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 for 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 and direct supervision of the Programme Leader and in close coordination with other Units and colleagues in the office, the Technical Coordinator – Value Chains and Market Systems Development will carry out the below activities.

Technical Focus

The role focuses on supporting FAO Lebanon in strengthening priority agricultural value chains and market systems in line with the National Agriculture Strategy and ongoing FAO programmes. This includes conducting market and value chain analyses across the sector, identifying systemic bottlenecks affecting producers, MSMEs, and agribusinesses, and designing interventions that enhance competitiveness, resilience, and inclusiveness. The role will emphasize improved market linkages, quality and standards compliance, climate smart and nutrition sensitive approaches, and stronger participation of women and youth. It will also ensure that value chain development efforts are grounded in evidence, informed by Lebanon’s economic and institutional realities, and coordinated with ministries, local partners, and other development actors.

Tasks and responsibilities

Value Chains and Market Systems Development:

•     Provide overall technical leadership for FAO Lebanon’s value chain and market systems development portfolio, ensuring strategic alignment with the National Agriculture Strategy and FAO’s country programming framework. 
•     Drive a coherent vision for inclusive, resilient, and competitive agri-food systems, guiding partners and stakeholders toward coordinated, evidence based interventions that enhance livelihoods and market performance.
•     Lead value chain assessments and identify key bottlenecks across priority value chains in line with FAO Lebanon programmes. 
•     Support planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes; contribute to progress and donor reports. 
•     Coordinate implementation of programme or project activities in accordance with approved workplans and budgets. 
•     Guide implementing partners and field teams to ensure coherent and technically sound delivery of activities. 
•     Design and oversee market driven interventions that strengthen competitiveness, resilience, and producer–buyer linkages. 
•     Promote climate smart, gender responsive, and nutrition sensitive approaches within value chain work. 
•     Coordinate with government counterparts, implementing partners, internal FAO units, producer groups, and private sector actors to ensure alignment and synergy.

Programme/Project Management:

•     Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, etc.; monitor and analyze programme/project development and implementation
•     Lead and supervise overall project planning and implementation to ensure technical coherence between different project components; per the approved Project Document and the results-based Annual Work Plan and Budget, and in compliance with FAO procedures and Resource Partners’ requirements
•     Coordinate activities related to budget and funding (programme/project preparation and submissions, progress reports, financial statements, etc.) and prepare related documents/reports (pledging, work programme, programme budget, etc.).
•     Establish and strengthen working relations with various stakeholders for effective implementation of programme activities, and ensure adequate information flow, discussions, and feedback among the various stakeholders of the project.
•     Review relevant documents and reports; identify problems and issues to be addressed and propose corrective actions; liaise with relevant parties; identify and tracks follow-up actions.
•     Assist in thematic area policy development, including the review and analysis of issues and trends, preparation of impact evaluation or equivalent studies, etc.
•     Support the establishment of a robust M&E system and ensure strong learning, communication, and knowledge management within the project team and with wider stakeholders.
•     Prepare various written outputs, e.g. drafts background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, project activity reports, etc.
•     Prepare timely periodic programme progress and financial reports (including budget revisions if necessary) with adequate technical input and coordination with other units.
•     Undertake outreach activities; conduct training workshops, seminars, etc.; make presentations on assigned topics/activities.
•     Supervise all project technical and support personnel.
•     Perform other related duties and activities as required.

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements   

•     Advanced University Degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, rural development, economics, or a related field.
•     Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in value chain development, market systems analysis, agricultural development, or agribusiness support, and proven experience in designing and implementing value chain or market driven interventions with development organizations, UN agencies, or international NGOs.
•     Working knowledge (level C) 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

•     Strong expertise in value chain analysis and market systems development, including mapping actors, governance structures, cost structures, and identifying systemic constraints. 
•     Proven ability to design market driven interventions, including upgrading strategies, business models, aggregation models, and producer–buyer linkage mechanisms. 
•     Solid understanding of Lebanon’s agricultural sectors, market dynamics, and institutional landscape (public, private, cooperatives, MSMEs). 
•     Experience applying climate smart, gender responsive, and youth inclusive approaches to value chain development. 
•     Ability to facilitate multi stakeholder processes, including value chain platforms, roundtables, and public–private dialogues. 
•     Skills in coordinating implementing partners, ensuring technical coherence, quality assurance, and timely delivery of activities. 
•     Proficiency in drafting clear technical reports, market briefs, guidance notes, and capacity building materials. 
•     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to synthesize evidence into practical recommendations. 
•     Familiarity with project cycles, including planning, monitoring, reporting, and adherence to corporate standards.

Selection Criteria

•     Experience with a UN Agency or International NGO is desirable.
•     Familiarity with computers and Microsoft Suite.
•     Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work in complex, multi-stakeholder environments. Proven experience in partnership development, capacity building, and knowledge management. Understanding of agricultural production systems, value chains, and rural development dynamics. Familiarity with international development practices and donor procedures is an asset.
•     Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work effectively in multicultural teams and communicate complex financial concepts to diverse audiences. Proficiency in written and spoken English is required. Knowledge of other relevant languages is an advantage
•     Proven skills of report writing and communication

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION