Technical Agriculture and Water Assistant

Organizational Setting

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) Lebanon is implementing the project 'Increasing Resilience of Lebanon’s Water and Food Sector' (GCP/LEB/049/MUL), funded in part by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC). The project aims to strengthen food security and livelihoods through climate-resilient agriculture and sustainable water governance in three major irrigation schemes: Yammouneh, Arqa, and Canal 900. The project adopts a Water-Energy-Food Nexus and Humanitarian-Development-Peace Nexus approach

Reporting Lines

The Technical Agriculture and Water Assistant will work under the overall supervision of the FAO Representative in Lebanon, the direct supervision of the Liaison and Resilience Officer, the technical guidance of the Lead Technical Officer (LTO), and in close collaboration with the Technical Coordinator for Water and Irrigation and the project team.

Technical Focus

The Assistant will provide technical and operational support for beneficiary mobilization, field implementation, procurement and service provider management, as well as monitoring, reporting, and evaluation of project activities in close coordination with MoA, local authorities, and stakeholders.

Tasks and responsibilities

The Technical Agriculture and Water Assistant will:

•     Support beneficiary mobilization and selection in close collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), local authorities and cooperatives, ensuring transparency and adherence to agreed criteria.
•     Assist in the planning and organization of project activities, meetings and field visits to ensure timely and efficient implementation.
•     Support technical field follow-up, including coordination with beneficiaries and stakeholders to monitor progress, identify constraints and propose practical solutions. 
•     Assist in the drafting and finalizing Letters of Agreement (LOAs) and contracts with Service Providers (SPs), ensuring compliance with FAO rules and standards.
•     Assist in the preparation of technical specifications for goods and services to be procured under the project and follow up on procurement processes.
•     Monitor performance of contracted SPs, verifying timely delivery and quality of outputs in line with project requirements.
•     Assist in the organization and delivery of field activities, including input distribution and facilitation of training sessions.
•     Contribute to data collection, compilation and reporting, consolidating information from SPs and project teams for internal and donor reports.
•     Support in Post Distribution Monitoring (PDM) and assist in evaluating the impact and benefits of project activities using relevant performance indicators. 
•     Assist in administrative and logistical processes, including procurements, payments, logistics, travel arrangements, and coordination with partners as needed. 
•     Provide comprehensive project assistance encompassing documentation, effective communication, and preparation for meetings.
•     Perform any other related duties as required to ensure effective project implementation.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in Agronomy, Agricultural Engineering, Irrigation/Water Resources Engineering, Rural Development, or related field.
•     Minimum 4 years of professional experience in agriculture and/or irrigation project implementation
•     Working knowledge (level C) in Arabic and English (spoken and written).

FAO Core Competencies

•     Results Focus
•     Teamwork
•     Communication
•     Building Effective Relationships
•     Knowledge Sharing and Continuous Improvement

Selection Criteria

•     Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
•     Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite.
•     Proven experience in irrigation schemes, water distribution networks, or climate-resilient agriculture.
•     Experience in field monitoring, beneficiary engagement, and coordination with government and local institutions.
•     Ability to generate concise technical reports summarizing findings, risks, and recommendations
•     Proven skills of report writing and communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION