Agriculture and Food Security Specialist – Lebanon

Agriculture and Food Security Specialist – Lebanon

The Middle East Field Support Services Project (ME-FSSP)

KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Agriculture and Food Security Specialist

Position/Contract Type: Long Term Consultancy
Duration of Initial Contract: Up to 50 days for 1 year with the possibility of extension
Position Location: Lebanon
Language Required: Arabic and English
Application Deadline: 8 Dec 2024

1. SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT

Launched in December 2021 and implemented by Cowater International, the Middle East Support Services Project (ME-FSSP) will primarily support the development and humanitarian objectives of Canada’s Middle East Strategy by providing administrative, financial, procurement, and logistical services in Jordan, Iraq, Lebanon and the region.

The Middle East Field Support Services (ME-FSS) will also support the regional development programming for the Government of Canada through the provision of technical specialists in gender equality, governance and human rights, and environment and climate action

1. BACKGROUND

The aim of Canada’s bilateral development program in Lebanon is to manage Canada’s resources effectively and accountably to achieve meaningful, sustainable results that in line with Lebanon’s poverty reduction plans and priorities. In order to deliver its programs and projects in Lebanon, the Embassy of Canada uses the Field Support Services (FSS) to provide expert technical services in a variety of sectors and sub-sectors.

Lebanon’s compounded crises since 2019 have had a dire effect on food security, agricultural livelihoods and agri-food production in the country. According to a recent agricultural household survey carried out by the Ministry of Agriculture, the prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity was estimated at about 23 percent of the surveyed population, with 70 percent of households worried about not having enough food. Food imports, on which Lebanon relies for more than 80% of its food supply, have been severely impacted by COVID-19, the removal of food subsidies and informal capital controls. Smallholder farmers – which account for the vast majority of agricultural production in Lebanon – have been particularly affected by high agricultural input costs and low output prices, limited access to traditional forms of credit and the reduction of sales due to lower purchasing power.

In this context, Canada implements a portfolio of development projects that support food security and agricultural livelihoods. To succeed in the design of new initiatives and the implementation of current ones, the Embassy of Canada needs the services of an Agriculture and Food Security Specialist.

OBJECTIVE

Under the supervision of the Middle East Support Services Project (ME-FSSP) and in close collaboration and coordination with representatives from the Cooperation Section of the Embassy of Canada to Lebanon, the Specialist will provide specialized technical services, support, and develop knowledge. The Specialist will also perform various tasks, including support to policy dialogue. This is to ensure effective and results-based management of Global Affairs Canada (GAC) projects and programs in Lebanon, with the goal of contributing to better development aid outcomes and achieving the objectives of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP).

1. DESCRIPTION OF SERVICES AND DELIVERABLES

Activities of the Specialist will include, but are not limited to the following:

Project Support

• Review and provide technical comments and recommendations on current and future proposals and ongoing project documents, including on Logic Model, Performance Management Framework, Risk Matrix, annual work plans, progress reports, evaluation reports, and other relevant technical reports.
• Support the organization of project field visits.

Program Development

• Context-specific analysis on needs, emerging issues and opportunities in food security, agriculture and agri-food systems, including wheat import, distribution and access.
• Programming analysis on ongoing programming, best practices and lessons learned from GAC-funded and other donor-funded projects, and potential synergies with other donor-funded projects. This includes, but is not limited to, climate-smart agriculture, agri-food value chain development, food systems governance, agri-food cooperatives and SMEs development.
• Update the stakeholder mapping for agricultural/agri-food and food security initiatives. Complement this with an analysis of the Ministry of Agriculture Directorates’ needs and gaps. Prepare a comprehensive report and present the results to relevant groups, including the team.

Support for Incoming Missions and Stakeholder Engagement

• Provide technical assistance to incoming missions from Canada and, if required, accompany visiting Global Affairs Canada staff, Canadian Government officials, and consultants on field trips and meetings.
• Attend donor and technical group discussions on food security, agriculture/agri-food as a resource person, if required, contributing to knowledge-building, sharing, and policy dialogue.
• Advise the team on food security and systems issues to be raised in policy dialogue and advocacy with government, other donors, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
• Provide occasional translation from Arabic to English, as requested.

1. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Specialist

The Specialist is responsible to deliver the services described in section 4 of this TOR according to the agreed timelines, expected results, and deliverables, and any additional services as requested by the Technical Authority. The Advisor must work in close collaboration with the Lebanon field staff and GAC HQ’s programming teams and assigned HQ Specialists, and whenever necessary with other consultants.

The Technical Authority (GAC Lebanon TA):

• The provision of service requisitions to the Advisor, including the approval of the Advisor’s assigned work and deliverables.
• Reporting to GAC on the completion of services and deliverables against the approved tasking. A detailed reporting schedule will be agreed upon and attached to the contract.

ME-FSSP team:

• Managing the competitive process of identifying and hiring the Advisor, including signing the contract.
• Communicating/disseminating key documents related to GAC policies, programming approaches and processes, regulatory or reporting requirements.
• Review and approve payments based on the invoices and timesheets submitted by the Advisor.

1. LOCATION, TIMELINES AND ESTIMATED LEVEL OF EFFORTS

The Specialist may be based outside Lebanon but must be able to travel to the country for in-person meetings when required. The assignment will commence once the contract is signed and will be valid for 12 months with a maximum of 150 working days allowed. All deliverables must be approved by GAC Lebanon and ME-FSSP.

The payment and payment schedule will be based on a fixed-time rate contract.

1. ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS

• The Consultant will report to the Cowater/ FSSP PM in Amman.
• The contract will be signed between Cowater International/ME-FSSP and the selected candidate.
• Work will be performed out of the Consultant’s own office and the Consultant will be responsible for providing all required overhead, including maintaining internet access and an email account.
• The Consultant will be expected to use their own workspace, equipment and materials (office space is not provided).
• The Consultant will be paid according to the agreed-upon daily rate based on the level of effort reflected in the monthly financial report and requisition forms.

1. TECHNICAL SPECIALIST PROFILE

Qualifications and Expertise Requirements:

• Professional experience: Minimum of 7-10 years in food security, agriculture and agri-food systems programming. within agriculture, including experience in agricultural research and analysis, food security programs, policy development, sustainable farming practices, and supply and value chain development. Consulting experience with donor agencies is also required.
• Technical expertise:
  • Proven experience in analyzing and providing technical advice on food security, climate-smart agriculture, agri-food value chain development, agricultural research, cooperative and agri-SME development, women’s empowerment in agri-food systems.
  • Proven experience in effective cooperation with key stakeholders in Lebanon, e.g., donors, UN agencies, IFIs, and Lebanese ministries and agencies.
• Knowledge of Local Context: thorough understanding of the local agricultural and agri-food context and stakeholders, and demonstrable knowledge of Lebanon’s economic and social development plans, particularly the National Agriculture Strategy (2020-2025).

Competencies:

• Analytical Skills:
  • Data Analysis: Ability to analyze complex data and trends related to agriculture and food security and derive actionable insights.
  • Research Skills: Proficiency in conducting field research, collecting data, and analyzing results to inform decision-making.
  • Policy Analysis: Ability to evaluate agricultural policies and their impacts and providing evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Strategic Thinking
  • Problem Solving: Strong problem-solving skills to address challenges and identify opportunities within agricultural and food security programs.
  • Innovation: Capacity to propose innovative solutions and approaches to enhance agricultural development and food security.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
  • Coordination and Collaboration: Effective engagement with stakeholders including donors, government agencies, UN agencies, NGOs, and the private sector
  • Communication: Excellent oral and written communication skills for presenting findings, recommendations, and reports to diverse audiences.

Skills

• Proficiency in English and Arabic;
• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Assets:

• Proficiency in French.
• Experience in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing.
• Experience with Global Affairs Canada or with GAC-funded projects, including familiarity with results-based management policies, tools, and aid effectiveness principles.