Technical Coordinator – Value Chains and Market Systems Development

Job Posting Organization:
The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger. Established in 1945, FAO has over 194 member countries and works in more than 130 countries worldwide. Its mission is to achieve security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security for all and ensure that people have regular access to enough high-quality food to lead active, healthy lives. FAO's office in Lebanon focuses on developing and implementing strategies to address food, agriculture, and rural development priorities in the country, working closely with local ministries and stakeholders to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Job Overview:
The coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Coordinator – Value Chains and Market Systems Development will play a crucial role in supporting FAO Lebanon's initiatives aimed at strengthening agricultural value chains and market systems. This position is pivotal in conducting comprehensive market and value chain analyses to identify systemic bottlenecks that hinder producers, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and agribusinesses. The coordinator will design and implement interventions that enhance competitiveness, resilience, and inclusiveness within the agricultural sector. The role emphasizes the importance of improved market linkages, compliance with quality standards, and the integration of climate-smart and nutrition-sensitive approaches. Additionally, the coordinator will ensure that all value chain development efforts are evidence-based and aligned with Lebanon's economic and institutional realities, fostering collaboration with ministries, local partners, and other development actors.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Coordinator will be responsible for providing overall technical leadership for FAO Lebanon’s value chain and market systems development portfolio. Key responsibilities include driving a coherent vision for inclusive and competitive agri-food systems, leading value chain assessments, supporting planning and monitoring processes, coordinating project activities, and guiding implementing partners. The coordinator will design market-driven interventions, promote climate-smart and gender-responsive approaches, and ensure alignment with government counterparts and stakeholders. Additionally, the coordinator will participate in the development and evaluation of programs/projects, manage budgets and funding, establish working relations with stakeholders, and prepare various written outputs, including reports and analyses. The role also involves conducting outreach activities, training workshops, and supervising project personnel.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, rural development, economics, or a related field. A minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in value chain development, market systems analysis, and agricultural development is required. Proven experience in designing and implementing value chain or market-driven interventions with development organizations, UN agencies, or international NGOs is essential. Candidates must have a working knowledge of English and Arabic and must be nationals of Lebanon.

Educational Background:
An advanced university degree in agricultural economics, agribusiness, rural development, economics, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of agricultural systems and market dynamics, which are essential for effective value chain and market systems development.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in areas such as value chain development, market systems analysis, and agricultural development. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and implementing interventions that drive market engagement and enhance agricultural productivity. Experience working with development organizations, UN agencies, or international NGOs is highly desirable.

Languages:
Candidates must have a working knowledge (level C) of both English and Arabic. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication and collaboration within the multicultural environment of FAO and with local stakeholders. Knowledge of additional languages is considered an advantage.

Additional Notes:
The FAO does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, including application, interview, or processing. Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted. It is important to note that FAO only considers higher educational qualifications obtained from institutions accredited or recognized in the World Higher Education Database (WHED). The appointment will be subject to certification of medical fitness, accreditation, residency or visa requirements, and security clearances.