Consultant for Permaculture Training Workshop

Job Posting Organization:
The United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) is a regional arm of the United Nations that focuses on promoting economic and social development in the Arab region. Established in 1973, ESCWA aims to foster cooperation among member states and support their development efforts through research, policy analysis, and capacity-building initiatives. The organization operates in various countries across the Middle East and North Africa, working with governments, civil society, and other stakeholders to address pressing regional challenges. ESCWA's mission includes enhancing regional integration, promoting sustainable development, and addressing issues related to climate change, water resources, and social equity.

Job Overview:
The consultant will play a crucial role in the implementation of an Adaptation Fund project aimed at increasing the resilience of displaced persons and host communities to climate change-related water challenges. This project, led by UN-Habitat, focuses on improving responses to climate change impacts on water resources in Lebanon and Jordan. The consultant will be responsible for developing and delivering a permaculture training workshop that introduces participants to the fundamentals of permaculture through interactive training methods. The workshop will be held at the Greening the Desert project site in South Shuneh, Jordan, and will involve up to 20 participants from across the Arab region. The goal is to enhance knowledge transfer and promote sustainable agricultural practices that can be replicated in local communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant's responsibilities include:

• Developing a comprehensive structure, content, and materials for a permaculture training workshop that effectively introduces the principles of permaculture. The training should utilize interactive and on-site tools to engage participants.
• Implementing the permaculture training workshop over two days, ensuring that the content is suitable for a diverse group of up to 20 participants. The workshop will focus on practical applications of permaculture techniques and sustainable agricultural practices.
• Collaborating with the Project Coordinator and the Climate Change and Natural Resource Sustainability Cluster Lead to ensure alignment with project objectives and deliverables.
• Providing follow-up support and resources to participants to facilitate the application of permaculture principles in their respective communities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental, agricultural, or related fields. Demonstrated training in permaculture is highly desirable. In cases where candidates hold a first-level university degree, they may still be considered if they have substantial qualifying experience. All applicants are required to submit a copy of their educational degree, as incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Additionally, candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture within the Arab region, along with experience in designing and delivering training materials on permaculture. Experience working with international organizations and/or UN agencies is also desirable, particularly in the context of the Middle East and North Africa.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental, agricultural, or related fields. A first-level university degree may be accepted in lieu of an advanced degree if accompanied by relevant professional experience. Candidates must provide proof of their educational qualifications as part of the application process.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in sustainable agriculture and permaculture, specifically within the Arab region. Candidates should have a proven track record of designing and delivering training materials related to permaculture. Additionally, at least two years of experience working with international organizations and/or UN agencies is desirable. Familiarity with the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in collaboration with national and municipal counterparts, is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as these are the working languages of the United Nations Secretariat and ESCWA. Knowledge of French is considered desirable but not essential. Fluency is defined as a rating of 'fluent' in all four areas: speaking, reading, writing, and understanding.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to be remote, with a duration of one month. The consultant will not be charged any fees at any stage of the recruitment process, as the United Nations does not charge applicants for applications, interviews, or training. Candidates should be aware that the United Nations does not request information regarding applicants' bank accounts.