Grade: NOB
Vacancy no.: BEY/DC/2023/23
Publication date: 21 August 2023
Application deadline (midnight local time): 06 September 2023
Job ID: 11124
Department: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Organization Unit: RO-Arab States/DWT-Beirut
Location: Beirut
Contract type: Fixed Term
Contract duration: One year
Under article 4.2, paragraph (e) of the Staff Regulations, the filling of vacancies in technical cooperation projects does not fall under Annex I of the Staff Regulations and is made by direct selection by the Director-General.
In order to support the best informed process in the filling of the above-mentioned vacancy by direct selection, the ILO invites interested candidates to submit their application online by the above date.
The following are eligible to apply:
*The recruitment process for National Officer positions is subject to specific local recruitment and eligibility criteria.
The ILO values diversity among its staff and welcomes applications from qualified female candidates. We also encourage applicants with disabilities. If you are unable to complete our online application form due to a disability, please send an email to ilojobs@ilo.org.
Technical cooperation appointments are not expected to lead to a career in the ILO and they do not carry any expectation of renewal or conversion to any other type of appointment in the Organization. A one-year fixed-term contract will be given. Extensions of technical cooperation contracts are subject to various elements including the following: availability of funds, continuing need of the functions and satisfactory conduct and performance.
*Conditions of employment for external candidates: In conformity with existing ILO practice, the appointment of an external candidate will normally be made at the first step of this grade. The entry level salary for this position is 73796 (USD) yearly.
Lebanon has been suffering from a severe financial and economic crisis with long-lasting effects on its economy and its people. With the drastic devaluation of the currency, prices of imported items have risen sharply, and households are now increasingly struggling to cover food needs. The combined effects of the crises have resulted in unprecedented levels of unemployment and pushed both the Lebanese population and the approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees further into poverty. The Lebanese agriculture sector remains one of few sectors where both Syrian refugees can legally find employment as well as vulnerable Lebanese host communities but has been particularly hard-hit by the ongoing crises.
The Swedish International Development Agency (Sida) is therefore funding a project aimed at ‘Promoting Decent Jobs for Lebanese host communities and Syrian refugees’ that will be implemented by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The project will focus on the agriculture and agri-food sector as a key sector for the livelihoods of both Lebanese and Syrian vulnerable population groups and in particular women of both communities and aim to develop specific agricultural and agri-food value chains with potential for decent job creation that will benefit both groups.
The project will make use of the ILO’s Approach to Inclusive Market Systems (AIMS) to safeguard jobs and livelihoods of vulnerable Lebanese and Syrian communities threatened by the crises and encourage decent job creation for both groups in sectors with potential.
The project seeks to achieve four key outcomes with interlinked components:
1. Enhanced Productivity and Working Conditions in the Horticulture Sector: The project supports farmers in adopting modern greenhouses and sustainable farming practices, improving productivity, crop quality, and working conditions for both Lebanese and Syrian workers.
2. Upgraded Market Opportunities for Farmers and Agri-Businesses: By identifying and capitalizing on local and international market opportunities, the project helps farmers and agri-businesses in selected sectors to access upgraded markets, fostering inclusive growth.
3. Adoption of Solar Energy Systems for Sustainable Electricity Generation: To counter the energy crisis, the project promotes solar energy systems for farmers, reducing costs, ensuring stable electricity supply, and leading to environmental benefits.
4. Capacity Building for Efficient Resource Management: The project empowers farmers and small agri-businesses with essential business management skills, enhancing their ability to plan, calculate profits, and make informed decisions.
The Senior National Project Officer for private sector engagement will work under the direct supervision of the Project Technical Officer and the overall guidance of the Programme Manager who coordinates both this project and a sister project funded by the European Union.
1. Conduct research, including field assessments, to support analyses in selected sectors.
2. Devise innovative strategies to engage the private sector in initiatives fostering decent job creation for host communities and refugees within these targeted sectors and value chains.
3. Prepare action plans for the implementation of activities to develop selected sectors and value chains in close collaboration with key private sector actors, undertake travel to different regions of Lebanon to coordinate project activities with relevant project partners.
4. Support the development, implementation, and assessment of overall project activities, including pilot interventions to facilitate win-win situations for the benefit of refugees and host communities with key private sector actors in selected sectors, and scaling up of those interventions that are successful.
5. Contribute to the organization of workshops and capacity building measures with and for key private sector actors and other stakeholders as needed.
6. Assist with the development and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring system to measure progress and results of project activities, monitor market developments and private sector engagement in targeted sectors and use the collected information to inform the project strategy.
7. Support the development and implementation of an effective communication and knowledge sharing strategy and plan for relevant national and international audiences.
8. Assist in developing strategies to mainstream gender and environmental issues in the project, ensuring gender perspectives and environmental considerations are central to all the activities during both the inception and implementation phases.
9. Prepare and submit technical reports related to project implementation as well as progress reports for submission to donors and other partners.
10. Perform any other duties as assigned by the Project Technical Officer.
Advanced university degree in business administration, economics, private sector development, environmental or development studies or any other relevant field.
Training on and/or experience with market systems development will be considered an advantage.
At least five years of relevant professional experience at the national level involving private sector development, agricultural development, and/or value chain and market systems development.
Knowledge of tools and approaches to market systems development and/or value chain development will be an asset.
Excellent command of written and spoken English and Arabic.
In addition to ILO core personal or behavioral competencies (Integrity and transparency, Sensitivity to diversity, Orientation to learning & knowledge sharing, Communication, Client Orientation, Orientation to change, Takes responsibility for performance, Quality orientation and Collaboration)
(continued, competencies)