Agricultural Engineer

To support the implementation of the Project “Promoting the local economy in North East Bekaa” the John Paul II Foundation is recruiting an agricultural engineer to:

• Implement technical training to improve farmers and cooperative management skills on best farming practices on Aromed, fruit and vegetables;
• Provide continuous technical assistance to producers and cooperatives to improve production (both, qualitative and quantitative), post-harvesting and processing, with a particular focus but not limited to the Aromed sector
• Support activities to improve the business skills of producers and cooperatives as per project design;
• Support activities to promote products and improve marketing access for Aromed as per project design;
• Promote capacity building and technical skills to competent authorities as designed in the project.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Contribute to the baseline implementation concerning the socio-economic status of beneficiaries and stakeholders at the start of the project;

2. Prepare and conduct training for product qualitative development, paying special attention but not exclusivity on Aromed; contribute to the elaboration of the Quality Management System for production, postharvest and processing, with focus on Aromed;

3. Establishment and follow-up of Aromed demo plot;

4. Guide beneficiaries in the introduction of Aromed crops and provide continuous technical assistance and field extension to producers for the adoption of best practices and Quality Certification;

5. Networking producers and local institutions involved in the application of the Quality Management System (QMS);

6. Prepare and conduct workshops, focus groups and awareness-raising to promote strengthening and/or creation of producer’s organization in the target location;

7. Support cooperatives or informal group of producers in the identification of feasibility studies and business plan development for postharvest and processing with particular focus on Aromed and in the implementation phase;

8. Provide monitoring and follow up to the post-harvest and processing plants established, with focus on Aromed;

9. Contribute to the market analysis for Aromed, to be carried out by consultants with the aim of seizing business opportunities at national and international level;

10. Contribute to the development and implementation of a communication and marketing strategy with particular focus on Aromed.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Agricultural Engineer (preferably Master in Plant Production with knowledge on Aromed) with minimum 3 years of working experience in agriculture. Field work experience is required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English language
• Good attitude and experience in working with farmers, partners and allies
• Excellent communication skills in building relationships with local and international contacts
• Well-developed interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible and sensitive in demanding situations; passion for working with others
• Good understanding of, and commitment to gender equity
• Innovative and creative approach to problem solving
• Driving license (mandatory)
• Commitment to the aims and objectives of John Paul II Foundation

 Desirable

• Experience in the cooperative sector and other forms of producers’ organization
• Knowledge of local market dynamics and experience in marketing
• Availability of personal vehicle to conduct field visits

SELECTION CRITERIA

CVs will be pre-selected according to their coherence with the required profile. Selected candidates will be called for interviews and selection tests.

Interviews will take place in JPII Foundation HQ, Rue Gouraud, 191 Gemmayzeh, Beirut or in the field office, in Nabi Osmane- Beqaa (Baalbek Hermel) or on-line, if not possible due to COVID19 pandemic.

We thank all those who will send their application, but we inform that only candidates pre-selected for an interview will be contacted