Technical Coordinator (Plant Production and Protection)

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 programme and in collaboration with FAO Units and counterpart national authorities.

Technical Focus

The Technical Coordinator is responsible for ensuring the successful implementation and coordination of FAO’s plant production and protection related projects, outputs and activities within the FAO Lebanon’program portfolio. This includes providing technical support, liaising with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with FAO guidelines and standards. The Technical Coordinator (Plant Production and Plant Protection) will support the effective implementation of these projects by providing technical expertise and coordination support.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise in the planning, implementation, and monitoring of plant production and plant protection related projects, outputs and activities.
• Assist in the development of project proposals, work plans, and budgets related to plant production and protection.
• Conduct field assessments and surveys to gather data and provide recommendations for improving plant production and protection practices.
• Act as the main point of contact on plant production and plant protection related issues and interventions between FAO and national stakeholders, including government agencies, research institutions, NGOs, and the private sector.
• Facilitate communication and coordination among project partners and stakeholders involved in plant production and protection.
• Organise and participate in meetings, workshops, and training sessions related to plant production and protectionIdentify training needs and organize capacity-development activities for project staff, farmers, and other stakeholders on gender Identify training needs and organize capacity-development activities for project staff, farmers, and other stakeholders on plant production and protection techniques.
• Develop training materials and conduct capacity development sessions on various aspects related to plant production and protection.
• Support the development and implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies and practices.
• Monitor and report on pest and disease outbreaks and provide technical guidance on mitigation measures.
• Advocate for sustainable and environmentally friendly plant production and protection practices and promote awareness among stakeholders.
• Document and disseminate best practices and lessons learners from plant production and protection initiatives.
• 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 agronomy, plant sciences, plant protection or related fields
• At least 8 years of working experience in plant production, plant protection project coordination, or a related field
• 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

• Strong knowledge of the agricultural sector in Lebanon, including relevant policies and regulations
• Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
• Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Word, Excel essential.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION