Lebanon is in a critical phase since the beginning of the economic meltdown at the end of 2019 in terms of addressing critical food security concerns. The multidimensional poverty rate of the Lebanese population reached 81% in 2021, whereas the extreme multidimensional poverty rate reached 40%. Adding the depreciation of the Lebanese pound, around 2 million people are facing food insecurity in 2022, a number that is expected to increase in 2023.
Due to the heavy reliance of Lebanon on imports for food as well as agricultural inputs, the food price has risen steeply. As the economic crisis continues to worsen, and food prices increase, food insecurity has affected 1.46 million Lebanese and 800,000 Syrian refugees by April 2023.
The food security situation in Lebanon is also severely affected by supply-side factors issues affecting local production and supply of food. According to FAO, the domestic production of cereal in Lebanon is currently around 134,000 tons, which is approximately 5% below the past five-year average.
The Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) is responsible for the production and distribution of certified seeds in Lebanon, in addition to providing several other critical services for food security such as crop development. According to the Council of Ministers (CoM) Decision No. 43 dated September 27, 2001, LARI, as a subsidiary of the Ministry of Agriculture, has been designated to produce wheat seeds, being the only specialized national entity capable of breeding and producing certified wheat seeds. However, the LARI's seed program is currently facing various challenges, leading to its stall. One of the primary reasons behind LARI’s inability to produce and distribute certified seeds is the lack of public financing. The institution used to rely on government funding to operate the seed programme in a subsidized scheme, and budget cuts have affected its seed program's ability to function effectively. As a result, the LARI has been unable to produce enough certified seeds to meet the growing demand in the country, leading to an increased reliance on imported seeds.
LARI Centers designated for seed production include six stations, including Tal Amara, Kfardane, Terbol, Kfarchakhna, Abdeh, and Tyre.
Availability and access to certified seeds are crucial, not only for producing disease- and climate-resilient crops suitable for local conditions but also for sustainable production of local agricultural inputs (This can lead to a reduction in the use of additional agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and resources)
As it is crucial to address these challenges and provide LARI with necessary support and therefore, as part of its concerted efforts to bolster food security within Lebanon, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) is formulating an all-encompassing and comprehensive framework and strategy that can effectively address the rising demand for resources to strengthen food security and foster economic growth without causing adverse impacts on the environment.
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the Project Manager (Food Security), the Technical Field Associate, will be primarily responsible for planning, implementing, monitoring, supervising and coordinating field level activities related to the multiplication of certified wheat and legume seeds. The TFA is also expected to establish strong coordination mechanisms as well as linkages between stakeholders and beneficiaries to ensure that program activities and projects are implemented successfully.
Duties and Responsibilities
Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager (Food Security), the incumbent will perform the following functions:
- In close coordination with the designated LARI centers’ directors and contractors, prepare the list of specific equipment and machinery needed for the proper implementation of the seed multiplication program;
- Follow-up with key stakeholders and contractors on all activities related to the rehabilitation of LARI’s infrastructure.
- Follow up and monitor with key stakeholders and partners the initiation of all activities related to the consecutive growing seasons (such as land plowing and reclamation, sowing of seeds, irrigation, regular cultural activities, etc.) in a timely manner;
- Ensure close follow-up with the implementing partners for all activities related to support to MSMEs, cooperatives and farmers;
- Assist LARI centers in the development of operational plans and agreements with the farmers specialized in wheat production, related to the multiplication of seeds provided to them by the LARI;
- Conduct regular field visits to assess and monitor the progress of wheat production at specialized farmers level and provide technical assistance on good agricultural practices, as well as on risk mitigation and overcoming any challenges they might face during the production seasons;
- Support the development and maintenance of relations with all relevant partners such as the MoA and FAO, among others;
- Submit regular reports on the progress achieved in the implementation of various activities in a timely manner;
- Actively participate in all meetings, workshops, conferences related to the project;
- Support M&E requirements, by keeping accurate records and archives of all projects/activities, including financial records, data, photos, reports, correspondence and minutes with respective partners.
Institutional Arrangement
The Technical Field Associate will be working under the direct supervision of the Food Security Project Manager.
Competencies
Core Competencies:
Core |
Achieve Results: |
LEVEL 1: Plans and monitors own work, pays attention to details, delivers quality work by deadline |
Think Innovatively: |
LEVEL 1: Open to creative ideas/known risks, is pragmatic problem solver, makes improvements |
Learn Continuously: |
LEVEL 1: Open minded and curious, shares knowledge, learns from mistakes, asks for feedback |
Adapt with Agility: |
LEVEL 1: Adapts to change, constructively handles ambiguity/uncertainty, is flexible |
Act with Determination: |
LEVEL 1: Shows drive and motivation, able to deliver calmly in face of adversity, confident |
Engage and Partner: |
LEVEL 1: Demonstrates compassion/understanding towards others, forms positive relationships |
Enable Diversity and Inclusion: |
LEVEL 1: Appreciate/respect differences, aware of unconscious bias, confront discrimination |
Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:
Thematic Area |
Name |
Definition |
Business Management |
Project Management |
Ability to plan, organize, prioritize and control resources, procedures and protocols to achieve specific goals |
Business Direction & Strategy |
System Thinking |
Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system |
Business Management |
Risk Management |
Ability to identify and organize action around mitigating and proactively managing risks |
Business Management |
Operations Management |
Ability to effectively plan, organize, and oversee the Organizations business processes in order to convert its assets into the best results in the most efficient
manner. Knowledge of relevant concepts and mechanisms |
External Relations & Advocacy |
Public relations |
Ability to build and maintain an overall positive public image for the organisation, its mandate and its brand, while ensuring that individual campaigns and other communications and advocacy initiatives are supported in reaching the public |
Required Skills and Experience
Min. Education requirements |
- Completion of Secondary Education is required; or
- University degree in Agricultural Engineering or any related fields.
|
Min. years of relevant work experience |
- Minimum 7 years (with a secondary education) or 4 years (with a Bachelor’s degree) of progressive relevant experience in agriculture and local development or any relevant related field is required
|
Required skills |
- Experience in dealing with contractors and contract compliance
- Experience in seed production
|
Desired skills in addition to the competencies covered in the Competencies section |
- Previous experience in working with UN andGovernmental bodies is an asset;
- Prior experience working international and/or local NGOs/agencies and authorities.
|
Required Language(s) |
Fluent in written and spoken Arabicand English is required
Knowledge of French is an asset |
Disclaimer
Under US immigration law, acceptance of a staff position with UNDP, an international organization, may have significant implications for US Permanent Residents. UNDP advises applicants for all professional level posts that they must relinquish their US Permanent Resident status and accept a G-4 visa, or have submitted a valid application for US citizenship prior to commencement of employment.
UNDP is not in a position to provide advice or assistance on applying for US citizenship and therefore applicants are advised to seek the advice of competent immigration lawyers regarding any applications.
Applicant information about UNDP rosters
Note: UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement. We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.
Non-discrimination
UNDP has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual exploitation and misconduct, sexual harassment, and abuse of authority. All selected candidates will, therefore, undergo rigorous reference and background checks, and will be expected to adhere to these standards and principles.
UNDP is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer that does not discriminate based on race, sex, gender identity, religion, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, age, language, social origin or other status.
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