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 Crop Production Specialist will carry out the below activities.

Technical Focus

The Crop Production Specialist will provide technical expertise to enhance sustainable crop production systems within FAO Lebanon programmes and field interventions. The technical focus of this role consists of promotion and integration of climate smart agriculture, good agricultural practices (GAP), soil health and fertility management, and efficient water-use techniques adapted to local agro ecological conditions. The specialist will guide the development and implementation of cropping strategies that improve productivity, resilience, and resource efficiency, including integrated pest and disease management, crop rotation and diversification, conservation agriculture, and sustainable seed systems. The role also supports capacity development for farmers, extension services, and national partners, ensuring the adoption of evidence-based practices and alignment with FAO guidelines, national policies, and project results frameworks.

Tasks and responsibilities

Crop Production:

•     Provide technical guidance for the planning, implementation, and monitoring of crop production activities across FAO Lebanon projects. 
•     Support the design and rollout of climate smart agriculture, good agricultural practices (GAP), and sustainable intensification approaches adapted to local agro ecological conditions. 
•     Lead assessments on crop production constraints, opportunities, and farmers need to inform project design and interventions. 
•     Develop and validate technical protocols on soil fertility management, crop rotation and diversification, irrigation efficiency, and integrated pest and disease management. 
•     Provide hands-on field support and advisory services to farmers, cooperatives, and extension agents to promote adoption of improved practices. 
•     Contribute to the development and dissemination of training materials, guidelines, and technical packages for capacity development activities. 
•     Support the establishment and management of demonstration plots, field trials, and pilot interventions to showcase best practices. 
•     Ensure that crop production activities are aligned with FAO standards, national policies, and project results frameworks. 
•     Monitor field implementation, document lessons learned and recommend adjustments to improve the effectiveness of interventions. 
•     Prepare technical reports, inputs for project progress reports, and contributions to donor communication products as needed. 
•     Facilitate coordination with government institutions, research centers, universities, and relevant stakeholders working on crop production and agricultural development. 
•     Contribute to procurement processes by preparing technical specifications for seeds, fertilizers, tools, and other agricultural inputs. 
•     Provide technical backstopping to project staff and support quality assurance across all crop-related outputs.

Programme/Project Management:

•     Contribute technical inputs in the development, implementation, and evaluation of assigned programmes/projects, in close collaboration with other stakeholders. 
•     Participate in multidisciplinary teams to assist governments and relevant stakeholders in the preparation and implementation of projects and programmes in the thematic field.
•     Provide advice to develop policies and strategies and lead in technical input on system strengthening/policy review options.
•     Lead in capacity development activities related to the respective thematic area/portfolio.
•     Ensure technical quality assurance and quality control of the technical outputs of the project.
•     Ensure smooth project implementation through the coordination of regular stakeholder meetings.
•     Prepare detailed work plans for the project in collaboration with project staff and stakeholders and make implementation arrangements for the field activities and training.
•     Assist in the preparation of technical specifications of inputs, supplies, and equipment, envisaged in Programmes’ documents and assist in the procurement process. 
•     Consult and communicate regularly with key project stakeholders, government, partners, beneficiaries, and donors. 
•     Represent FAO in interagency clusters and technical working groups. 
•     Draft Terms of Reference (ToR) for consultants and follow up on their recruitments and assignments on time.
•     Coordinate the work of affiliate personnel assigned to the project.
•     Contribute to the preparation of Letters of Agreements (LoAs) for Service Providers (SPs) for respective activities.
•     Implement a robust monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system and ensure strong learning, communication, and knowledge management within the project team and with wider stakeholders.
•     Provide technical input to various written outputs, e.g. drafts of background papers, analysis, sections of reports and studies, inputs to publications, project activity reports, etc.
•     Provide advice and technical expertise to knowledge management activities including the documentation of lessons learned / best practices and the preparation of publications in the thematic area.
•     Document best practices, success stories and lessons learned based on beneficiaries' feedback and own observations from the field.
•     Assist in preparation of periodic progress and ad hoc reports, monitoring reports, and final narrative Programmes reports for submission to donors.
•     Contribute to preparation of reports (monthly, interim narrative and terminal donors’ reports).
•     Perform other related duties and activities as required.
 

CANDIDATES WILL BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE FOLLOWING

Minimum Requirements    

•     University degree in agronomy, crop science, plant production, agricultural sciences, or a related field
•     Minimum of 6 years of relevant professional experience in crop production, sustainable agriculture, or field-level implementation of agricultural development projects
•     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 technical knowledge of sustainable crop production systems, including climate smart agriculture, good agricultural practices (GAP), and sustainable intensification. 
•     Proven experience in integrated pest and disease management, soil fertility enhancement, crop rotation/diversification, and resource efficient irrigation practices. 
•     Demonstrated ability to design, implement, and monitor field activities, including demonstration plots, field trials, and farmer level capacity development. 
•     Ability to provide technical backstopping and practical advisory services to farmers, cooperatives, extension agents, and national partners. 
•     Experience developing training materials, technical guidelines, and extension packages tailored to local agro ecological contexts. 
•     Strong analytical skills to conduct assessments, diagnose production constraints, and recommend evidence based crop management solutions. 
•     Familiarity with FAO methodologies, standards, and approaches in crop production and sustainable agriculture is considered as an asset. 
•     Ability to prepare technical reports, contributions to project documents, and inputs for progress reporting and donor communications. 
•     Excellent communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to work effectively with government institutions, research centers, and field stakeholders. 
•     Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple field activities and technical deliverables within tight timelines.        

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