesive and results-oriented approach. Each team will receive a total of 6 hours of one-on-one coaching, divided into three sessions. The expert will guide the teams in developing a clear prototype and deepening their understanding of the technicalities required for their sustainable agriculture projects. In addition to providing technical guidance, the expert will ensure that the coaching sessions are aligned with sustainability and circular economy principles, and that they are practical and actionable, equipping the teams with the necessary skills to successfully implement their projects within the given timeframe.

Role and Responsibility

• Develop a customized coaching plan for each team, addressing the unique technical aspects of their projects.
• Provide in-depth guidance during each session, ensuring that participants make significant progress towards developing a working prototype and gain a clear understanding of the technical requirements of their projects.
• Offer continuous feedback and support throughout the sessions, helping participants troubleshoot issues, refine their project designs, and align their work with sustainability and circular economy principles.
• Ensure that the coaching sessions result in actionable outcomes, with teams equipped to implement their projects effectively and sustainably.

Qualifications

• The applicant should have a diploma in Agricultural Engineering or Sustainable Agriculture
• The applicant should have at least 5-7 years of work experience in sustainable agriculture, soilless farming, composting, water resources management, with a proven track record of successfully implementing agricultural projects and providing technical coaching in this domain. If the applicant has a startup/business in this field, it would be considered as a plus.
• Demonstrated experience in coaching and mentoring teams or individuals, with the ability to tailor coaching strategies to meet specific needs of diverse groups
• The applicant should have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to motivate individuals.
• Ability to multi-task and work a flexible or alternative workweek schedule based on project needs.
• Availability to deliver the workshops starting mid-September till mid-October, 2024.

Submission Requirements

(CV)

• Include a comprehensive CV that highlights your educational background, work experience, and relevant achievements.

Portfolio:

• Past projectsRelevant Experience

Certifications:

• Attach copies of any recognized certifications in career services or related fields.

Financial Proposal:

• The financial proposal should include your hourly rate, inclusive of all costs.

Technical Proposal:

• Suggest a proposed outline and content that aligns with the objectives of the Sustainable Agriculture Training.