Agriculture and Land Use Expert (Retainer)

According to the 2015 Global Forest Resources Assessment (FAO, 2016): "Forests” cover 13.2% of Lebanon’s land area and “Other Wooded Lands” cover 10.2%.  Other lands with trees, including fruit trees, olive yards, highly degraded forest lands that do not fall under “Forests” or “Other Wooded Land” cover 11% of the total land area. The forest area in Lebanon, is divided into three sub-classes: Coniferous (incl. Pine, Juniper, Cedar, Cypresses, and Fir) (32%), Broadleaved (incl. Oak and Ostrya) (57%) and Mixed Forest (11%) (UNDP, 2021).  Lebanon is currently updating its Forest Resources Assessment. 

The lack of a comprehensive government response to the ongoing crisis in Lebanon has also led to inadequate actions related to other crisis, including the deterioration of Lebanon’s natural capital. An example is the inadequate response to the increased wildfire risks due to climate change and loss of forest area and related ecosystem services (i.e. water regulation, habitats). Reports of massive forest fires during the period 2019-2021 lamented the loss of trees and forest biodiversity but also loss of human lives and properties – mainly due to the lack of (i) a coordinated response, resources to fight fires incl. equipment) and (ii) preparedness and skills of the local government and local communities.

To respond to the need to better manage wildfires, the Ministry of Environment (MoE) has requested the assistance of the World Bank to support Lebanon with a pilot project entitled “Community-based Wildfire Risk Management in Lebanon’s Vulnerable Landscapes” which will be implemented in close coordination with other government entities which are responsible for managing fire risk and protecting Lebanon’s forests. The project is financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) with a grant of US$3.478million.

The agreed Project Development Objective (PDO) is to reduce wildfire risks in selected hotspots in Lebanon by improving forest landscape management. 

The project will pilot activities in three (3) wildfire hotspots: Akkar, Minieh-Donniyeh, Aley-Shouf – incl. areas from Metn-Baabda. The selection of these hotspots was made based on ranking of all 14 fire hotspots against a set of agreed criteria, including risk for forest fire events and land degradation; number of communities within the hotspot, history of forest fires; biodiversity and the level of security. 

The selection of participating municipalities in the 3 hotspots will be completed during the first month of implementation by applying additional criteria such as connectivity between participating municipalities; ability to cluster several project activities; ability to enhance the involvement of women and vulnerable groups in forest-relevant activities; land tenure situation; and readiness of municipalities to engage.  

The project supports the efforts of the Government of Lebanon to manage (i) forest fire risks and actual occurrences in a more timely and effective manner; and (i) integrating forest fire risk considerations into the sustainable management of forest landscapes. This will be achieved by supporting policy changes, cross-sectoral collaboration at national and sub-national levels, gender-responsive capacity enhancement and knowledge sharing using and improving existing networks, including first responder networks, community-driven action groups, and social networks to fire risk early warning; and investments for forest landscape restoration (including tree planting, removal of invasive species, fire risk mitigation measures) as well as gender responsive evaluation and adaptive learning. 

The Project consists of three (03) components that will be implemented over a four-year period, namely:

Component 1: Support for an enabling environment for wildfire management

This will be achieved through two-sub-components: 

Sub-component 1.1: Wildfire management-related regulations & coordination and response mechanisms 

This will be achieved through the:

• Development of an action plan for the National Forest Fire Strategy, including a coordination mechanism for integrated wildfire risk management to enhance the cooperation between MoE, MoA and the DRM Unit.  

• Support to the National Forest Fire Emergency Fund with operational guidelines and procedures. 

• Development of forest fire academy, incl. forensics and advancing research on forest fires and their management in Lebanon (e.g., impact of climate change, post-fire-recovery and resilience, prescribed burning and grazing for reducing hazards, other nature-based solutions).

• Development of a monitoring, reporting and verification mechanism on deforestation and forest degradation to access carbon markets. 

• Support to small SMEs of low-cost local production of wood and non-wood products, equipment, tools and protection gear (incl. improvement of quality of products, introducing production standards and developing business plans to improve access to credits from local banks).

Sub-component 1.2: Capacity building, sensitization, and outreach 

This will be achieved through the:

• Identification of benefiting municipalities, group establishment & capacity support for municipal land management groups.

• Support capacity building for forest guards and first responders on environmental and social risks in the forestry sector and fire management; gender inclusion into forestry and forest fire management.

• Awareness creation campaigns ahead of each fire season (e.g., coordination in MoE) and annual stakeholder fora.

• Outreach and capacity support to private landowners, including development of incentive systems to manage privately owned forests.

Component 2: Investments in improved forest and fire management 

This component will provide investments to support forest and wildfire management activities in the context of community-based forest management. This will be achieved through:

Sub-Component 2.1: Equipment

Under sub-component 2.1, the project will support through:

• Providing equipment and tools for first responders and purchasing vehicles. 

• Setting up joint operations centers for fire response at local level (Union of Municipalities). 

• Installing communication systems for surveillance, alert, early detection, and prompt response to wildfires (national and local levels) to support first responder teams and local civil defense centers. 

Sub-Component 2.2: Technical Assistance 

Technical forestry support, including biodiversity assessment to establish a baseline and monitoring forest habitats; silvicultural treatment plans for high-risk areas which will include forests waste management and non-wood product considerations) and wildfire management (e.g., readiness, risk reduction, restoration); SFM/fire management demonstrations to CBFM groups;  regional fire management plans and develop/review of local Forest Management Plans (FMP) in targeted areas, incl. needs assessment; development/ improvement of FMPs.

Sub-Component 2.3: Forest Landscape Restoration 

Design and implement post-fire restoration activities, including assessment, planting, maintenance (slope stabilization; incl. woodlot plantations on public lands; seedlings; hardware). 

Component 3: Gender responsive Project Management, Monitoring and Evaluation; Knowledge Management and Learning 

Component 3 will focus on project management, establishing an inclusive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system, implementing a Knowledge Management and Learning (KM/L) plan and communications. This component will support operating costs associated with day-to-day project management and implementation including procurement, financial management, and environmental and social management functions to be carried out by the Project Management Unit (PMU) established at the Ministry of Environment.

The PMU at the MoE will be responsible for the day-to-day administration of overall planning, coordination, technical, procurement, financial management, monitoring, evaluation, and ensuring compliance with environmental and social obligations and arrangements under the Project, in accordance with the provisions of the Grant Agreement (GA) and the Project Operations Manual (POM). 

This component will also support the implementation of monitoring and evaluation, reporting, ensure timely and efficient implementation of the M&E plan of the Project, conduct mid-term and technical evaluations, and develop and carry out a communication strategy and public dissemination campaign on the Project.

Component 2 is expected to be implemented by UNOPS through an output agreement signed with the Ministry of Environment. 

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.

The expert will also contribute to the preparation, technical review, and updating of project documentation, including tender documents, technical specifications, bills of quantities, and design drawings, to ensure technical consistency and compliance with project requirements and standards. The expert will support tendering and procurement processes, participate in the inspection and acceptance of goods and services for implementation activities, and contribute to periodic progress, technical, and financial reporting.

In addition, the expert will engage closely with key stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and implementing partners, to ensure that sustainable land use interventions in and around forests and woodlands are aligned with broader conservation and development objectives while fostering community ownership and capacity. This will involve conducting community-based training on agroforestry systems, soil conservation techniques, sustainable water management, fire risk management including management of agricultural waste and NWFP development to enhance knowledge and skills at the local level.

By combining technical expertise in agriculture and land use with field-based operational support and stakeholder engagement, the Agriculture and Land Use Expert ensures that the project delivers lasting environmental and socio-economic benefits, enhances sustainable land management, and strengthens the resilience of forest landscapes and the communities that depend on them.

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.

Task 5: Community Engagement and Capacity Building:

• Engage with local communities, cooperatives, and other stakeholders to build awareness and capacity on agroforestry practices, soil and water conservation, sustainable NWFP management, and climate-resilient agriculture.

• Design and deliver training sessions and materials to enhance community knowledge and ownership of sustainable land use practices in and around forests and woodlands.

Task 6: Policy Support and Advocacy:

• Contribute to the development and review of policies and guidelines that harmonize agriculture with forest conservation goals, providing technical insights to strengthen natural resource governance frameworks related to or impacting forests.

Task 7: Monitoring, Reporting, and Adaptive Management:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of monitoring systems to assess the effectiveness of sustainable land use interventions on land productivity, biodiversity, and forest health.

• Analyze data and prepare technical inputs for progress, quarterly, ad hoc, and financial reports to inform adaptive management and project planning.

Task 8: Technical Documentation and Procurement Support:

• Assist in the preparation and technical review of tender documents, including technical specifications, design drawings, and bills of quantities for agroforestry and land management activities.

• Support procurement processes, participate in bid evaluations, and assist in the inspection and acceptance of goods, services, and works to ensure compliance with project standards.

Task 9: Field Implementation Oversight:

• Provide technical oversight during the implementation of agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and NWFP development activities to ensure adherence to technical guidelines, environmental safeguards, and quality standards.

• Identify and address operational challenges in collaboration with implementing partners and local stakeholders.

Task 10: Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing:

• Maintain close coordination with relevant government agencies, local communities, implementing partners, and project staff to ensure coherence and alignment of activities with broader project objectives.

• Contribute to capturing and disseminating lessons learned and best practices in sustainable land use and agroforestry to enhance project impact and support scaling efforts.

The incumbent will be responsible for preparing and finalizing the below deliverables:

The consultant is expected to submit one report or technical output for each assigned task, as follows:

• Task 1: Agroforestry Integration Report
  Provides recommendations and technical designs for integrating agroforestry systems into Forest Management Plans (FMPs), ensuring alignment with biodiversity conservation, community needs, and climate resilience objectives.

• Task 2: Soil Conservation and Restoration Plan
  Details soil conservation and erosion control strategies for high-risk and forest areas impacted by fires and areas adjacent to forests, including slope stabilization techniques, organic amendments, and cover cropping approaches to restore soil fertility.

• Task 3: Water Management Strategy Note
  Outlines sustainable water management practices to be applied within forest landscapes and adjacent agricultural areas, including water harvesting, efficient irrigation methods, and watershed management recommendations.

• Task 4: Non-Wood Forest Products (NWFP) Value Chain Development Strategy
  Provides a roadmap for the sustainable development of NWFP value chains, including priority species, sustainable harvesting guidelines, and market linkage recommendations to support livelihood diversification.

• Task 5: Community Engagement and Training Materials
  Includes records of stakeholder consultations, summaries of community capacity-building sessions, and training materials related to agroforestry, soil and water conservation, and NWFP management.

• Task 6: Policy Support and Advocacy Note
  Summarizes contributions to policy development and advocacy efforts, with recommendations for harmonizing sustainable agriculture practices with forest conservation frameworks.

• Task 7: Monitoring and Evaluation Report
  Presents findings from monitoring the effectiveness of sustainable land use practices, including land use change analysis, soil and forest health indicators, and recommendations for adaptive management.

•  Task 8: Technical Procurement Package
  Includes technical specifications, design drawings, bills of quantities (BoQs), and cost estimates for procurement of goods and services related to agroforestry, soil conservation, and land management activities.

• Task 9: Technical Review & Validation Report
  Provides technical feedback, validation notes, and recommendations on outputs from consulting firms and implementing partners related to agroforestry and sustainable land use activities.

• Task 10: Implementation Support & Inspection Report
  Documents field visits, inspection, and verification of goods, equipment, and on-ground activities to ensure technical compliance with project specifications and quality standards.

• 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)
• Practical experience in the development and promotion of non-wood forest products (NWFPs) to diversify livelihoods while reducing pressure on timber resources and supporting local economies. (Required)
• Strong familiarity with low-impact agricultural practices and their integration into Forest Management Plans (FMPs), ensuring productive land use without compromising forest health and biodiversity. (desired)
• Experience in community engagement and capacity building, including the delivery of training on agroforestry, soil conservation, water management, and sustainable livelihood practices.(desired)
• Demonstrated experience in policy support and advocacy, contributing to the development or review of frameworks that harmonize agriculture with forest conservation goals.(desired)
• Experience in monitoring and evaluation of sustainable land use practices, including the assessment of land use change, soil health, and forest ecosystem indicators to inform adaptive management.(desired)
• Prior work with international development agencies, government bodies, or environmental NGOs in supporting sustainable land management or conservation projects, particularly those involving stakeholder consultation and community participation.(desired)
• Familiarity with technical documentation and procurement, including the preparation of technical specifications, bills of quantities (BoQs), design drawings, and participation in the inspection and acceptance of goods or equipment.(desired)
• Experience contributing to project reporting, including progress reports, technical summaries, and updates to project implementation schedules aligned with donor or institutional requirements. (desired)

Strong command of English and Arabic. French is a plus.

• Please note that UNOPS does not accept unsolicited resumes.

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• UNOPS embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity. Our workforce consists of many diverse nationalities, cultures,  languages, races, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities. UNOPS seeks to sustain and strengthen this diversity to ensure equal opportunities as well as an inclusive working environment for its entire workforce. 

• UNOPS evaluates all applications based on the skills, qualifications and experience requirements outlined in the vacancy announcement. We are committed to considering all candidates in a fair and transparent manner, and we value diverse perspectives and experiences, including those of women, indigenous and racialized communities, individuals with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations, and people with disabilities.



• We would like to ensure all candidates perform at their best during the assessment process.  If you are shortlisted and require additional assistance to complete any assessment, including reasonable accommodation, please inform our human resources team when you receive an invitation.

Terms and Conditions 

• For staff positions only, UNOPS reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post. 

• For retainer contracts, you must complete a few mandatory courses ( they take around 4 hours to complete)  in your own time, before providing services to UNOPS. Refreshers or new mandatory courses may be required during your contract. Please note that you will not receive any compensation for taking courses and refreshers. For more information on a retainer contract here.

• All UNOPS personnel are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the UN Charter and UNOPS Policies and Instructions, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks. In addition, all personnel must demonstrate an understanding of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in a manner consistent with UN core values and the UN Common Agenda.

• It is the policy of UNOPS to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in UNOPS is contingent on the results of such checks.