Online Volunteer for Foundation Mapping and Resource Mobilization Support

Job Posting Organization:
The Ministry of Agriculture in Lebanon is dedicated to enhancing the agricultural and food sector's contribution to the country's economic recovery. The Ministry's mission is to implement a coherent policy and investment framework that promotes resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability within the sector. Established to address the challenges faced by the agricultural community, the Ministry aims to mitigate the economic impacts of crises, ensure responsive agricultural policies, mobilize financial resources, and strengthen partnerships among various stakeholders including government institutions, development partners, and civil society. The Ministry operates within Lebanon and focuses on creating an enabling environment for sustainable agricultural development.

Job Overview:
The Online Volunteer position is designed to support the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture in identifying and analyzing international philanthropic organizations and foundations that can contribute to improving the livelihoods of smallholder farmers and enhancing agricultural value chains. The volunteer will conduct extensive desk research to identify organizations whose strategic priorities align with the Ministry's goals, focusing on areas such as security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, climate-smart agriculture, and rural development. This role is crucial in helping the Ministry expand its partnerships and diversify funding opportunities amidst ongoing economic challenges and climate-related risks. The volunteer's work will directly contribute to the Ministry's resource mobilization strategy and assist in identifying potential partners for future collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Online Volunteer will be responsible for a variety of tasks including: conducting desk research on international philanthropic foundations, trusts, family offices, and corporate foundations that are active in agriculture and rural development; identifying organizations whose strategic priorities align with the Lebanese Ministry of Agriculture's goals; researching foundations that support various aspects of agricultural development such as smallholder farmer development, food security, sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and climate adaptation; reviewing funding priorities, eligibility requirements, grant-making mechanisms, and application procedures; analyzing previous grants and partnerships awarded in Lebanon and the MENA region; developing a donor intelligence database to support future fundraising efforts; preparing concise donor profiles that highlight strategic alignment with Ministry priorities; and identifying potential opportunities for engagement and collaboration.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Online Volunteer position should possess strong research and analytical skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information into clear and concise reports. Familiarity with the agricultural sector, particularly in the context of Lebanon, is highly desirable. The ideal candidate should also demonstrate a proactive approach to identifying potential funding sources and partnerships, as well as strong communication skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders. Additionally, proficiency in using online research tools and databases is essential for this role.

Educational Background:
A background in agriculture, international development, public policy, or a related field is preferred for this position. Candidates should have a solid understanding of agricultural practices, food security issues, and rural development strategies. A degree or relevant coursework in these areas will be beneficial in fulfilling the responsibilities of the role.

Experience:
While specific prior experience may not be required, candidates should ideally have some exposure to research or volunteer work in the fields of agriculture, development, or philanthropy. Experience in conducting desk research and familiarity with donor engagement strategies will be advantageous. The Ministry values a commitment to supporting agricultural development and improving livelihoods in Lebanon.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as the majority of research and reporting will be conducted in English. Proficiency in Arabic is highly desirable, as it will facilitate communication with local stakeholders and enhance the volunteer's ability to engage with the Ministry's initiatives. Knowledge of French may also be considered an asset, given the multilingual context of Lebanon.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position, and while it may not offer financial compensation, it provides an opportunity to gain valuable experience in the field of agricultural development and resource mobilization. The role is expected to be part-time and can be conducted remotely, allowing for flexibility in working hours. The Ministry of Agriculture is committed to fostering a collaborative environment and values the contributions of volunteers in supporting its mission.