Introduction

Lebanon has been suffering from a severe financial and economic crisis with long-lasting effects on its economy and its people. With the drastic devaluation of the currency, prices of imported items have risen sharply, and households are now increasingly struggling to cover food needs. The combined effects of the crises have resulted in unprecedented levels of unemployment and pushed both the Lebanese population and the approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees further into poverty. The Lebanese agriculture sector remains one of few sectors where both Syrian refugees can legally find employment as well as vulnerable Lebanese host communities but has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing crises.

The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) is therefore funding a project aimed at ‘Promoting Decent Jobs for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees’ that will be implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project will focus on the agriculture and agri-food sector as a key sector for the livelihoods of both Lebanese and Syrian vulnerable population groups and in particular women of both communities and aim to develop specific agricultural and agri-food value chains with potential for decent job creation that will benefit both groups.

The project will make use of the ILO’s Approach to Inclusive Market Systems (AIMS) to safeguard jobs and livelihoods of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian communities threatened by the crises and encourage decent job creation for both groups in sectors with potential. 

Introduction (continued)

The project seeks to achieve four key outcomes with interlinked components:

1. Enhanced Productivity and Working Conditions in the Horticulture Sector: The project supports farmers in adopting modern greenhouses and sustainable farming practices, improving productivity, crop quality, and working conditions for both Lebanese and Syrian workers.
2. Upgraded Market Opportunities for Farmers and Agri-Businesses: By identifying and capitalizing on local and international market opportunities, the project helps farmers and agri-businesses in selected sectors to access upgraded markets, fostering inclusive growth.
3. Adoption of Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Electricity Generation: To counter the energy crisis, the project promotes solar energy systems for farmers, reducing costs, ensuring stable electricity supply, and leading to environmental benefits.
4. Capacity Building for Efficient Resource Management: The project empowers farmers and small agri-businesses with essential business management skills, enhancing their ability to plan, calculate profits, and make informed decisions.

Reporting Lines

The National Project Officer for private sector engagement will report to the Project Technical Officer and the overall guidance of the Programme Manager who coordinates both this project and a sister project funded by the European Union.

Description of Duties

1. Support in conducting research, including field assessments, to support analyses in selected sectors.

2. Support and advocate for devising innovative strategies and enabling frameworks to engage the private sector in initiatives fostering decent job creation for host communities and refugees within these targeted sectors and value chains.

3. Support in the preparation of action plans for the implementation of activities and advocacy to develop selected sectors and value chains in close collaboration with key private sector actors, including undertaking travel to different regions of Lebanon to coordinate project activities with relevant project partners.

4. Support in the development, implementation, and assessment of overall project activities, including pilot interventions to facilitate win-win situations for the benefit of refugees and host communities with key private sector actors in selected sectors, and scaling up of those interventions that are successful.

5. Participate in the preparation and conduct of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, and capacity building measures with and for key private sector actors and other stakeholders as needed.

Description of Duties (continued)

6. Provide inputs to the development and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring system to measure progress and results of project activities, monitor market developments and private sector engagement in targeted sectors and use the collected information to inform the project strategy.

7. Assist in developing strategies to mainstream gender and environmental issues in the project, ensuring gender perspectives and environmental considerations are central to all the activities during both the inception and implementation phases.

8. Lead in the preparation of briefs, background information, technical reports and periodic progress reports and statistical data on status of the overall activities of the Project for submission to donors and other partners.

9. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Chief Technical Advisor and Project Technical Officer.

Required qualifications

Education

First level university degree in business administration, economics, environmental or development studies or a relevant field. An Advanced university degree in the aforementioned fields would be a strong advantage.

• Training on and/or experience with market systems development will be considered an advantage.

Experience

At least one year of relevant professional experience at the same level implementing and/or supporting development projects at the national level.

• At least three years of experience working on private sector development, agricultural development, advocacy on private sector and/or value chain and market systems development in private sector organizations, NGOs, IOs, and consultancy, or any other relevant institutions is a plus.
• Knowledge of tools and approaches to market systems development and/or value chain development will be an asset.

Languages

Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.

Competencies

In addition to ILO core personal or behavioral competencies (Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning & knowledge sharing, Communication, Client Orientation, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality Orientation and Collaboration)

• Good knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship and business start-up development and/or value chain and market systems development.
• Good understanding of the local economic and political context of Lebanon.
• Good analytical skills and ability to conceptualise and plan project activities and advocacy and awareness initiatives.
• Ability to conduct action oriented research and write analytical technical report in English.
• Ability to organize trainings and workshops and coordinate project activities and implementation with project partners and other initiatives.

Competencies (continued)

• Ability to guide and coordinate the work of external collaborators and general service staff in the area of enterprise development.
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and gender-sensitive behavior and attitudes are required.
• Ability to maintain good working relationships with all project stakeholders.
• Ability to work in a team and good interpersonal relations.
• Proficient in basic computer software (Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Adobe Reader) and ability to use other software packages required by the Office.
• Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.

optional section (if needed)

Candidates assessed by the Panel and considered to be eligible for appointment but who are not selected for this vacant post may be offered an assignment to another position at the same or lower grade provided that they meet the minimum qualifications required.