Agriculture and Land Use Expert (Retainer)

United Nations Office for Project Services (HQ)

Dutystation: Beirut, Lebanon

Functional responsibilities

Purpose and Scope of Assignment

The purpose of this assignment is to provide specialized technical expertise in agriculture, agroforestry, and sustainable land use management to support the planning, design, and implementation of integrated forest and landscape management activities under the project. The Agriculture and Land Use Expert plays a key role in ensuring that productive land uses within and around forest landscapes are managed sustainably and in a manner that contributes to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, soil and water conservation, and the long-term socio-economic well-being of local communities. Fire risk management considerations will be integrated into these activities.

This role is central to ensuring that all agriculture-related interventions from the integration of agroforestry systems into Forest Management Plans (FMPs) to the implementation of low-impact agricultural practices near forests and woodlands on the ground are designed and executed with a robust scientific and technical foundation. The expert will ensure that these interventions align with national policies, global environmental commitments, and the needs and aspirations of local communities while supporting the project s broader goals of wildfire risk management, sustainable forest management and ecosystem restoration.

The scope of the assignment includes the integration of agroforestry and sustainable agricultural practices into FMPs; provision of technical guidance on soil conservation, erosion control, and water management; development and promotion of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) to reduce pressure on timber resources and diversify local livelihoods; and support for the restoration of soil cover and fertility in forested areas/areas with trees affected by fires through organic amendments and cover cropping.

Functional Responsibilities

Under the overall guidance of the Project Manager and in close coordination with the Forestry and Ecosystem Management Expert, the Agriculture and Land Use Expert (Retainer) will have the following functional responsibilities:

Task 1: Integration of Agroforestry and Sustainable Agriculture:

• Support the design and integration of agroforestry systems and sustainable low-impact agricultural practices in farm communities living near forests (e.g., agricultural waste management; composting; grazing in forests to reduce underbrush) within Forest Management Plans (FMPs) and landscape restoration activities.

• Provide technical guidance on balancing productive land use with forest conservation and biodiversity goals while ensuring alignment with national policies and community needs.

Task 2: Soil Conservation and Erosion Control:

• Advise on soil conservation strategies, including erosion control measures and slope stabilization techniques in high-risk areas to maintain and enhance soil cover and health.

• Develop technical recommendations for soil fertility restoration, including the use of organic amendments, composting, and cover cropping in degraded lands in the vicinity of forests and forest lands affected by fires.

Task 3: Water Resources Management:

• Recommend sustainable water management practices that align with ecosystem and agricultural water requirements, including rainwater harvesting feeding hill lakes and artificial ponds, efficient irrigation practices to reduce water use, and integrated watershed management approaches to maximize regulatory ecosystem services.

Task 4: Development of Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFPs):

• Identify and support the sustainable development and management of NWFP value chains (e.g., medicinal plants, honey, wild fruits, mushrooms) to reduce pressure on wood (timber/wood fuel) resources while providing livelihood diversification for local communities.

• Advise on market linkages and sustainable harvesting practices and quotas in alignment with biodiversity and ecosystem conservation objectives.

Education/Experience/Language requirements

Education:

• Advanced university degree (Master s or equivalent) in Agriculture, Agroforestry, Environmental Science, Natural Resources Management, or a closely related field is required.

• A first-level university degree in combination with additional 2 years of qualifying experience may be accepted in lieu of the advanced degree.

Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of progressively responsible experience in sustainable agriculture, agroforestry, land restoration, or natural resource management within diverse ecological and institutional contexts.
• Proven experience in the design, integration, and implementation of agroforestry systems within forest landscapes or landscape restoration initiatives, ensuring alignment with biodiversity conservation and community needs. (Required)
• Demonstrated capacity to develop and apply soil conservation and erosion control measures, particularly in high-risk or degraded environments, focusing on restoring soil fertility and maintaining ecological functions. (Required)
• Extensive involvement in water resource management for agriculture and forest landscapes, including the development of sustainable water harvesting, irrigation efficiency, and watershed management strategies. (Required)